How Purpose Impacts the Formula for Calculating Your Maximum Potential
A while back I wrote a theory for a formula to calculate your ability to maximize your potential. The theory is simple. It comes down to having a purpose, having passion for that purpose, and having perseverance to stick with that purpose.
Your Passion for a Purpose * Your Perseverance in Sticking with the Purpose = Maximum Potential
Using this formula requires that you make some self-aware estimates. First, you must estimate on a scale of 0% to 100% how much passion you have for a purpose. Then you must estimate on a scale of 0% to 100% the perseverance you have shown in sticking with this purpose.
Therefore, if the passion you have for a purpose is 75% and your perseverance in sticking with this purpose is 25%, then your maximum potential is .75 * .25= .18 or 18% for example.
In this example these percentages assume you spend 75% of your time working on pursuing your purpose. It also assumes there is only a 25% chance that you will stay consistent working at this level towards this purpose over a lifetime without switching your purpose to something else or devoting less time to it.
Furthermore, both numbers are measurements of how you are choosing / will choose to use your time. These percentages have nothing to do with benchmarking against others. Your potential has no relation to other people’s potential. This theory strictly depends on you making estimates and assumptions about yourself which makes the accuracy only as good as your self-awareness.
However, there are no estimates or assumptions for purpose. You have either committed to a purpose or you haven’t. If you haven’t committed to a purpose, then according to this theory your maximum potential is 0%.
While this may appear like a harsh conclusion, the fact is that without a purpose you don’t have a focus to direct your time and talent. This is not to say you can’t live a good life without committing to a purpose. As you can for sure.
Maximizing your potential and living a good life is not one in the same. So, having 0% potential may not be a big deal for many people. Nevertheless, without making a commitment to a purpose it’s a fact that you will live a life without ever knowing what your true potential could be.