Does Purpose define success?The second, in a limited series of blogposts where I explore quotes I underlined the first time I read Getting Things Done (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getting_Things_Done) by David Allen (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Allen_(author)). Today's quote comes from page 64..."Purpose defines success." At first glance...this seems like an absolute...a truth. This is important to keep in mind as we have to remember that Mr. Allen is in the business of trying to sell his brand via, in this case, his book. If we accept this, it is easier to understand why he's saying it...people that plan are more likely to accomplish that which they have planned out to do, and "I" (David Allen) have a way for "you" (the reader) to "get things done." That's basic probability. I am not so sure that "we" should accept this wholeheartedly.I am sure there are people who have succeeded in life whose purpose was not as intentional and "mind like water-ish," as Mr. Allen. I am more of the opinion that purpose both enables and constrains success liberating a person as much as it can inhibit. Just this morning...while I was planning out a chapter for a book I am attempting to write...it was the purpose of the chapter, that I developed after finishing the proceeding chapter that simultaneously liberated me to begin the plan yet limited me to thinking about just a few of the ideas that came to my mind during that session. I am sure you are saying, that would have probably happened regardless. That is the point exactly. If by success "we" mean me completing the chapter, purpose will both enable and constrain "this." And...the more I think and write about it...the more I think that this is the intent of purpose...to both make transparent all that is possible while keeping you from spiraling out of control; a duality that cannot be avoided.