Monday on Purpose: "What's this d*mn thing about?" - Presented By Creative on Purpose

28 Feb 2022 · 2 min

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In this solo episode of Monday on Purpose, host Scott Perry, Chief Difference Maker at Creative on Purpose, explains the concept of a personal "theme" for one's life story. He cites Stephen Pressfield’s definition of theme as the answer to the question "What's this damn thing about?" and distinguishes theme from genre, emphasizing that theme provides meaning and cohesion to a story. Perry lists common life‑story themes such as coming‑of‑age, redemption, rebellion, escape, empowerment, identity, and overcoming injustice, and invites listeners to identify their own theme to better understand and direct their life and work. The episode concludes with a brief call to visit the Creative on Purpose website, subscribe on iTunes, and share the episode.

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Welcome to Monday on Purpose. I'm your host, Scott Perry, Chief Difference Maker at Creative on Purpose. Every Monday I share a bit of insight and inspiration to help you heed the call of vocation to find the difference only you can make and live your legacy. Today's episode is What's This Damn Thing About? Defining the theme of your life's journey. Here we go. It's the most important question any worthwhile story must answer. Stephen Pressfield defines theme as the answer to this question: "What's this damn thing about?" What is theme? It's the single idea that holds a story together and provides it with meaning. Don't confuse your story's theme with the genre of your life story. Theme tells us what your story is about. Genre is what category it falls under. Every story worth hearing telling, and living coheres around a theme. What's the theme of your life story, also known as your story of becoming? Is it coming of age, redemption, rebellion, escape, empowerment, identity, overcoming injustice? How might defining your life and work's theme help you better understand and execute what your life story is for. Thanks for tuning in to Monday on Purpose. If you like what you heard, check out the blog and other broadcast episodes at creativeonpurpose.com. If you're listening on iTunes, consider leaving a 5-star review, subscribing, and sharing this episode with a friend. Thanks for the difference you make. Let's keep making things better together.