It is easy to confuse intensity of your purpose with its strength.

If sheer intensity is a measure of one’s purpose, then fanatics would be the most effective kind of people!

Fanaticism differs from purpose because of its blind obsession with results and goals. Ends always justify the means.

However, a purpose is generally positive in orientation, while fanaticism goes to the radical fringes - and can cross over into frankly dangerous and harmful territory.

A strong purpose gains power and strength from its accomplishments. It gathers energy organically. It does not require unquestioning belief in a ’cause’. It rarely encourages the destruction or injury of others in its course.

Both purpose and fanaticism attract people to join and participate. But only purpose does it while energizing and empowering those who are pulled into its ken.

Purpose nurtures, builds up and boosts. Fanaticism possesses, consumes, and ultimately destroys.

Find your purpose. But guard against becoming a fanatic.