Coming back from a weekend spent with colleagues and friends I wondered if it was worth it.

The people were nice, the activities we had were enjoyable, and some learning was interesting, but it felt as if something was missing. I had decided to join that group based on the idea I had of it. I had believed and hoped for a space that allows fruitful conversations and creates a space to make sense of things or share individual learning.

Reflecting on my experience, I noticed that it resembled more one of being entertained. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with being entertained, it is why one might go to the cinema, have a golf weekend with friends, go to a concert, or sit in front of the television. Such entertainment will fulfill different purposes like enriching our experience, living some adventure, or getting some rest.

Entertainment, to me, is a passive experience. One where I’m on the receiving end where I agree to let others choose how to entertain me. That is, once I’ve decided on a specific entertainment.

Something entirely different, to me, is when what I look for is an opportunity to engage with others and share whatever is useful to that engagement. That’s when I’ve given that activity a purpose that I’m contributing to and decided to be accountable for.

And yes, being entertained may be a purpose one can choose. What choosing a purpose does, is transform the experience, anchor it within our priorities, and allow finding satisfaction through the benefits one made oneself accountable for.