The Seeker actively pursues authenticity and purpose. Once they have identified their calling, they act on it—even if it necessitates a total reinvention of their lives. For the Seeker, there may be no endpoint or ultimate objective to their quest. They may have goals greater than their lifespans, and their satisfaction comes from making progress rather than “checking the box.”
Like all archetypes, the Seeker’s quest for purpose isn’t a phase but a permanent mindset. However, a Seeker’s thirst for self-knowledge may intensify in the wake of a significant life transition, such as retirement or the liquidation of a business that motivates them to redefine themselves and make the most of their newfound freedom. Their main stress point is directly related to defining the specific practices and experiences that best support their progress.
Here's how Seekers would define their life's purpose, stories, and legacy:
"Purpose" – The Seeker is actively trying to work out their life’s calling. Once determined, this purpose can bring them profound joy, awakening new passion, imbuing their time with meaning, and inspiring their best work.
"Stories" – The Seeker can’t always put into words what they want to achieve, but they can articulate the importance of finding it. They can envision how that discovery will make them feel, and it brings them happiness as they recall and share moments of self-discovery with others.
"Legacy" – Seekers want to be remembered for their values and how they made others feel. Usually, the Seeker views their legacy as a work in progress. Complementary R360 Archetype: Because Seekers are so focused on their quests, they often need an Adventurer’s perspective to recognize and seize the joy available to them in the present moment.
Strengths
As the most explorative archetype, Seekers are open to new ideas, embracing change and challenge.
At their best, a Seeker’s inquisitiveness translates as humility. They appreciate that everyone they meet might teach them something of value. That open-mindedness helps Seekers recognize, respect, and promote multicultural, diverse talent.
Seekers can be agile, visionary thinkers. You’ll never hear a Seeker say, “But we’ve always done it this way!”
Challenges
Seekers can be distracted by “bright and shiny objects”—especially when they’re fired up about a transformational new technology, theory, or motivational guru.
Because they’re energized by change and discovery, Seekers sometimes undervalue tradition and received wisdom.
While they love big-picture thinking, Seekers struggle with logistics and operational details.
Strengths
Seekers can be excellent listeners who ask probing, thoughtful questions. They have a unique ability to make others feel seen and valued.
Because they value authenticity, Seekers can form romantic partnerships that facilitate personal expression and fulfillment for each partner.
Seekers often delight in learning with and from their children. For the Seeker, parenthood opens a different perspective on life and another avenue for exploring their purpose.
Challenges
Because they are on a voyage of self-discovery, Seekers make unreliable anchors for those seeking reassurance, grounding, and certainty.
As parents, Seekers are sometimes unable to provide the stability of traditions and consistent routine.
Because they are defining their purpose, Seekers can fall prey to hucksters and charlatans who promise easy answers while advancing their own interests.
Strengths
Undeterred by embarrassment or personal discomfort, Seekers are willing (and sometimes eager) to fumble through the awkward phases of early learning for the sake of progress.
They can be generous with their time, investing it in people and causes that may not offer material rewards.
Seekers are willing to work toward lofty and even impossible goals that extend beyond their lifetime, seeking progress rather than completion.
Challenges
Seekers must be mentally prepared to hit a few dead-ends in their quest for meaning. To avoid discouragement or burnout, they will want to take Albert Camus’ words to heart: “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
Should their ego become entangled with their quest, Seekers can crave validation as “enlightened” or even “God-like.” At their worst, they become dogmatic, dismissive of those who don’t share their convictions, and even borderline insane.
Ironically, even though they may chafe at the restrictions of tradition and routine, Seekers need the grounding of stable relationships, family, and home. They must therefore make a conscious effort to cultivate these resources.
Seekers can make spectacular contributions in the social impact space if they have a compassionate calling. Their focus on progress rather than completion enables them to tackle society’s most intractable problems.
This archetype is ideally poised to benefit from R360’s programming to increase wealth across the Six Forms of Capital.
Ironically, even though they may chafe at the restrictions of tradition and routine, Seekers need the grounding of stable relationships, family, and home. They must therefore make a conscious effort to cultivate these resources.
