Feeling unfulfilled, bored, or like something is “just missing” from your daily life? You’re not alone. Many people grapple with these feelings and find themselves pondering the big question: “What is my purpose?” In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught in monotonous routines, seeking comfort and control but sacrificing fulfillment. Let’s explore how to identify and uncover your true purpose, igniting passion and excitement for your future.
Demystifying the “Purpose” Quest
“Finding your purpose” is a phrase tossed around in life coaching, career brainstorms, and therapy sessions. But what does it really mean? Your life purpose is an overarching vision, a central goal or set of goals that are deeply meaningful to you. It guides your decisions, provides direction, creates a sense of meaning, influences behaviors, and determines how you prioritize your time. In essence, your purpose is your “why”—the reason you get out of bed each morning.
Understanding the Journey
Finding your purpose is a journey with its own ups and downs. Sometimes, you’ll feel on top of the world, making a difference where it matters most. Other times, you might feel lost and need to regain your sense of purpose. These emotions are normal, so be kind to yourself if you feel lacking right now. You can always get back on track.
Do You Lack Purpose in Life?
One tell-tale sign of lacking purpose is experiencing “purpose anxiety”—a nervousness about finding your purpose. It’s easy to put pressure on yourself to find the perfect purpose, but remember, you may have more than one purpose throughout different chapters of your life. Feeling frustrated that your life purpose isn’t obvious? Don’t worry. You have an entire lifetime to discover your passions.
Step-by-Step: How to Answer “What Is My Purpose?”
Feeling discouraged about finding your purpose? Here are some practical steps to help you get closer to your true calling.
Identify Your Life Values
You can’t answer “What is my purpose in life?” without understanding, “What do I value?” Your core values guide how you live and what you prioritize. Reflect on questions like:
- What has been the most meaningful moment in your life? Why?
- When have you felt least satisfied?
- What accomplishments do you take the most pride in?
- What’s your ideal environment?
- What makes you angry?
Self-reflection on these moments and emotions will reveal patterns in what you care about.
Set Meaningful Goals
Once you identify your core values, set goals that align with them. If you value generosity, aim to volunteer time, money, or resources to a cause. If sustainability is important to you, start composting at home. Achieving these small goals can build momentum toward larger ones, like starting a community garden.
Address Your Fears
If some goals feel unattainable, what’s holding you back? Fear of failure, rejection, or inadequacy? Make a list of these fears and critically evaluate them. Are they logical? Can you work around them? If you’re struggling, seek input from a trusted friend to help break down these barriers.
Explore Your Passions
Your passions can hint at where your life purpose lies, but they might be hard to identify because they feel so ingrained. Ask those who know you best for insight. You might already be pursuing your passions without realizing it. If you’re a natural mentor, consider a career in coaching. If you’re great at solving relationship issues, personal coaching might be your calling.
Start Small to Build Momentum
Determining your life’s purpose can be daunting. Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re considering a career change, start by researching the industry, day-to-day responsibilities, likes and dislikes of the role, and required skills. Begin with manageable steps that guide you toward your mission.
Build Your Community
Purpose often involves connecting with others who share your interests. Being an active community member can enhance your sense of purpose. Joining or creating a community allows you to connect with others and work toward a common goal, providing accountability and support.
Practice Gratitude and Self-Acceptance
Practicing self-acceptance helps you be kinder to yourself when things go wrong. Instead of beating yourself up for failures, see each setback as an opportunity to grow. Self-compassion fosters self-awareness, enabling you to give your best in every situation—whether at work, with family, or while pursuing your passions.
Never Stop Experimenting
Personal goals and values can change over time, and that’s okay. Stay curious and open to new experiences. This continued curiosity is especially important when finding your purpose after major life changes, like finishing college or changing careers. You never know what unexpected passions you might discover.
Finding your life’s purpose is a dynamic, ongoing journey. By understanding your values, setting meaningful goals, addressing fears, exploring passions, and connecting with a community, you can find and nurture your North Star. Stay curious, be kind to yourself, and take in the adventure of discovering your true purpose.
