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Happiness
How to Find Your Purpose of Life
Do you ever find yourself thinking about the very common cosmic question; “What is the meaning of life?” “Do I have a purpose in life?” If you’re reading this article, then congratulations! You’ve begun your journey to find your purpose in life. But, hold on to your metaphysical seatbelts because you’re now embarking on a journey to find the missing piece of your life!
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that finding the answer to the question, “What’s my purpose in life?” can be truly disorienting. Not feeling motivated enough isn’t the problem. I feel motivated when I see my idols doing what they love. I feel like I can connect with them and their passions too. With time though, I realized that I needed to take a step back and reassess my life.
Motivational books found a home on my bookshelves, motivational speeches were downloaded and listened to every day, and inspirational podcasts became my go-to playlists. With time, I figured out some answers, or at least the beginning of them which I want to share with you.
So, ready to find your purpose in life? Ready to hear the secrets of the Universe for a better and fuller life? Keep reading to uncover the ways to find your purpose in life.
How to Find Your Purpose in Life:
1. Self-Reflect
It can be hard to find what you truly enjoy in life, so take some time to reflect on your life experiences and interests as well as passions. Consider what activities make you feel alive, fulfilled, and excited. You can try some self-reflection journaling or self-reflection meditation to start your journey.
You can ask yourself;
- What activities or hobbies make me lose track of time and bring me the most joy?
- When have I felt most proud or accomplished in my life, and what was I doing at that time?
- What are the values that matter most to me, and how do I currently align my life with them?
2. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Another way to find your purpose in life is to say bye-bye to negative people and embrace positive people. Choose to surround yourself with positive and inspirational people, people who truly support your passions and inspire you to be a better person. You can also choose to read positive books, watch documentaries, and listen to others who have found their purpose in life to feel motivated.
You can ask yourself;
- Who are the people I admire or look up to, and what qualities or actions in them resonate with me?
- What inspires and motivates me to take action and pursue my goals?
- Am I fostering positive relationships with the people who matter most to me?
3. Explore Your Interests
Is there any activity that just makes you feel at peace? Like you did something for your soul? Try out new activities, hobbies, and experiences that pique your curiosity. The more you explore your passions and interests, the better chance you have to find something that resonates with your soul aka something that screams “purpose” to you.
You can ask yourself;
- What activities or hobbies make me lose track of time and bring me the most joy?
- If I had unlimited resources and didn’t have to worry about money, how would I spend my time?
- What activities or experiences bring a sense of fulfillment and contentment, even if they don’t bring external recognition or rewards?
4. Volunteer And Give Back
Volunteering, charity, and giving back to your community can also help you find your purpose in life. It can help you connect with causes and communities that resonate with you. When you contribute to the well-being of others – people, animals, causes, experiences – it can bring a sense of purpose, alighting the embers of meaning in your life.
You can ask yourself;
- How do I want to contribute to my community or the world, and what steps can I take to make that contribution?
- What activities or experiences make me feel a deep sense of connection with others?
- When I imagine myself in the future, what do I see as my life’s greatest achievements or contributions?
5. Connect With Mentors
While you’re exploring your interests, it’s also important to connect with others, especially your mentors or people who you’ve always looked up to. Ask them about their experiences and how they found what they love or are passionate about. Guidance from mentors can offer wisdom and perspective and can even help you discover your purpose in life.
You can ask yourself;
- How did you discover your sense of purpose in life, and what was that journey like for you?
- What advice do you have for me if I find myself struggling to align my goals with my purpose?
- Can you share your experiences, challenges, and obstacles that you faced when finding your purpose?
6. Figure Out Your Strengths
It’s time to ask yourself the toughest question; “What are my strengths?” Work on knowing yourself and recognizing your natural strengths, talents, and skills. Your purpose in life will often align with what you excel at and what comes as effortlessly as breathing to you. So pay attention to yourself.
You can ask yourself;
- What are my natural talents and strengths, and how can I use them to make a positive impact?
- What have been the most significant challenges or obstacles I’ve faced, and what did I learn from them?
- What dreams or aspirations did I have as a child, and do any of them still hold meaning for me today?
7. Trust Your Intuition
Sometimes, the best supporter in our lives can be our intuition. Trust your gut feelings and instincts. You don’t realize this now, but your intuition can guide you toward your purpose when logic and rationality can’t. So when your gut instinct guides you toward something, follow it. Who knows what wonders might await you then!
You can ask yourself;
- When do I feel the most “in the zone” or experience a sense of “flow” in my life?
- What inspires and motivates me to take action and pursue my goals?
8. Adapt When The Time Comes
Your purpose in life has a funny way of changing as you grow and evolve as a person. So, try to be open to reevaluating your purpose if it fails to align with your values and passions. There’s nothing wrong with changing or adapting to your new goals and passions. Just remember to be patient and not to rush into things without considering them.
You can ask yourself;
- Am I living in alignment with my authentic self, or am I trying to meet others’ expectations and standards?
- What does success mean to me, and how do I measure it in my life?
- Is what I am doing bringing me a sense of inner peace and contentment?
Why Is It Important To Find Purpose In Life?
Finding purpose in life is important as it gives meaning and direction to our lives, aiding our actions with a sense of fulfillment. The concept of finding purpose in life comes from “Ikigai” from Japanese culture.
This term beautifully captures the interconnectedness of four important elements;
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
When you align your passions, talents, and skills with what the world needs and what you can earn from, you experience a sense of fulfillment. Having a sense of purpose can also help boost your health – mental and physical. When you’re engaged in meaningful activities that align with your Ikigai, stress levels are reduced.
Finding your sense of purpose can lead you to connect with like-minded people and strengthen your social bonds.
When you have a clear sense of purpose, you’re better able to handle life’s ups and downs. Your purpose in life becomes a guiding light, helping you face challenges with resilience.
“Passion+ Action= Purpose”
Finding your actual purpose may take time, weeks, or months. It is a lifelong journey that requires one step at a time, so be patient. And know that you can have more than one purpose too!
The road to finding purpose is full of forks, curves, and turns! But keep going. The journey might be tedious, but rewards are waiting for you at the end.
Hope this article inspires you to find your purpose in life. Let me know what you think about these tips to find your purpose in life and if they helped you in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow Calm Sage for more motivational content!
Keep smiling!
Next Read:
Penning Your Thoughts: Writing For Therapeutic Purposes
Know Thyself: 10 Ways to Find Out What You’re Good At
Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s That You Should Never Forget!