Finding one’s purpose in this world is the first thing we search for the moment we start thinking clearly as human beings.
It is normal for someone searching to know the reason for their existence.
However, it may become quite challenging to find one when you are surrounded by millions of options.
If you’re searching for the meaning of your existence but find it challenging to commit to a single vision, this post is for you. We’ll discuss all the steps you need to take to choose that one purpose deserving of your full attention, helping you stay focused without wasting time, energy, or attention on distractions
If you are ready, then let’s dive right in! Grab that coffee, or whatever you enjoy drinking while taking in important information that may change your life, and let’s go!
What Is Purpose and Why Is It Important?
Purpose is the reason we exist, guiding us to make the right decisions in life. It also gives us a sense of worth and importance by enabling us to serve others meaningfully.
Discovering your purpose helps you understand what truly matters to you—your values, passions, and goals. Embracing your purpose brings lasting happiness and fulfillment into your life.
How can you find your life purpose?
To find your life purpose, you need to have answers to the following questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- Who are you doing it for?
- What do these people want or need?
- How have they changed as a result?
As you have noticed, only two of the questions are about you; the other three are about others. And that’s because purpose lies in serving something that you find to be greater and more valuable than your existence.
Something you are willing to sacrifice yourself for.
But what if you cannot find anything that is greater and more valuable than your existence?
If you’ve searched and still haven’t found something worth dedicating your life to, you may feel a sense of emptiness and lack of meaning. But remember, it’s never too late to discover your purpose.
As human beings, we find purpose through serving others. Without something or someone beyond ourselves to care for, we can feel lost, adrift in a life with no clear direction or reason to live.
In today’s world, we’re often told to put ourselves first, to live solely for our own benefit, and to prioritize self-gratification above all else. But how long does that joy truly last?
How long before you feel isolated, unmotivated, and disconnected from anything that drives you forward in life?
Without anyone to serve, you may find yourself slowing down. There will be no one to hold you accountable, and your achievements may feel hollow when they serve only you.
You might think that being the main character in your life is enough, that your own satisfaction is all that matters. But consider this: imagine Lionel Messi scoring 100 goals on an empty pitch, with no fans to cheer him on, no team to celebrate with him. Would those goals still hold meaning?
Would he believe he’s the best player in the world if there’s no one there to witness it?
No, those 100 goals would feel like nothing. He would go home feeling empty, as if all his efforts were wasted.
Why a Purpose That Serves Others Matters
Finding meaning in life often involves serving a purpose larger than yourself. It’s about dedicating your efforts to something beyond your control, so when you achieve success, it feels truly rewarding.
This purpose must be significant enough that you’re willing to dedicate your life to it. While this might sound dramatic, consider this:
We all face mortality. Living only to serve yourself can feel empty because our time is limited. Deep down, we know that focusing solely on our own gain can’t provide lasting motivation.
The fear of being forgotten drives us to seek significance through our impact on others. True success often means being remembered and missed by many.
Having a purpose beyond yourself fuels motivation, encourages you to embrace new challenges, and drives you to work hard. It’s not just about money; it’s about making a difference.
When someone is willing to sacrifice for a cause, it shows they’ve found their purpose. Socrates, for instance, chose to stay in prison and die for his principles of truth and justice. His sacrifice was his way of serving a greater good.
I’m not suggesting you should endure suffering, but finding a purpose beyond yourself can empower you to make difficult decisions and find peace in them.
With a greater mission, you’ll feel motivated, courageous, and truly valuable. You’ll live with clarity and happiness, knowing your existence has a meaningful impact on the world.
How to find your purpose
Finding Your Purpose: Key Questions to Guide You
1) Who Are You?
Let’s start with a simple question: Who are you? Think about your name, cultural background, personal values, and unique skills.
You don’t need to have all the answers immediately. Even just a few initial insights can point you in the right direction. Stay curious and open to learning more about yourself.
Try keeping a journal where you explore your thoughts and experiences. Talking with friends or mentors can also offer different perspectives on your identity.
2. What Do You Do?
Now, let’s discuss what you’re good at and what brings you joy. What activities or tasks do you excel at and feel proud of?
These don’t have to be complex. It could be something as simple as cooking, teaching, or helping others. Reflect on times when you felt particularly accomplished. These moments often highlight your strengths and passions.
Consider how these activities might serve others or contribute to a larger goal.
3. Who Benefits from What You Do?
Next, think about who benefits from your efforts. Who enjoys or gains from what you do?
It could be family members, friends, colleagues, or a broader community. Identifying who benefits helps you understand the impact of your contributions.
Reflect on their responses and feedback to get a clearer picture of how your efforts are valued.
4. What Do They Need?
What are the needs and desires of those who benefit from your actions? What challenges are they facing?
Think about how you can make their lives easier or help them achieve their goals. Engage with them to understand their needs more deeply.
Ask questions, observe their struggles, or research common issues they face. Tailor your efforts to address these needs and enhance the value you provide.
5. How Do They Change as a Result?
Finally, consider how your actions impact their lives. What positive changes or improvements do you see as a result of your efforts?
Understanding the outcomes of your work helps you appreciate your value and the importance of your contributions.
Gather specific examples or stories that illustrate the difference you’ve made. This will provide motivation and reinforce the significance of your purpose.
Additional Tips for Finding Your Purpose:
Set Aside Time for Reflection: Regularly dedicate time to explore these questions. Create a routine for self-reflection and goal-setting to track your progress and adjust your path as needed.
Seek Feedback: Share your thoughts with trusted friends, family, or mentors. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you refine your understanding of your purpose.
Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to try new activities or roles that align with your interests. Sometimes discovering your purpose involves experimenting and seeing what resonates with you.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small achievements along your journey. Each step forward is a meaningful part of discovering and fulfilling your purpose.
I hope these questions and tips help you uncover your purpose and recognize your value. Remember, even seemingly small actions can have a significant impact on others’ lives.
Take proactive steps today to explore these questions and embrace the journey of self-discovery with enthusiasm.
From my heart to yours, may you always feel valued and impactful in everything you do.