As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
– Carl Jung
You wake up at 7:30 a.m. to the blaring sound of your alarm. Your mind urges you to get up, but your body begs for one more hour of sleep. Eventually, you muster the energy to get out of bed, get dressed, grab a quick breakfast, and head out for your 9-to-5. After a long day, you return home feeling drained and hungry, already thinking about tomorrow, quietly wondering if life has more to offer.
The daily routine above is typical of most average Americans. The problem isn’t the 9-5 itself, but rather the discontent Americans lying to themself that they’re happy living this way.
We can all relate to the feeling of purposelessness, especially as we age. As it turns out, this feeling of lack of purpose isn’t uncommon. A study conducted by Harvard University found that 58% ofd young adults reported feeling a lack of purpose.
In this article, we uncover the seven best strategies to find your purpose:
Are you wondering why having a purpose is so important? Read here.
1. Find what made you happy as a kid
Whether it’s sports, friends, or reading, there are many things we find happiness in as a kid. We may even discover these things because they still make us happy today. Wanting more than happiness isn’t bad, considering nobody desires and deserves an unhappy life. Focusing on what made us happy back then—when there was less stress, distraction, and pressure to fit in—we can reconnect with a more authentic sense of joy.
All these things serve as pivotal instruments in helping us discover our purpose. Knowing what made us back then helps us align our purpose with what will make us happy in the future. However, it’s important to note that those things that deliver happiness won’t always perfectly translate to our career path. For instance, if basketball brings us joy, that doesn’t have to mean our purpose is to become an all-time great NBA player.
2. Determine what you want to be remembered for
When interviewed, people of older age commonly regret wishing they were a better friend, sibling, and person in general. While we are not in control of how others perceive us, we are in control of how we impact them. Life on Earth is temporary, and it is better to start making a positive difference in the lives of others than to wait until it is too late. The way you impact others is how they will remember you.
Determining how you want others to remember you gets you thinking about what you wish to accomplish in the future. If you aspire to put a positive mark on other’s lives, your purpose will tell you how to do so. It all starts with you and the difference you want to make.
3. Recognize issues that matters most to you
There are many issues in societies, each waiting for a solution. From global challenges like world hunger, pollution, and climate change to more personal struggles like mental health or financial insecurity, these problems vary in scale and impact. Whatever it is, these issues we’re passionate about can spark a sense of purpose.
Reflecting on these issues gets us thinking about the impact we aspire to leave on the world, which correlates to our purpose. We can’t overcome these issues alone, but the effort we put in matters more. By addressing these issues, we can contribute to society’s greater good while fulfilling the purpose of our hearts.
4. Define the people who matters most to you
Now that you’ve identified what matters, it’s time to establish who matters to you. Perhaps it’s friends, family, or community that you care about. Or even it may be yourself that you care about. Whoever these people are, ask yourself why they matter to you and how you want to impact them.
Identifying these people clarifies the “who” behind your purpose. It brings you to the realization that fulfilling your purpose is more than yourself. It also reassures us with an understanding of our actions and why we are on this lifetime journey of fulfilling our purpose.
5. Ask yourself what goals you’ve always wanted to accomplish
Every year, we all hear the same old thing. Friends, family members, and coworkers get together and corroborate their New Year’s resolutions and how much success they’ll achieve. However, how many percent of these people stick to their goals?
According to a survey conducted by the University of Scranton, only 8% of people actually end up accomplishing their goals, while the other 92% will eventually give up.
There are two different types of goals: short-term and long-term. Short-term goals are typically achievable within a year, whereas long-term goals are more lengthy, broader, and more work-intensive. Nonetheless, all goals reveal what you value, and you can use this to find your purpose.
The goals you’ve always aspired to achieve, whether reaching financial independence or buying a home, are significant for a reason. The fact that you continue to hold onto these goals rather than letting them go indicates that they reflect your deepest desires and aspirations for life. By regularly reviewing your goals, you start aligning the stars of your purpose, as they offer direction and clarity on the path you want to take.
6. Identify what you’re willing to sacrifice
Each lived deeply rooted in their beliefs, waking up and giving their all to fulfill their purpose. Through trials, tribulations, and personal experiences, they uncovered their calling, which guided them toward greatness. Their legacies remind us that a life dedicated to a meaningful purpose can inspire change and impact future generations.
A purpose is special in that it does not just revolve around our lives but typically extends and impacts the lives of others. For example, someone’s purpose may be to inspire younger generations to improve their health and productivity. Recognizing what you are willing to sacrifice can help you find your purpose, as it highlights the value of life and the potential impact you can have on others. If you are still uncertain, a great starting point is to ask yourself who and what you genuinely care about.
7. Continue doing and experimenting
The beauty of life is that nothing changes if we do not want it to. Life is also a long journey of self-discovery of what we like and do not like. That being said, it’s rare your purpose will naturally arrive in the next day, week, or month. As a result, it may be more beneficial for you to find your purpose through action rather than reflection.
These experiences bring in new ideas and thoughts that provide insight into our purpose. Then, we can use this to think long-term about the endless possibilities of what we can do and the direction we want to pursue.
Conclusion
To conclude, your purpose in life is not just a goal or achievement; it’s a life-long mission you’re willing to embark on that greatly benefits yourself and others. Everything in life, including your purpose, takes time, and rarely will you have the answer the next day. The best time to start is now, and the best way to do so is by reflecting on the seven steps in this article.
From finding the things that made you happy as a carefree kid to continuing to experiment in different areas, your calling will naturally come. These seven steps may not give you an immediate answer, but they’re great starting places to help you find your purpose in life.
Which of these seven steps stood out to you the most?
