Purpose in Life

Finding a purpose in life can feel like an elusive quest, especially in a world that constantly pulls us in different directions. Yet, uncovering what truly drives and fulfills us is a cornerstone of living a meaningful life. Whether it’s through pursuing passions, contributing to a greater cause, or aligning with personal values, the journey to discovering your purpose is deeply personal and transformative. While the path may seem unclear at first, there are thoughtful steps anyone can take to begin uncovering their unique reason for being.

For the past few months, I have questioned my purpose in life. I started to fear there was no purpose to me continuing to do the same things every day. I didn’t realise that I had placed myself in a bubble of waking up, eating breakfast, cleaning, eating dinner, and going to bed only to restart the routine. With the help of friends, I can ask myself what is my “real” purpose? My journey started with asking myself what activities make me lose track of time? What type of things excites me and spark joy and happiness. I am discovering that these passions may hold clues to what you are meant to do.

The hardest part is identifying our strengths for ourselves. Often during job interviews, they will ask what are your strengths and weaknesses? Over the years, we all have canned responses to say what we think the interviewer wants to hear. Today, I am giving this a lot of thought and made a list of the things I am naturally good at. Recognising our talents and skills can guide us toward a purpose where we can thrive. This led me to understanding my values in life. Reflecting on the principles that are most important to me. Aligning our purpose with our core values ensures authenticity and satisfaction.

When I was a young boy, my mother taught me and my siblings to always help others that needed help. She taught us to speak up for others that may not have a voice or feel confident to do so within our social environment. More than fifty years I have been serving or uplifting others while developing my skills and values. Every job or consulting contract throughout my career has been in helping others through marketing, community engagement activities, health promotion, and media campaigns to educate priority audiences that include their feedback and recommendations. Our values are the foundation of our purpose. It helps me to better understand by creating a list of what matters most, such as family, friends, freedom, creativity, or making a difference. My next step is to consider how my daily life aligns with those values. When actions and purpose are rooted in our values, they bring a deep sense of fulfillment and integrity.

Helping to find my purpose and understanding means trying new things. So, I am pushing myself outside of my comfort zone to explore different opportunities to see what resonates. Challenging myself to discuss my concerns with friends and people that I trust has provided valuable perspective and encouragement. Being patient and persistent is essential in discovering our purpose. Life is teaching me to allow myself to grow, learn, and refine my sense of direction. Finding or revitalising one’s purpose is not static; it can evolve over time. To be successful, we must stay open to change and reassess as we encounter new experiences and insights.

Thinking back to times when you felt happiest or most satisfied is key to rediscovering your purpose. These moments can offer powerful insights into what drives us. I returned to journaling about my interests and so many great events that happen every day. I have learned to be grateful for everything and everyone in my life. This has been an opportunity to delete or remove negative people and situations that can weigh you down. This week I asked myself “What activities make me feel alive?” or “What do I love doing so much that I would do it for free?” These two activities revealed the answers needed to move forward and be happier.

My next step is putting together several lists of items that will help me to take a closer look at my purpose in life. These are the lists that I am presently creating:

· Identifying my strengths

· Passions and interests

· Principles and values

· Ways of giving back or taking a closer look at how I give to others

· Exploring different opportunities or new experiences in life

· Recognising people & colleagues that I trust Discovering one’s purpose is not an overnight revelation. We must allow ourselves the time to grow, learn, and refine our sense of direction.

Ascertaining your purpose is not about finding a single, definitive answer, it’s about embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s okay to feel lost or uncertain; what matters most is the willingness to explore, learn, and adapt. Remember, purpose is not just about what you achieve but how you live and who you become along the way. Take small, intentional steps each day, and trust that as you continue this journey, your purpose will reveal itself, guiding you toward a life that feels truly meaningful and fulfilling.