How Regular People Find Their Purpose
Have you ever stopped and wondered how some people seamlessly find their purpose, and yet others die without ever knowing the joy of being purposeful?
Maybe finding your life purpose is easy if you have special gifts like Picasso or Einstein. On the other hand, if you’re way past 21 and still asking yourself what you want to be when you grow up, the process starts to seem less clear.
Even if it takes some effort, it’s still a question worth answering. Numerous studies suggest that finding work that aligns with your purpose is more motivating and satisfying than any pay increase. I really didn’t find my purpose until I was in my mid-forties! I can definitely vouch for passion over pay (within reason of course), we all need money to survive. But more money does not equal more happiness.
If you’re still searching, it’s time to discover your mission! Use this checklist to help you find and fulfill your purpose.
Finding Your Life Purpose:
- Calm your mind. Ease yourself into a creative state of mind. Meditate or take a long walk through the park. Soak in a warm bath or read poetry. Your thoughts become more expansive when you take a step back from daily concerns. I find I am most creative when I am out on a walk.
- List your passions. Ask yourself what you value. What would it take to make you excited about getting out of bed in the morning? When you realise money is not the answer, dig deep and reflect on what makes you come alive.
- Identify your strengths. Focus on what you do well. Think about the kind of compliments you receive or tasks that come easily to you. I was surprised that my purpose was identified by those around me that I helped. I thought I was just being a helpful person, but it turned out I enjoy helping as a passion.
- Analyze flow. Recognize the activities that create a flow experience for you. When do you lose track of time and find that your work becomes effortless?
- Focus on service. Your purpose takes on more meaning when you look beyond yourself and think about how you can have a positive impact on others. Try to find an underserved need that you can help fill.
- Do research. The internet makes it easy to learn more about any topic related to your purpose. Look up information on careers in education or take cooking classes.
- Talk with others. Learn from others who are already working in the fields that you find interesting. Attend networking events. This is another good way to find a mentor. And you will be able to spot a good mentor by how they communicate well with others. When you’re at parties, ask other guests what they do for fun and what excites them, then follow up with relevant questions.
- Keep a journal. Writing about your search can help you organize your thoughts. Over time, you may spot patterns that will guide you in moving forward.
Whichever way you want to look at it, you have to get out of the mundane daily grind to experience the possibility of something bigger than you. Take that step, accept that invite, be curious….
