I’ve always believed that the best lived lives were those that were lived on purpose for a purpose. The challenge with that of course is that most people can’t tell you with any specificity what their purpose in life is.
That causes them to live a somewhat “reactive” life. A life lived helping other people achieve their purpose. That’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not as fulfilling as living YOUR life for YOUR purpose.
But finding your purpose in life is a deeply personal and introspective journey. Other people can help you find your purpose but no one can or should tell you what your purpose in life is. If you’re interested in living a more purpose driven life this post might help. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some general steps that can you discover how you can make the most of your time on this earth.
• Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and interests. What activities make you lose track of time? What issues or causes resonate with you? Understanding yourself is the first step to discovering your purpose.
• Identify your strengths: Consider your skills, talents, and strengths. What are you naturally good at? What activities bring out the best in you? Aligning your purpose with your strengths can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable path.
• Explore new things: Be open to new experiences. Trying different activities, hobbies, or volunteering can expose you to new ideas and perspectives. Sometimes, your purpose emerges through unexpected avenues.
• Set goals: Define short-term and long-term goals for yourself. These goals should align with your values and interests. Working towards meaningful objectives can provide a sense of direction and purpose.
• Learn from experiences: Reflect on past experiences, both positive and negative. What did you enjoy or dislike about certain situations? What did you learn from challenges? Your life experiences can offer valuable insights into what truly matters to you.
• Seek inspiration: Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to talks that inspire you. Learning about the experiences of others who have found their purpose can provide guidance and motivation.
• Connect with others: Engage in conversations with people who share similar interests or are on a similar journey. Networking and building relationships can offer support and different perspectives on life’s purpose.
• Consider your impact: Reflect on the impact you want to have on the world. How do you want to contribute to society or make a difference in the lives of others? Thinking beyond personal satisfaction can add a greater sense of purpose.
• Embrace change: Be open to change and adaptation. Your purpose may evolve over time as you grow and learn more about yourself. Don’t be afraid to reassess and adjust your goals.
• Seek help if needed: If you find it challenging to navigate this journey on your own, consider seeking guidance from a life coach or mentor. They can provide valuable insights and support.
Finding your purpose is a continual process. It’s okay if it takes time, and your purpose may evolve as you go through different life stages. Stay patient, stay curious, and stay true to yourself.
In my mid-30’s, I married a lady I had known for years with two children from a previous marriage, moved from CA to OH and started a completely new life. When people asked me what I had learned from this, my answer was that i turned out that I was good at two thigs….running a business and raising other people’s children…..and oddly enough, they were almost exactly the same thing. I’ve been retired now over fifteen years; those two kids have provided five granddaughters for me to have in my life (third one finishing college next week) while my ex-wife is married to someone else now. Both of her kids have treated me as if I was their actual father for forty years now and I visit them several times a year in OH and NC from where I live in CA. Even though it seemed I was an adult when I met them, had a good career and had served in combat in Vietnam, I was a child until I became their stepfather. They are my best purpose in life and will be until my last breath.
I love that and especially since my story is not dissimilar to yours.