Look, I know what it’s like. There have been many days where I stayed in bed well into the afternoon, staring at the wall without any sense of direction or purpose. I thought that having a child would give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It does, but not in the way I hoped. I still had to work on figuring out who I am and what I’m really put on this earth to do. As I was spinning my wheels and overthinking all of my major life decisions, I came to the conclusion that finding your life purpose isn’t about having some dramatic epiphany – it’s about asking the right questions and taking intentional steps forward. Let me walk you through exactly what worked for me when learning how to find your life purpose.
Unlock Your Life Purpose Through Childhood Dreams
You know what’s interesting? We spend our whole adult lives trying to get back to who we’ve always been in the first place. Our childhood holds so many secrets about our life purpose. As a child, one of the things I always wanted to be when I grew up was America’s Next Top Model. I know the show didn’t age well but hear me out. Whenever the judges asked a girl why she wanted to be a model I thought about my own answer to that question. I wanted to be a model not just for the clothes and fabulous lifestyle. I want to be a Rolemodel. I wanted to be an example of what it looked like to go after your dreams. Look at me now. That’s the main reason why I started this blog.
Here’s how to tap into those childhood clues:
- Think back to what you loved doing before anyone told you what you “should” do
- Remember the activities that made you lose track of time
- Consider what others always came to you for help with
- Reflect on your hero figures and why you admired them
How Discontent Guides You to Your Purpose
Early this year I was looking back on my years of depression trying to pin point when it all started. I was in a new city pursuing a doctorate degree in public health. Everyone was so proud and couldn’t wait to call me Dr. Watson. Since the day I stepped foot on campus I was miserable. I remember writing in my journal over and over again how much I wanted to quit. I was just not being fulfilled. Nothing about what I was doing lit that fire inside me. That nagging feeling of discontent? It’s actually one of your most powerful tools for finding your purpose.
Your dissatisfaction often points directly to what’s missing in your life. The day I allowed myself to quit school, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. That moment led me to change career paths and ultimately find my true calling in content creation and personal development.
Finding Purpose Through Energy Alignment
Don’t listen to the naysayers. It’s okay to follow your passion. It’s not enough to do something just because you’re good at it. A crucial step in how to find your life purpose is paying attention to what energizes you. Some of you may not know but I was a freelance videographer for over 5 years. I’m actually pretty skilled at video editing, but working with clients day in and day out was completely draining. On the other hand, when I think about editing my own projects I completely lose track of time. Sometimes it just takes a chance in perspective.
Pay attention to:
- Which activities give you energy versus drain you
- What topics make you lose track of time when you’re reading or talking about them
- The work you’d do even if you weren’t getting paid
- Conversations that make you come alive
Discovering Your Purpose Through Action
Let me share something embarrassing – I‘ve spent nearly 5 years just researching about starting a blog without taking any action. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Your purpose isn’t going to reveal itself while you’re sitting on your couch thinking about it.
Start small experiments to test different paths:
- Volunteer in areas that interest you
- Take weekend workshops in different fields
- Start a side project in your area of curiosity
- Have coffee with people doing work that intrigues you
Create Your life Purpose Statement
As you work on how to find your life purpose, creating a purpose statement can be incredibly clarifying. It also keeps you focused on what you’re supposed to be doing and not getting side tracked by shiny new things. But keep in mind – it’s not set in stone. Mine has evolved many times over the years, and that’s perfectly okay.
Your purpose statement should include:
- Who you want to help
- What specific problem you want to solve
- How you uniquely can contribute
- What impact you want to make
Overcoming Fear to Embrace Your Purpose
Here’s a truth that took me years to accept – finding your purpose often means facing your biggest fears. Studies suggest that overcoming fear and self-doubt is key to unlocking a more fulfilling life. Greater Good Magazine provides research-backed insights on how embracing purpose can help you push past fear and live more authentically.When I finally decided to start this blog, I had to confront my fear of judgment and failure. It was hard, but also liberating.
Identity what triggers you and work towards healing. A big one for me was composting myself to others which led to the fear of failure. Positive affirmations can help shift your mindset.
Common fears to address:
- Financial insecurity
- Disappointment from family
- Fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
Affirmations
- “Money flows easily and abundantly in my life”
- “I release the need to prove myself to others”
- “I embrace growth not perfection”
- “I have earned my seat at the table”
Learning how to find your life purpose isn’t a destination – it’s a journey of self-discovery that evolves as you grow. Start with small steps, pay attention to what energizes you, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing; it just needs to be authentic to you.
The most important thing I’ve learned? Your purpose often lies at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. But don’t wait for perfect clarity before taking action. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.
Take that first step today. Whether it’s signing up for a class, starting a journal, or having a conversation with someone who inspires you – movement creates clarity. Your purpose is waiting to be discovered, one small action at a time.
