As kids, we are asked what we want to be when we grow up. At that age, our answers are often simple: doctor, fireman, air hostess. Once we start working, our outlook on the future becomes more intricate. Our goals are less oriented towards purpose and more towards success. The thing is, to live happily, that our views of success should align with a sense of purpose.
There are many different kinds of purposes of life to pursue, but it’s essential to find something that brings joy and fulfillment to your life.
What is the purpose of life? Grow up, get an education, get a good job, start a family. That’s where you’ll find happiness, they say.
Or maybe you’re a non-conformist and you need to blaze your own trail; find things out for yourself. Through discovery and thinking for yourself, you believe you’ll find peace and meaning.
Are you looking for purpose in life? Maybe these are familiar paths for you – perhaps you’re on one of them right now. In walking on them you might even have tasted a degree of happiness and peace. Have you ever wondered though, why that feeling is so fleeting, why in moments of solitude and quietness you’re full of unrest, discontent, and ungratefulness? Surely there has to be a way to hang onto that peace; to emerge from the various trials and situations of life with your joy strengthened instead of sapped.
Why is it so hard to find our life purpose? There certainly is no short supply of problems in this world that need solving. There is no limit on the number of people whom we could help, or inspire, or support. There is no cap on the number of passions we could pursue. Yet, our life purpose often feels hard to pursue.
Most of us have no clue what we want to do with our lives. Even after we finish school. Even after we get a job. Even after we’re making money. Between ages 22 and 45, I changed career aspirations more often than I changed my underwear. And even after I had a business, it still took many years to clearly define what I wanted for my life.
Chances are you’re more like me and have no clue what you want to do. It’s a struggle almost every adult goes through. “What do I want to do with my life?” “What am I passionate about?” “What do I not suck at?” I often council or coach people in their 40s and 50s who still have no clue what they want to do with themselves.
Why you should write a Life Purpose Statement
I will leave you with one small clue: To visualize and actualize your future goals, consider writing a life purpose statement.
Writing a life purpose statement can help focus your goals and motivate you to pursue them. Finding this motivation and channeling it into reality is easier when you clearly express what you want to achieve. Here are a few of the benefits of writing a life purpose statement:
- Increased drive and motivation
- Focused mindset to achieve your goals and purpose
- Clear path to success based on your “why”
- Sense of fulfillment knowing you’re guided by something vital and meaningful
Finding and living our purpose is key to having a meaningful, fulfilling life, and that is why I strive to help people insert purpose into their lives.
I’ll be glad to help you too!
