AND HOW DO I FIND IT?
Have you ever asked yourself, what is my life’s purpose? Take a moment to check in on your satisfaction quotient. You might have a brilliant career, a successful business, and a loving, supportive network of family and friends. But if you can’t identify your life’s purpose, you’ll still feel that there’s something not quite right. Living an authentic, purposeful life causes you to feel happier and healthier. Scientists have even found it can help you live longer!
If contentment and fulfillment are eluding you, if you have this sense that something is missing, try these practical ways to find your life’s purpose.
- Home in On Your Passions
If you have trouble thinking of your passions, have a look at what you post on social media. What fires you up? What photos and issues do you post and comment on? What sort of articles do you share or email to friends? What do you discuss around the dinner table?
Being more aware of what really fires your interest will give you a clue to your life’s purpose.
- What Injustices Fire You Up
In a similar vein, what makes your blood boil when you see it on the news or read about it? Maybe it’s inequality, child poverty, or cruelty to animals. Think about the issues that bother you. Think of how you could use these emotions to change the world, or at least your world. Volunteer at a local non-profit or organize a petition or letter-writing campaign. Set up an online fundraiser. Turn your passion to fight injustice into action for good.
- Volunteer to Find Your Purpose
Studies have shown that helping others is one of the most powerful ways to increase your own happiness. It is also an excellent way to find meaning and purpose in your life. Think of what you can do to help your local sports club, aged care home, or non-profit. When you donate your time, money, and skills to help others, you will not just be giving them a helping hand; you will help yourself as well.
- Ask for Feedback
If you’re still struggling to find a purpose that resonates with you, ask for feedback. Think about when people come to you to ask for help. What do people compliment you on?
Chat to friends and family about their interests and ask them what comes to mind when they think of you. You may already be living your life with purpose and passion, but you just don’t realize it! This becomes a great opportunity to enhance it and feel the difference in your day-to-day life.
It is a great idea to track your thoughts and plans as you investigate your purpose – it may change. Try using this journal to help you or look here for some more reasons to journal. Here’s a post I did a while back called, WHY SHOULD I JOURNAL – it might help you.