Finding Your Purpose: Discover yourself.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Many people have a deep sense of purpose. Whether they are working for racial justice, teaching children to read, creating inspiring art, or collecting donations for hospitals during a pandemic, they blend their passions, talents, and care for the world in a way that infuses their lives with meaning. Having a purpose in life is associated with numerous benefits, including better health, longevity, and even economic success. But how do you go about finding your purpose if it's not apparent to you? Is it something you develop naturally over time, or are there steps you can take to encourage more purpose in your life?
The Dual Path to Purpose
Research suggests that finding a sense of purpose is a unique journey for each individual. It can happen organically or through deliberate exercises and self-reflection. Kendall Bronk, a researcher at Claremont Graduate University, explains that sometimes, just having someone talk to you about what matters to you can make you think more intentionally about your life and purpose. Some people find their purpose after experiencing hardship, while others discover it through a combination of education, experience, and self-reflection, often helped along by encouragement from others. Remember, your journey to finding your purpose is unique to you, and there's no right or wrong way to go about it.
Steps to Finding Your Purpose
Here are some recommendations based on Bronk's research:
1. Identify What You Care About
Purpose is about applying your skills toward contributing to the greater good in a way that matters to you. Start by identifying what you care about. Reflect on the world around you—your home, community, and the world at large—and visualize what you would do if you had a magic wand and could change anything.
2. Reflect on What Matters Most
Understanding your deepest values is a powerful tool in your journey to finding your purpose. It can help you narrow down your purpose in life to something manageable and meaningful. Use values surveys, like the Valued Living Questionnaire or the Personal Values Questionnaire, to help clarify your values. This self-reflection is a critical step in taking control of your life and aligning it with what truly matters to you. Ask yourself how these values influence your daily life and how they might relate to what you want to do with the rest of your life.
3. Recognize Your Strengths and Talents
We all have strengths and skills that make up our unique personalities. If you need clarification on what you have to offer, a survey like the VIA Character Strengths Survey can help identify your strengths. You can also ask friends, family, and colleagues for input on what they think you are good at and what you enjoy.
4. Try Volunteering
Volunteering can help you use your skills to make a meaningful difference in the world. It can also connect you with people who share your passions and inspire you. Find a volunteer opportunity that feels engaging and aligns with your interests.
5. Imagine Your Best Possible Self
Imagine yourself at 40 years of age if everything had gone as well as it could have. What are you doing? What is important to you? This exercise can help you visualize your purpose and the steps you need to take to get there.
6. Cultivate Positive Emotions
Practicing positive emotions like gratitude and awe can help you find purpose. These emotions are tied to well-being, caring about others, and finding meaning in life. Keep a gratitude journal or write a gratitude letter to someone who has helped you.
7. Look to People You Admire
Sometimes, the people we admire give us clues about how we want to contribute to a better world. Look at both larger-than-life examples and everyday people doing good in more minor ways. You don't need fame to fulfill your purpose; you need to follow your inner compass and take small steps in the direction that means the most to you.
Embracing the Journey
Finding your purpose is an ongoing, evolving journey. It is not about having everything figured out but about living intentionally, discovering what inspires you, and continuously changing. Embrace the process with patience and reflection, knowing that your purpose may shift over time as you grow and experience life.
The Bible offers profound insights into finding and fulfilling one's purpose. Here are some lessons from notable biblical characters:
Joshua: Courage and Obedience
After Moses' death, God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites. Joshua's purpose was clear: to follow God's law and lead his people with strength and courage. God's command to Joshua was, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or the left, that you may be successful wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7). Like Joshua, we find our purpose by aligning our actions with God's commandments and moving forward with faith and courage.
Moses: Trusting God's Plan
Moses' journey to finding his purpose was painted by reluctance and doubt. Called by God to free the Israelites from slavery, Moses initially resisted, feeling inadequate for the task. God reassured him, saying, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:12). Moses' story teaches us that even when we feel unqualified, trusting in God's plan can lead us to fulfill our purpose.
Jeremiah: Persistence in Adversity
Jeremiah's purpose was to be a prophet, a role that brought him much hardship. Despite his reluctance and the opposition he faced, he persisted because God's word was like "a fire shut up in my bones" (Jeremiah 20:9). Jeremiah's life demonstrates that our purpose may require perseverance and courage, especially when facing challenges.
Solomon: Seeking Wisdom
When God offered Solomon anything he wanted, Solomon chose wisdom to lead his people effectively. God granted him not only knowledge but also wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:5-13). Solomon's story underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding to fulfill our God-given purpose.
Conclusion
Purpose is the invisible compass that guides us through life, leading us to fulfillment and meaning. By identifying what you care about, reflecting on your values, recognizing your strengths, volunteering, imagining your best possible self, cultivating positive emotions, and looking to people you admire, you can start your journey toward finding your purpose. Remember, it's a journey that evolves with you, bringing profound satisfaction and a sense of direction as you align your life with your core values and aspirations. Let the lessons from biblical characters inspire you to trust in God's plan, seek wisdom, persevere through challenges, and use your unique gifts to serve others.
References
Ayse Yemiscigil, Melis Sena Yılmaz, and Matthew T. Lee. September 15, 2023. How to Find Your Purpose. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2023/09/how-to-find-your-purpose
Chuck Livermore. December 19, 2017: Six Bible Characters Who Discovered Their Purpose (and what you can learn about finding your purpose). Retrieved from https://www.ordinarybeliever.com/finding-your-purpose/
Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA. 2023. How to find purpose and discover your path in life. Retrieved from https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-find-purpose
JILL SUTTIE. AUGUST 6, 2020. Seven Ways to Find Your Purpose in Life. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_find_your_purpose_in_life
June Hunt, Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011, 171–172. Retrieved from https://www.hopefortheheart.org/january-2014-purpose-life/
