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Purpose is what makes life meaningful and fulfilling. But what happens when you don’t know what your purpose is? It’s like a clock without an alarm; you sense that something important is missing. You feel disconnected from life, aware that there’s more out there you haven’t yet discovered. You might not realize it, but uncovering your purpose begins with a question, not an answer. It all starts with curiosity. With that in mind, who are you?
Know Yourself
The first way to uncover your purpose is to understand who you are. It goes beyond your job title or career. It’s about the kind of person you choose to be. I emphasize the word be because purpose is not just about what you do, but who you are at your core. A good way to start exploring is by identifying what matters to you. When you know your top values, you can begin to build a sense of purpose around them. This mindset shifts you from trying to find purpose to creating purpose.
Identify Your Strengths
Another way to discover your purpose is by identifying your strengths. Whether big or small, your strengths can make a difference in the world. Take time to list your strengths and ask yourself how you can use these strengths to create purpose in your life. My strengths are my curiosity and compassion for others. I enjoy learning and sharing knowledge with others. Blogging has enabled me to leverage my strengths to create a positive impact. When we find enjoyment in doing the things we are good at, we can cultivate purpose.
Understand Your Motivations
We are all motivated by something, and understanding what drives you can lead you to take actions that align with your purpose. Reflecting on what brings you sadness or joy can also shed light on where your motivations are rooted. If injustice saddens you, perhaps advocacy for others could be meaningful. Or maybe you feel happy giving back and find purpose in philanthropy. If you want to step into your purpose, start by getting involved in things you’re passionate about.
Find Inspiration in Role Models
Sometimes, your purpose reveals itself through inspiration. The people you admire can often help you realize who you want to be. I saw who I could be through Maya Angelou. I saw a woman with resilience, grace, wisdom, and confidence. I wanted to be the phenomenal woman she wrote about in her poem. She helped me to discover my purpose by living out her purpose. Having role models allows you to envision what is possible for yourself. Consider the people who inspire you and ask yourself what qualities resonate with you the most, and how can you find purpose in embodying these same qualities?
Unlock Your Purpose
At some point, you may begin to wonder what your purpose is, and if you haven’t found it yet, it’s natural to feel discouraged. But you’re not alone; many people are on the same journey, searching for meaning. The key to discovering your purpose begins with knowing yourself. By identifying your values, recognizing your strengths, understanding your motivations, and knowing who inspires you, you begin to unlock that deeper sense of self. In the end, purpose isn’t about what you do but who you choose to be.