Ask anyone this question: ” What is your purpose?” I bet you get something something along the lines of ‘I want to help people’. Other’s might say they want to ‘lift their family out of poverty’. Others will say ‘I am not sure’. These are a common responses.
Many people do not stop to ask themselves this question. Many of us are walking with little to no sense of purpose as to their calling in life. I think it is because we have over complicated it. In this free flow of thought, I want to dispel four myths of purpose and help you bring clarity to your purpose.
First, purpose is not necessary the thing that will make you happy. Understand that purpose boils down to two things… Eradicating Pain or Bringing Pleasure in the midst of chaos or discomfort. Purpose at its root arises from the feeling to act. We see something that needs to be changed and we feel we must ‘do something’. Our innate desire is to move from pain to pleasure. Even the eradication of pain yields pleasure. Pursuing the pleasure might not be a pleasurable experience. If we wanted to go deeper, this would lead you to a major question in your purpose–Why is this purpose resonating with me in this moment in time.
Second eradicate the myth from your mind that you only have one purpose. Take a moment and just think about the calamity and chaos happening in the world. Think from a global perspective.If you were an agent of the Most High of the Universe, where would you begin? Take a moment and think about all of the many situations in which you felt an unction–a calling towards action.
Your purpose arises in its season. The purpose will reveal itself in proximity. When you have accomplished that purpose another will soon arise if we pay close attention to it.
Third, purpose either comes to us in time or when we go looking for something to call our purpose. Our brains are wired to identify opportunities that are similar to former events. When a similar problem arises that prompts you to act, you are more likely to do so because you know the outcome based on past events. In essence, we are wired to identify these situations and over time the revelation of our purpose becomes evident. If the situations are similar, we naturally reason to ourselves that we only have one purpose. However, I believe in the complexity of your nature. There are many times that you are called to act. The culmination of these acts may be disjointed, but your vast array of skills and resources were what were needed in that moment in time. Therefore, I believe that purpose arises in its season. When anyone asks me what is my purpose: My reply is simple. “To do good and multiply it.”
Lastly in order to bring clarity to your purpose, I believe it is important to separate your interests from feelings. For example, If you want to help people….that’s a feeling. However, some people provide an elaborate answer to what their purpose might be.
They might say their purpose is to ‘design a holistically integrated system of automated home technologies for people with disabilities’. That sounds great and all, but that may not be your purpose. It is simply serving as the activity that you are placing most of your effort and energy that yields the fulfillment in that moment. The interests in which we engage to create and confirm that feeling of fulfilment. If I am a recruiter, my purpose may be to “help people”, but your interest lies in connecting the right people to the most optimal job opportunities. What you do is connect.
You purpose is to initiate a connection so that you can help people. In the previous example, your desire to help people with disabilities can only be realized through your strong interest in designing efficient technologies. What you do is design. You purpose is to design strong infrastructure in homes, can help people with disabilities.
How to Find Your Purpose
- Reflect on your passions: Consider the activities, topics, or causes that truly ignite your enthusiasm. Think about what makes you lose track of time, brings you joy, or gives you a sense of fulfillment. Reflect on your past experiences and identify patterns that indicate your true passions.
- Identify your strengths: Take an inventory of your skills, talents, and natural abilities. What are you good at? What comes easily to you? Understanding your strengths can help you align your purpose with your innate abilities.
- Explore your values: Reflect on your core values and beliefs. What principles do you hold dear? What causes or issues resonate with you on a deep level? Connecting with your values can guide you towards a purpose that aligns with what you truly care about.
- Set meaningful goals: Define what success means to you personally. Identify specific, meaningful goals that align with your values and passions. Working towards these goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction.
- Embrace self-discovery: Engage in self-reflection and introspection. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to gain clarity about your thoughts, emotions, and desires. Ask yourself meaningful questions and listen to your inner voice.
- Seek new experiences: Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Engage in activities that pique your curiosity and expose you to different perspectives. Sometimes, you may find your purpose through unexpected avenues or by pushing your boundaries.
- Volunteer and help others: Engaging in acts of kindness and service can provide a sense of purpose. Explore volunteer opportunities or find ways to make a positive impact in your community. Helping others can offer valuable insights about your passions and the impact you want to create.
- Learn from role models: Look up to individuals who inspire you. Study the lives of people who have made a significant impact in areas that interest you. Learn from their journeys and experiences to gain insights into your own purpose.
- Embrace patience and embrace the process: Discovering your purpose is rarely an instant revelation. It takes time, patience, and self-reflection. Embrace the journey, and remember that it’s okay to explore different paths and make course corrections along the way.
- Seek support: Discuss your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family members, or mentors. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insights and guidance. Consider seeking professional help, such as career counselors or life coaches, who specialize in helping individuals find their purpose.
Once you have understood Purpose and the interests that can lead to you it, you can refocus your energy to understanding the strategy of executing your interest. The how is the process of executing your interest(s) to create the feeling that you’ve added value to someone else. Go deeper. That’s how you get clarity on your purpose. Best of luck to you!
