This is a question as old as time – “what is my purpose in life?” The idea of finding purpose in life dates back to the 4th century when Aristotle found the answer to this question.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-filled world, we are pulled in different directions simultaneously. Thus, finding purpose seems more critical than ever. Unfortunately, many people tend to spend their lives reacting to different situations instead of being proactive and figuring out their own needs and values. Even when they think they know their life’s purpose, they often make mistakes in accomplishing them.
On the other hand, many individuals are yet to find their purpose in life. So, today we will discuss all about finding purpose in life. Thus, make sure you read the blog till the end!
What Is The Purpose of Life?
You might wonder what life’s purpose is and how to find yours. Right? Well, there’s nothing to worry about! But, at some point in time, we often come across thoughts that question our existence and purpose to be here.
Indeed, the sense of purpose has helped humans evolve to a great extent, which is why life’s purpose is primarily associated with emotional and mental health.
The purpose is adaptive and helps everyone to survive. But many people believe that purpose arises from the unique gifts that set you apart from others. However, this is just one part of the truth.
The purpose is a long-term game, not a short-term goal. Therefore, our purpose blends with what interests us and brings us joy. In Japan, this idea is known as Ikigai, i.e., finding your happiness.
Finding purpose in life is an age-old question, and we all have different answers and interpretations for it. So, let’s not jump to any conclusions and discuss the significance of finding life’s purpose.
Significance Of Having A Purpose In Life
Having a purpose in life is a crucial factor for happiness. Without it, you will live your life restless and unfocused. Furthermore, you will also feel stressed because you won’t feel aligned with your work.
But why is it essential to have a purpose in life? Well, many researchers and psychologists have proved the importance of having a purpose in life. That all shows that people knowing their motive in life are likely to thrive both emotionally and mentally. In addition, people with a clear purpose find it easier to remain joyful and have a meaningful & fulfilling life.
When you have a sense of purpose & meaning in life, you are likely to have the following:
- Enhanced resiliency, hope, and optimism
- Better physical health
- Increased joy, happiness, and satisfaction
- Low risk of anxiety, stress, and depression
- Enjoy the learning process
- Have higher income
- Increased career or job satisfaction
Interestingly, people having a sense of purpose in life tend to fall into the following four categories:
- The Purposeful
In this category, you have found something that means a lot to you and contributes to your greater good. You might have sustained interest in this work over a period of time, and you can clearly articulate your ‘why’.
- Dreamers
Dreamers think and express great ideas but don’t take any possible action towards achieving their dream.
- Dabblers
Dabblers engage in purposeful activities without making or sustaining efforts for a longer duration of time. As a result, they struggle to articulate their ”why” in life!
- The Disengaged
Disengaged people don’t have any purpose in life, nor do they have any desire to find it.
Whichever category you fall in, make sure you start finding purpose in life. Because without a purpose, your life will be meaningless and somewhat boring!
But if you are confused about how to find your life’s purpose, the following section discusses some tips which will help you a lot!
Tips On Finding Purpose in Life
There are many people who still haven’t found their purpose in life. So, here is a step-by-step guide for them! Take a look!
- Face Your Inner Dialogue
When you first begin to dive into your thoughts, emotions, and desires, there will be initial resistance, a fear of the unknown.
Your fears might try to prevent you from finding your purpose in life. But it’s best to combat such fears. And this can be done by acknowledging and facing them.
Think of it this way:
Recognize what’s stopping you from achieving your dreams. Once you identify your fears, you can easily fight them.
Further, you can take action and introspect about what you actually want in life. This way, you will get clarity of thought and can begin on the path of goal/ purpose accomplishment.
- Discover Your Passion
Everybody is passionate about something or the other in life. Thus, finding your passion will offer you the answer to what is your life’s purpose.
Finding your passion isn’t hard. All you have to do is think about the things you have always looked forward to.
Interestingly, you may or may not have passion in life. But there is always a thing or two that you enjoy doing. So, think about the things you are eager to do; your life’s purpose might be hidden in them!
- Have A Crystal-Clear Vision
As you define your priorities, you can begin developing a clear vision of what you desire.
What you think about yourself and what you believe is possible for you bridges the gap between how you show up every day and achieve your goals.
For instance, you wish to become a best-selling author. For this, you must determine the topics that interest you and develop your writing skills. Or maybe you can follow the SMART approach!
Whatever method you try, having a clear vision is vital to achieving targets!
- Recognize True Priorities & Eliminate False Objectives
To live a meaningful and fulfilling life, you must first ”LIVE” your life to the fullest! Most people live their lives according to others’ expectations. They build their habits and schedules as per the convenience of their family, friends, and society.
However, it takes confidence to live your life according to your priorities. This is actually true when your preferences are different from your loved ones. Thus, you must determine what matters the most and eliminate the false objectives and expectations you are working towards.
- Figure Out What Drains You
You need to consider what exhausts you emotionally, mentally, and physically. They don’t have to be the work or tasks you dislike. Physical or mental exhaustion can be because of innumerable things. Thus, when you find them out, it is best to stop doing them!
Indulging in purposeless activities drains your mind and body. Tiredness is the first symptom depicting that a specific task is not suitable for you. So, it is best to reconsider the tasks you perform and delegate/ eliminate them from your life.
Thus, it is vital to live YOUR life and focus on the things that matter the most to YOU.
The Bottom Line!
Finding purpose in life is a long and challenging journey, but once you discover it, you will find that your life opens up in ways you never thought possible.
You will experience new depths of opportunities, and your eyes will be opened to innumerable possibilities. Thus, finding your purpose is all about turning inwards, acknowledging your thoughts and jumping right in to fulfill them!
Tell us, what is your purpose in life? And if you still haven’t found your life’s purpose, how do you plan to discover it? Let us know!
