Are you stressing out because you haven’t figured out your “purpose” in life yet? While some people seem to simply have a “Eureka!” moment that gives them clarity, a goal and purpose, some of us need to spend a little more time figuring out what we want to contribute to the world. But what if the problem is that you’re so focused on “looking” you’re actually resisting what’s right in front of your face? How can you tell?
Finding a true purpose in life may not be as difficult as people have led us to believe. As a matter of fact, your unique purpose could be staring you in the face right now. Taking a step back and looking at your life with a bit of clarity may help. Let’s take a look at what it means to really have a purpose and how to find it.
Look Backward Instead of Forward to Find Your Purpose In Life
What Does It Really Mean to Have a Purpose?
First of all, let’s make sure we’re really clear on this one main point: You are the only person who can define your life’s purpose. Period. No one else can decide why you are going to be motivated to get out of bed every day for the rest of your life.
And that’s just what having a “purpose” means. Your purpose motivates you and guides you. Purpose comes from what you believe your role is in this world. It doesn’t have to be one specific thing. Some people want to have meaningful careers that will have an impact on society. Others attach their sense of purpose to family or their spirituality.
One and Done?
You also don’t have to stick to one purpose throughout your entire life. What you view as your reason for existence today may not be the same in a year, five years, or another decade. Your life will change. You may meet someone who changes your perspective or end up getting married and having children. Your priorities will change and your “purpose” may shift with them.
How Do You Get One?
Feeling a little panicked because everyone around you seems to have their life together? The reality is, finding your purpose isn’t actually difficult — it’s just something we make into a major project because we attach this tremendous amount of importance to it. So ditch the panic and apply the effort.
A good start is to look back instead of forward. Take a moment to reflect on your past. What have you done already that you have enjoyed? What lit you up and made you feel excited? What experiences have you had that you’d like to revisit? Go back and try some of those things again. Look at them with new eyes.
And then look at the present. What do you love doing now? What new things have you always wanted to try but just never made the time for? It’s time to explore. Don’t be afraid to be impulsive and try new things on the fly.
You may be holding yourself back simply because you’re overthinking every step of the process. What are you looking forward to? Could that be a clue? Like falling in love, it may just be that you’re putting greater emphasis on the search than you need to. Relax, take a step back and enjoy your life. You may one day find you’ve fallen into your purpose without even realizing it.
