Simple Steps to Find a Purpose in Life

 

Finding true purpose in life is a personal journey, but taking a few simple steps can bring greater clarity, meaning, and direction. In Greek mythology, purpose is closely tied to fate and destiny, underscoring its essential role in leading a fulfilled life. Purpose provides a framework that helps us find happiness, resilience, and peace, even during challenging times. People with a purpose often experience more success. As a psychotherapist, I have frequently guided individuals toward discovering purpose, helping them recognize that a life without meaning can create a vacuum, often filled with symptoms of depression. While we have the freedom to create meaning in our lives, a recent survey reveals that only 10% of people know their purpose. The majority, therefore, need help finding it.

Many of my clients did not know what they wanted.  They were filled with uncertainties and incomplete tasks, lacking motivation to get up in the morning, care for their health, or make new friends. Without purpose, our lives can feel empty. Living an empty life often feels devoid of value 

I recall the barriers they faced in creating purpose. Lacking goals and objectives, they often struggled with depression and uncertainty, unable to improve their circumstances or escape feelings of emptiness. They found it difficult to rebuild after significant changes, feeling paralyzed by the impact. This feeling of being lost is common when we are searching for answers  -  answers that can create a new paradigm. I tried to help my clients explore their values and desires. However, a few of them struggled to express these aspects of themselves, which left them feeling stuck. For them, life seemed to lack meaning, creating an impasse that prevented forward movement and fulfillment. 

To create purpose, self-understanding is key: exploring our thoughts on spirituality, and how it functions in our lives, beliefs about family and friends, and how they relate to us and influence our lives, goals and aspirations, sources of happiness, core values, and sense of identity. A major reason people struggle with purpose is because they don’t fully know themselves. Self-knowledge is essential, as true purpose must be rooted in our values and desires to provide genuine meaning. Without this, it's challenging to know what we truly want in life. 

Some argue that purpose isn’t essential to life, believing we can live without a clear framework. However, I disagree. Guidelines are necessary to direct our goals, organize our plans, and navigate our journey. Having a plan is fundamental to achieving what we desire; purpose gives us the strength to be resilient. Research shows that purpose is connected to happiness, health, and longevity and can even help alleviate loneliness. Having a purpose in life has helped me approach challenges with a positive attitude, bringing inner peace and resilience to many areas of my life. I feel more confident in my ability to succeed and tackle difficult tasks, knowing that my sense of purpose strengthens me and keeps me moving forward.

Studies indicate that people with purpose engage in healthier behaviors, experience mental and physical health benefits, and tend to live longer and happier lives. They are more positive, more social, and work consistently toward their goals. Purpose shapes our behavior and guides our decisions, leading to a better quality of life.

Although defining your purpose is complex, developing it is a straightforward process. You need to follow your values, goals, and desires. Self-knowledge is fundamental. Life is rooted in biological evolution, so as you grow and evolve, your purpose will evolve with you and will change over time. By following these simple guidelines, you can create a clear purpose for your life and experience a new cycle of accomplishments, happiness, and intentionality.

To begin, ask yourself two key questions:

1. What should I do with my life?

2. Why am I here?

The answers to these questions will help you understand the meaning of your life, leading to a new path of discovery. "Why am I here?" is a profound search for purpose, legacy, and personal history.

It’s crucial to know what you want from life and to have clear goals. Develop a structured plan to follow. Believing you have a mission in life can motivate you to plan and lead a purposeful life. Understanding the importance of having a purpose in life and using it as a guide for everything you do shapes your life within the boundaries of your desires and goals.