Life seems to happen more fluidly when you understand the reason you are living. Without something guiding you, like your life’s purpose, it’s easy (and common) to feel lost and confused. Have you been there? Well, if you’re reading this article then you probably have.
Finding your purpose—the reason you get out of bed in the morning—is much more simple than some people make it out to be. While you might not find your purpose overnight, you can slowly chip away at discovering yourself through a simple five-step process. Here’s how to find your purpose in life (and enjoy doing it).
What Is Your Life Purpose?
Too many people think your life’s purpose is what you do to make money. However, your purpose is not your title or occupation. Your purpose is the reason you get out of bed every morning, the reason you chase your different endeavors. Your purpose is what you offer the world.
For example, I’m a full-time, professional editor and writer for Forbes; however, my purpose in life is not that. Instead, my purpose is living a creative and adventurous life and helping people become the best versions of themselves. So while I may partially identify by my day job, I get out of bed every morning because I have an offering I want to fulfill. My purpose guides me, not my job (how I make money).
Why You Should Find Your Purpose
Sure, if you don’t want to do the work to find your purpose in life that’s fine. I’m not going to sit here and spend my energy begging you to do something you’re not interested in. However, what I will say is this: If you don’t discover your purpose, you risk living a life flooded by unconsciousness and the pain that comes along with it. Pick your poison.
Finding Your Purpose In 5 Steps
If you ask different people, everyone will tell you their own way to find your life purpose. However, most methods have their similarities, like exploring your curiosities, finding your Ikigai, and taking action. My process? I’ve found that their are five integral steps you should take when finding your purpose in life, and we will dig into those…now.
1. Explore Your Curiosities
At the base of it all, life is about doing more of the things that interest you. Tapping into your curiosities (if you haven’t already) is a quick route to discovering your purpose. Most of the time, our interests, curiosities, and purpose are synonymous, meaning if you can chase what excites you then you’re probably going to find your purpose in life.
If you need help exploring your curiosities and interest, I got your back; I’m here for you. When I was finding my purpose in life, I ran threw so many different exercises and tested several methods to help me discover what I interested me. There are two exercises that helped me hone in on my interests and get rid of anything that didn’t serve me: a guided brainstorm and defining my energy bubble. Let’s dive into those now.
2. Do a Guided Brainstorm
In a nutshell, a guided brainstorm is an exercise that builds a pathway to reaching an ultimate answer you’ve been seeking, like your purpose in life—the reason you get up in the morning. It’s pretty simple, too. Take a question, any question you want to work on answering, then use a bullet list to help brainstorm anything and everything in your life that potentially relates to your question.
In this case, use the question, “What is my purpose in life?” Write down everything that comes to mind that relates to the reason you believe you’re alive. The goal: compile the bullet list into one succinct sentence that provides an answer to the question. So, find one sentence that embodies everything you stand for and value.
3. Define Your Energy Bubble
What is your energy bubble? Your energy bubble is your personal space. Within your energy bubble, you must strive to only invite things in that support your purpose and keep out anything that will take from your energy. To define your energy bubble (and what to keep in and keep out), simply draw a circle on a piece of paper.
After you draw your circle, write a list of everything that fuels your life and purpose inside and a list of everything that drains you outside. The list on the inside is everything you must keep doing or do more of; the list on the outside is everything you must remove from your life immediately. This is how you create an energy bubble that allows you to lead a life driven by your purpose and the things that support it.
4. Find Your Ikigai
If you want to take the journey of finding you purpose even further, focus on finding your Ikigai. Ikigai (pronounced “eye-ka-guy”) is a Japanese secret to a long, fulfilling life. It’s a lifestyle that balances your passions and talents with the things the world needs and is willing to pay for. It represents the reason for being.
Finding your Ikigai should be your ultimate goal in the pursuit of finding your purpose. While you can find your purpose through the guided brainstorm, searching for your Ikigai takes it a step further. Although it can take time, it’s worth the effort and can improve your life in ways you’ve never experienced.
You can use the image below and fill each portion out similar to what you did when creating your energy bubble.
5. Take Massive Action
Once you find your purpose in life, your journey is not over; it’s just beginning. If you’re willing to put in the effort to understand what makes you get out of bed every morning, you should be willing to take massive action and fulfill your purpose every day. The things you choose to do, the jobs you choose to take, and the way you choose to help others should all fulfill your purpose.
There’s no point in finding your purpose and avoid fulfilling it every time you wake up. As a reminder of my own purpose, I write it down in my journal every morning. Although I’ll never forget what it is, this is a gentle reminder to take actions that resonate with my reason for being. I suggest you do the same.
Bottom Line
Finding your purpose in life is something just about everyone wants. When you understand your reason for being, you’ll have more energy, feel present, and live intentionally. If you’re willing to put in the effort to discover why you were put on this planet, you’re well on your way to living a life you’re proud to live.
Looking for some inspiration? Read through these 21 purpose quotes and write down those that resonate.
Are you feeling inspired to find your purpose? Let me know in the comments!
