How to find purpose and discover your path in life
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn why we seek purpose in life and how to know when you've found your sense of purpose. Plus, how to find purpose in life with 14 tips for self-discovery.
Purpose is the invisible compass that guides us through life, leading us to fulfillment and meaning. A strong sense of purpose can motivate us to reach our potential and zero in on our unique destiny, so finding our individual purpose is something we can all benefit from.
Discovering your purpose doesn't have to be an intimidating process. Sometimes, the journey to discovering our true calling is sprinkled with laughter, inspiration, and unexpected detours. From gratitude journaling adventures to mindful moments, there are ways to unearth the spark that makes you, well... you!
What is your purpose?
Finding your purpose is a deeply individual journey of uncovering what drives you and makes you feel alive. It extends beyond career aspirations or social achievements to personal fulfillment and intentional living. Living with purpose means aligning your actions, decisions, and life paths with your core values and aspirations.
The essence of finding purpose is beautifully described in the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates to finding joy through purpose. It encapsulates the satisfaction and fulfillment we find in doing what we love. It’s when what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea of finding your one true purpose. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Purpose isn’t a fixed entity but continuously evolving and changing as we grow, learn, and experience life. Your purpose today might shift tomorrow, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s about living intentionally, discovering what inspires you, and continuously evolving.
Why we seek purpose in life
Our quest for purpose is deeply embedded in our psychological and emotional fabric. A life lived with purpose is one that’s enriched with happiness, motivation, and mental wellbeing. It helps us find meaning in everyday life, bringing fulfillment and contentment. It’s what grounds us, and it’s the drive that powers us to make our ambitions worthwhile.
Purpose can spark motivation and resilience, inspiring us to reach our potential. It can turn the mundane into the magical, the ordinary into the extraordinary.When we align our lives with our purpose, we are truly living. It’s the key to unlocking happiness and profound, lasting satisfaction. It may even help us live longer.
How to know when you’ve found your purpose
Recognizing when you’ve found your purpose can feel like finally seeing the sun break through the clouds after a long, gray day. It’s a moment of realization and clarity where everything seems to fall into place, and the world feels just “right”.
A sense of fulfillment: Finding your purpose gives you a profound feeling of contentment, satisfaction, and a boost of self-esteem. It’s where what you do and who you are seamlessly intertwine, creating harmony between your actions and essence.
Alignment with personal values: When you’ve found your purpose, your actions, decisions, and life paths seem to align effortlessly with your core values and beliefs.
Embracing purpose as a journey
It’s essential to understand that finding your purpose is a journey, so allow for adaptation, growth, and transformation. It’s natural for your purpose to evolve with you as you grow and develop, so enjoy every step along the way.
How to find purpose: 14 tips for self-discovery to help you live with purpose
Finding your purpose isn’t a one-stop destination but an ongoing, evolving journey. Try these tips to help you discover your own purpose in life. And remember, cultivating your purpose is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Start with a period of introspection, have patience, and follow it up with reflection and action.
1. Create a mindful life map
If you like to be creative, try creating a scrapbook that visually maps out all the major moments in your life—both the highs and the lows. You can add photos, tickets, snippets, and doodles. Once complete, review your journey and look for patterns or moments that feel the most fulfilling. You might even find that meditating for a few minutes helps you to reflect more mindfully. It's in these quiet reflections that hints of your purpose might whisper.
💙 Add mindfulness meditation into your everyday with The Daily Calm.
2. Craft a personal vision statement
If crafting isn’t as much your thing, you can write out a vision statement for your life the same way you would for a business endeavor. Don’t hold back. Allow yourself to really dream and be creative. Finding purpose starts by allowing yourself to imagine you could do anything, so enjoy the daydreaming throughout the process.
💙 Sometimes we can uncover purpose in parts of our life that we’re already living. Check out Uncovering Purpose at Work with Jay Shetty.
3. Meet new people and create a community that inspires you
The best place to start is finding people who share passions similar to yours, e.g., in a class, community, or online group. Surround yourself with people who also aim to find their purpose and who (gently) challenge you to grow as a person.
If you have other friends who are seeking purpose in their lives, you could consider hosting a monthly 'purpose potluck' where friends bring a dish and share stories. These could be about moments they felt most alive, their passion, or a project they're working on.
💙 Sometimes cultivating relationships is tough. Check out our Relationship with Others series.
4. Start a passion jar
Ask yourself what makes you lose track of time? What makes you light up? Write these activities down on colorful slips of paper. Put them in a jar. Each day, draw one and do that activity.
If you find yourself dreading or avoiding certain slips of paper in the jar, you might be forcing yourself to do things you think you should. Over time, you'll see which activities you're excited about… and those you aren’t.
5. Explore your interests
It can be helpful to explore things in life that you enjoy, even if they feel small. Sometimes just enjoying small hobbies can spark ideas for you that might lead you to a bigger purpose. Maybe you’ve always loved yoga and you find that you might love teaching yoga. Or perhaps you’ve always loved hiking and then you find out that you can lead groups of hikers on outings. Exploring what lights you up is a great way to fill your joy cup, and move towards your purpose in life.
💙 Finding your purpose doesn’t have to detract from the pleasures in life. To learn more about how to find enjoyment in the process of finding purpose, check out Pleasure vs. Purpose with Jay Shetty.
6. Practice mindfulness to help you develop self-awareness
One of the best ways to connect with yourself and what you want out of life is to root yourself in the present moment. It’s a task easier said than done, but one of the best ways to get yourself there is to practice mindfulness and meditation. The more you engage in these practices, the more in tune with yourself you’ll become, and the more in tune you are with yourself, the closer you’ll be to finding more purpose in your life.
💙 If mindfulness is new to you, explore our Mindfulness for Beginners series.
7. Live out a fantasy day job
Pretend for a day you're in your dream job. Want to be a travel blogger? Write a post. Thought about being a dancer? Take a dance class. Living out these 'fantasies' can clarify what really resonates with you.
8. Build a mentor map
Think of people who inspire you, be they authors, artists, friends, or historical figures. Create a mind map connecting what they do and what you love about them. This can guide you toward activities or fields that align with your purpose.
9. Conduct a role-reverse interview
Get a friend to interview you about your life as if you're 80 years old looking back. This exercise can highlight what you hope to achieve and want to be remembered for. Take turns and then help each other unpack anything that comes up.
💙 Take some time to consider if you can bring purpose into your existing work, or if you need to explore work options that provide room for more purpose. Check out Purposeful Work.
10. Create a purpose journal
Get a blank journal. Dedicate each page to answering profound and silly questions like, "If I were a color, what would I be and why?" or "If I had to teach something, what would it be?" Your answers might surprise you. Journaling is like conversing with your inner self, exploring your thoughts, emotions, and dreams.
💙 Calm’s Mindfulness Journal or The Feelings Journal are great places to begin understanding who you are and what makes your heart sing.
11. Write time travel letters
Write a letter to your past self, your present self, and your future self. What advice would you give? What hopes do you have? If you write to your childhood self, ask them what they thought you should do with your life. These letters can provide a playful yet profound insight into your evolving sense of purpose.
12. Cultivate a gratitude habit
Keeping a gratitude journal is more than a record of daily thank-yous. As you jot down the things you're grateful for, reflect on how each item aligns with what you truly value in life. Over time, you might notice patterns—recurring themes or passions that stand out. These patterns can be valuable clues to what drives you, what makes you feel most alive, and, potentially, what your larger purpose might be.
💙 There are so many ways to practice gratitude! Explore our Daily Gratitude Journal and the 7 Days of Gratitude program to check out some options.
13. Prioritize sleep (so you can be your most creative)
It’s nearly impossible to feel creative when you’re sleep deprived. The better you’re sleeping at night the better you’ll feel during the day. And a rested mind has room to innovate and create.
💙 If winding down at the end of the day feels difficult, press play on one of our Sleep Stories like Why Do We Sleep? with Dr. Matthew Walker.
14. Volunteer you time and talents to support others or a cause you care about
Reflect on your values and strengths, and look beyond yourself to see how you can contribute to the world around you. There’s plenty of fulfillment to be found in making a difference and giving your time and energy to others.
How to find purpose FAQs
Why is it so hard to find your purpose in life?
Finding your purpose can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s challenging because it’s not just about what you want to do but who you want to be. Finding your true path in life can be filled with inner adventure and self-discovery, where self-exploration can guide you to find the things that bring you joy, align with your values, and fuel your passions.
How can you find your purpose in life?
Finding your purpose starts with self-reflection, asking yourself hard questions about what you love, are passionate about, and what brings you fulfillment. It involves exploring different paths, trying new things, and stepping out of your comfort zone to find honest answers from within.
Consider the process like piecing together a puzzle—each represents an aspect of yourself, your interests, values, passions, and dreams. Finding your purpose is about learning, growing, and constantly evolving. And, remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s your unique adventure toward finding what fits your core values.
What is the difference between a goal and a purpose?
Think of a goal as a destination, a specific point you want to reach, like climbing a mountain. It’s tangible, measurable, and has a clear endpoint. Now, consider purpose as your reason for climbing that mountain in the first place. It’s your ‘why,’ the driving force behind your actions. Your purpose is ongoing, and it evolves as you grow and learn. While goals are the milestones you aim to achieve, purpose is the journey and the essence that makes the journey meaningful.
What can you do to try to find your sense of purpose?
People embark on all sorts of journeys to discover their purpose. It’s often about exploring different interests, hobbies, and passions.
Some people like to travel to experience new cultures and gain different perspectives—it can broaden horizons and introduce new understandings and passions. Others volunteer or help those in need to find fulfillment and a sense of purpose in giving back. Seeking mentorship, learning new skills, and pursuing higher education are also paths to consider.
The most important thing is to experiment—experiencing and engaging with the world around you in diverse and meaningful ways can help you in your quest to find what makes your soul sing.
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