The Journey Of Finding Purpose: Uncovering The Why
Are you feeling lost in the world? Like you’re aimlessly wandering through life with no direction? Fear not, my friend! Taking action steps towards finding your purpose is hard work. First, take a deep breath and grab a snack (we all think better on a full stomach, right?).
As we go through life, we often have that nagging question: “Have I found my purpose in life?” or “Why am I still searching for it?” As a fellow traveler on this journey, I assure you, you are not alone. The quest to uncover our “why” does not have a definitive endpoint but rather an ongoing voyage of self-discovery.
Searching for purpose and fulfillment, we ask ourselves: “What is my purpose?”, “What am I meant to do in this world?”, “Am I on the right track?” These questions can be daunting and overwhelming.
Our Search for Purpose: The Eternal Dilemma
Understanding the reason behind our actions, the motivation for our work, and the purpose behind our existence has been a central theme of human nature since time immemorial. Philosophers and mindfulness gurus alike claim that knowing our purpose is key to our well-being, satisfaction, and, ultimately, success. Chasing the elusive “why” in our lives can lead us to feel confused or even lost.
My Eternal Dilemma
I grew up already completely brainwashed with the “have-a-traditional-career” thing, which was intended to make me make informed decisions about my life and work.
My parents are not the kind of “cool mom and dad” that would have supported me in achieving my aspirations in the creative world. Definitely, not the kind of parents that someone will thank at the Grammys or even the Pulitzer ceremony.
I have been searching for a long time for something that can connect me with myself on a deeper level. I am looking for something that is meaningful for me as a whole, not just within the context of two or three roles that I have. Not just a daughter, a student, or an Ivy League-educated professional.
What I think I know
Often when I discuss this topic with others, they ask the complicated question of “What makes me happy?” I’m curious how many of them truly know their own answers.
I don’t have a straight answer, to be clear, but here are some things I think it entails:
It requires a lot of introspection and self-reflection
Is more than just a career or job – very usually is not
It is rooted in my values, beliefs, and passions, and what really matters to me
The journey
Embarking on the trek toward discovering your true self is a personal and unique experience. I’m not an expert at all. Nevertheless, consider these personal findings, just in case.
Know your values: Understanding your guiding principles helps you align your values with your passions
Reflect on past experiences: Look back on moments of pure joy or achievement in your life and try to identify what aspects of those experiences resonated most with you.
Discover your strengths: Knowing your strengths and focusing on them can steer you in the right direction.
Experiment and experience: it takes a bit of trial and error.
Connect with others: Seek guidance from mentors, friends, or family
Embrace it: New Experiences
At the end of the day, finding purpose in life is both intimidating and rewarding. Pursuing your passions, discovering what is most important to you, and making strides toward achieving your goals can be exhausting, but I’m sure it is worth it in the end.
If you stick to the same old routine every day, you might as well just strap yourself in and press repeat for the rest of your life. Some new opportunities and experiences might just be what the doctor ordered.
And no, I don’t mean signing up for a bungee jumping session – I actually tried.
It could be something as simple as trying a new restaurant, taking a road trip to a nearby town, or even picking up a new hobby.
Pursue new opportunities and endeavors. Embrace changes to help you widen your perspective.
No matter how much fear or uncertainty you may feel along the way, remind yourself that you are choosing your own path and taking control of your life.
So, go ahead, try something new – who knows, it might just become your new favorite thing.
And if you think someone in your circle might appreciate this post, don’t hesitate to share it with them.
BTW – remember the lyrics from that awesome Aerosmith song? “Life’s a journey, not a destination?”