Living a life of purpose can make us feel more fulfilled and happy in life. However, finding our passions can be a difficult task. When you find yourself directionless and without purpose try asking yourself the following questions.

What makes you lose track of time?

What activities make you forget to eat? What puts you in a ‘flow’ state? When we are completely engrossed in an activity it can bring about a sense of purpose as we are usually trying to meet a certain goal and do not want to stop until the goal is achieved. These type of activities are the ones we enjoy the most and feel are achievable yet challenging.

What problem in the world can you not stand?

What kind of suffering makes you most uncomfortable? See if you can use your passions to solve these problems in the world. Perhaps you cannot bear to see instances of child abuse, or you can’t stand that world hunger exists. You can volunteer to improve these situations. When we spend our time making the world a better place we can feel more fulfilled and as though our existence has a meaningful purpose.

What are you willing to sacrifice for?

Nothing in life worth having ever comes easy. So, what are you willing to suffer for? If you’ve always wanted to write a novel but putting in the hours is too excruciating for you perhaps making that your purpose is not the best idea. However, if you are driven to tell stories even though you may have to wake up an hour or two earlier than usual, then that may be your true passion. The joy you get from the activity must be greater than the suffering it causes.

What would make your younger self proud?

If your younger self knew you were doing _____ with your life, how would they feel? What would they be proud of you for? Usually, our passions lie in our childhood interest. However, expectations often steer us away from our passions. Getting back in touch with your younger self can help reignite your soul purpose.

If we lived in a moneyless world, how would you spend your time?

Say money was not an issue, what would you spend your time doing? (Other than consuming – so, excluding reading, watching tv or playing video games). What would you put out into the world? What service could you provide that would make your days worth it?

What do others appreciate about you?

What have other people praised you for? Although it isn’t always right to base your purpose on what other people think, it can help you figure out what others find of value in you. It can help you figure out what you’re good at and how others perceive your gifts,

What kind of people do you like being around?

What would your ideal group of friends be like? Would you like an artsy friend? Musical friends? Technical friends? Having a sense of community is very important for a meaningful life. Figuring out the kind of people you like being around can help you figure out your own passions. We are usually quite similar to the kinds of people we like, so if you are drawn to a certain kind of person perhaps you possess some of their qualities yourself.

Who do you most admire?

Who are your heroes? What do they do? What do you admire about them? The people we look up to can inform us of your own values and what qualities we hold in a high regard. Your heroes can help you figure out what kind of people you find important which can, in turn, help you figure out what kind of person you want to be.

In conclusion:

After asking yourself these 8 questions, see if you can find a common pattern in your answers and it will be likely your passion resides among that pattern. Spending your life doing what you enjoy and what you find important is the best way to live purposefully.

Leave a comment telling me about your passions and life purpose! I’d love to hear what drives you.

16 thoughts on “How to Find Your Purpose”

  4. I’ve never thought about it this way. Like I’ve never taken anything in account i usually get very insecure and depressed. I would do nothing to change my position I’d just stay in bed crying and stuff. thank you:)

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  9. Great article on the purpose of life, I often ponder this question too and never get to the real purpose of life. This article is making me question different aspects of my life in the search of my purpose.

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  10. This is a really lovely post. I did this type of exercise quite recently, although based on a goal building exercise I read in Angela Duckworth’s ‘Grit’ (awesome read). My purpose is “to live a joyful, healthy and inspiring life, empowering people to create change in their lives and businesses.” Some of that’s gonna take time … but other parts, I can live every day should I choose to. Super article.

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  11. I am an aspirant of competitive examination. When I failed the exam, I thought there is nothing to live for except for my blood relations. Then, I tried to heal my self through pursuance of different passions, activities and indulgence into learning different works. Im more fulfilled and satisfied now. So, yes sometimes we do need to direct ourselves towards happiness and those door that shine light upon us.

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  13. I appreciate you liking my post about what we think about! Like the others have said, this is a great post, with questions that can guide you in search for a meaningful life – I know I sure am! I really liked this one:
    “However, expectations often steer us away from our passions. Getting back in touch with your younger self can help reignite your soul purpose.” I am a total 180 from who I used to be. They’re parts of me, but after my diagnoses, I notice I’m much different. So for me this is a regular practice. I was told by my counselor to write down some goals. I was feeling particularly down, so they are simple. I listed, quiet, independent, curious and self-reliant. But like this article expresses, we can find meaning through so many ways. I will admit I often get very passionate about something, then it loses its appeal to me after closer evaluation. Usually, it’s career-related. But I am attracted to curious, confident and creative people – and this came out of using the exercises in this post – so I think it may help to narrow down my diverse interests and find my purpose. Thank you so much for this!

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