How to find your purpose?

Do you ever wake up and wonder, “why am I doing the things I'm doing?”

• Reflect on Past Moments of Fulfillment
• Identify Your Strengths and Values
• Pay Attention to Curiosity and Pain Points
• Experiment and Explore
• Talk to People You Respect
• Write a Personal Mission Statement
• Give It Time and Space

Finding a purpose in life is a profound and personal journey that can vary greatly from person to person. Some general guidance on discovering your purpose:

Ask:

• When have I felt most alive, energized, or proud?
• What activities make me lose track of time?

Look for patterns—whether it’s helping others, creating things, solving problems, or teaching.

Take stock of:

• Strengths: Skills or qualities others often appreciate in you.
• Values: What principles do you stand by? (e.g. honesty, creativity, justice)

Try writing a list of 5–10 of each, and notice where they align.

• What topics or issues do you naturally explore or care about?
• What problems in the world frustrate or move you deeply?

These emotional signals often point toward purpose.

Take small, low-risk steps to explore different paths:

• Volunteer
• Start a side project
• Shadow someone in a role you’re curious about

Purpose is often discovered through doing, not just thinking.

Conversations with thoughtful friends, mentors, or people who seem fulfilled can offer perspective and spark insights.

Try asking them:

• What gives your life meaning?
• How did you find clarity about what you wanted to do?

Draft a simple sentence like:

“I want to use my [skills] to [impact or serve] by [actions or approach].”

It doesn’t have to be perfect—refine it over time.

Purpose tends to evolve. Treat it as a direction, not a destination. Check in with yourself regularly and be open to change.