Finding Your Life Purpose
Have you ever felt a sense of unease, a nagging feeling that something is missing from your life? You might be searching for your life purpose.
In this second blog post, I would like to share one of the things that coaching could help you with: finding your life purpose. In this guide, we'll explore what life purpose means, why it matters, and practical ways to discover your own purpose.
What is Life Purpose?
The term 'Life Purpose' can sometimes feel overwhelming. We often think of figures like Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, or Yvon Chouinard (the Patagonia founder who famously gave away his company to a trust dedicated to environmental causes) – individuals who left indelible marks on the world through their dedication and lifelong commitment to a higher purpose.
Don't let the examples of these extraordinary figures intimidate you. Life purpose doesn't have to be grand or world-changing. It's simply about finding a sense of meaning and fulfillment in your everyday life. It's about aligning your values and passions with your actions, whether it’s making the perfect cup of coffee for yourself every morning, being the calm presence in others' chaotic moments, connecting with your community through home-cooked meals, or simply bringing joy to those around you through sharing dad jokes.
Why Life Purpose Matters?
Living with a sense of purpose offers numerous benefits.
Guiding Principle for Decision-Making: Our life purpose serves as a compass, helping you navigate important life decisions with clarity and conviction. When faced with choices, you can ask yourself, "Does this align with my core purpose?”
Source of Motivation and Resilience: Research consistently shows that individuals with a strong sense of purpose exhibit greater resilience when experiencing adversity. (Source: Schaefer, S. M., Morozink Boylan, J., van Reekum, C. M., Lapate, R. C., Norris, C. J., Ryff, C. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2013). Purpose in life predicts better emotional recovery from negative stimuli.) Life purpose provides an internal drive, helping you overcome challenges and persevere toward your goals, even during difficult times.
Enhanced Well-being and Fulfillment: Studies have demonstrated a strong link between a sense of purpose and increased life satisfaction, happiness, and overall well-being. (Source: Lang, F. R., & Carstensen, L. L. (2002). Social motivation in adulthood: The importance of purpose in life.) Living in alignment with your purpose can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life experience.
How to Discover Your Life Purpose?
Finding your life purpose is not a destination, but a journey of self-discovery. Here are a few key practices to help you on your path:
Visioning: Visioning can be as simple as closing your eyes and envisioning your ideal life. Here are some creative prompts to get you started:
You are of an advanced, mature age, and your family and many of your closest friends have come together to celebrate YOU. What are people thanking you for? What impacts have you had? What are the common themes or threads you’re hearing?
You’ve been given a billboard and can put any message you want on it. Thousands of people will drive by and see your billboard each day, and be changed by your words. What does it say?
Imagine you're piloting a rocket ship to an uninhabited planet. This is your chance to create a new world. How will you shape it? What kind of society will you build? What lasting impact will you leave?
Powerful Questions: Ask yourself these thought-provoking questions:
What are you longing for?
What is the dream here?
Who are you when you are on purpose?
Where do you feel that in your body?
What brings you joy and fulfillment?
What makes you feel most alive?
Reflection: Reflection is a powerful tool for self-discovery. By regularly examining your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you can gain valuable insights into your values, passions, and motivations. You can practice reflection either through journaling, or meditation. When you reflect on yourselves, focus on below aspects:
Review your life's peak experiences
Identify patterns in activities that bring you joy
Consider feedback from others about your strengths
Finding your life purpose is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing exploration, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Remember, your purpose is unique to you. There is no single right answer, and it's okay if your purpose evolves and changes over time. Embrace the journey, trust your intuition, and don't be afraid to experiment and explore new possibilities. If you're ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and unlock your full potential, I'm here to support you. Schedule a chat with me today and let's explore how coaching can help you find and live a life of purpose.
