Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions of life without a clear sense of direction? Finding your life’s purpose is about more than simply defining your career or personal goals; it’s about discovering what truly fulfills you and gives your life meaning.
Studies show that a sense of purpose impacts your overall health and wellbeing by contributing to a longer, healthier and happier life. One study in Illinois examined more than 900 community members in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The research showed that individuals with a strong sense of purpose had lower mortality rates and were at reduced risk for diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
The findings revealed that knowing one’s “why” makes a person more likely to make healthier choices, build meaningful relationships and experience greater life satisfaction.
Impact on your wellbeing
Here is how a clear sense of purpose positively influences both mental and physical wellbeing:
- Reduces stress and anxiety. Focusing on a meaningful goal makes you less likely to get caught up in minor daily frustrations because you better understand the big picture.
- Encourages resilience. Purpose-driven people tend to handle setbacks with greater ease, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Making a mistake or facing “failure” is simply another learning opportunity.
- Enhances motivation. When you have something to strive toward, you’re more likely to take proactive steps toward personal and professional fulfillment.
- Promotes healthy lifestyle choices. As studies reveal, people with a purpose are more likely to exercise, eat healthily and maintain strong social connections.
Taking steps toward your purpose
Recognize that you are not alone if you don’t know your purpose right now. There is no magic spell that can be cast or potion that can be prescribed. Finding your purpose is a journey that takes time, and you must engage in the process. Here are some steps to help guide you:
- Self-reflection. This first step is vital and requires you to pause your busy life and find quiet moments to think about all the best parts of yourself. You can’t know what you must do to fulfill your purpose if you don’t take time to assess your passions, strengths and values. What excites you? What are you naturally good at? What causes bring you joy? What activities make you lose track of time?
- Explore and experiment. Examine your life with curiosity and openness. Your purpose likely won’t be clear right away. Try new hobbies, volunteer or take up a new challenge. Exposure to different experiences can help you uncover what truly resonates with you.
- Listen to your inner voice. Pay attention to the moments when you feel most alive. Note moments where you recognize unsupportive or toxic atmospheres or relationships. These can offer valuable clues about what truly matters to you.
- Seek meaningful connections. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you. Sometimes, having conversations with like-minded individuals can spark new insights.
- Serve others. Many people find their purpose through helping others. Consider ways to contribute to your community, whether through mentorship, charity work or simply offering support to those in need.
Evolution over time
As you work toward finding your purpose, embrace change. Understand that your purpose might very well evolve over time. Life experiences, personal growth and new perspectives can shift your passions and goals. This is completely OK. No one’s purpose must be set in stone.
What fulfills you at age 20 will likely be vastly different from what drives you at age 50. Let life events such as career changes, travel and relationships influence your sense of purpose. Being open to these changes allows you to continuously align your actions with your evolving values and aspirations.
Remember that finding your life’s purpose is not about having a single, definitive answer but instead about continuously exploring what makes you feel fulfilled and your life meaningful. When you take intentional steps to examine your values and passions and embrace change while staying true to yourself, you can create a life that benefits you and positively impacts those around you.
Source: SupportLinc EAP