A lot of us don’t have it all figured out either.
Another 40% either claim neutrality on the subject or say they don’t.
Finding your purpose in life is more than a cliche.
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Feeling like what you do is worthwhile is arguably a significant key to a happy life.
Volunteering and surrounding yourself with positive people is one way to discover your purpose.
In many cases, purpose isn’t something you find, it’s something you create.
Why Do You Need a Sense of Purpose?
So the good news is, you dont have to choose between having wealth and living a meaningful life.
You might find that the more purpose you feel, the more money youll earn.
The givers in relationships reported having a purposeful life more often than takers did.
Listen to Feedback
Sometimes, it can be hard to recognize the things you feel passionate about.
Fortunately, other people might be able to give you some insight.
Theres a good chance youre already displaying your passion and purpose to those around you without even realizing it.
Or you might take note when someone pays you a compliment or makes an observation about you.
Write those observations down and look for patterns.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
As the saying goes, you are the company you keep.
What do you have in common with the people who you choose to be around?
Don’t think about co-workers or family members you feel obligated to see.
Think about the people you choose to spend time with outside of work and outside of family functions.
The people you surround yourself with say something about you.
If you’re surrounded by people who are making positive changes, you might draw from their inspiration.
Instead, take the time to talk to the people around you.
Ask them if they are working on any projects or what they like to do for fun.
You might discover new activities to explore or different places to visit.
And those activities might be key to helping you find your purpose.
Are you regularly sharing articles about climate change or refugees?
Consider the conversations you enjoy holding with people the most when youre meeting face-to-face.
Do you like talking about history?
Or do you prefer sharing the latest money-saving tips you discovered?
Is there anything that makes you so deeply unhappy to think about that it bothers you to the core?
It might be animal welfare, a particular civil rights issue or childhood obesity organizations.
You don’t necessarily have to engage in your purpose full-time.
You might find your career allows you to afford to help a cause you feel passionate about.
Do you absolutely love musical theater?
Consider what pop in of skills, talents, and passions you bring to the table.
Then, brainstorm how you might turn your passion into something meaningful to you.
How Do You Know You’ve Found Your Purpose?
It can be alifelong journey, and you must do it only one step at a time.
But how do you know when you’ve found your purpose?
You also might find that your purpose changes over time.
Ultimately, you’ve likely found your purpose if you’ve stopped asking whether you have.
Takeaways
Keep in mind your purpose doesnt necessarily mean you have to change what youre doing already.
If you cut hair, you might decide your purpose in life is to help others feel beautiful.
If not, you’re able to change course.
Sometimes, that road to finding your purpose has a few curves, forks, and stop lights.
Khullar D.Finding Purpose for a Good Life.
But Also a Healthy One.The New York Times.The Upshot.
2017 Sep 22;17(1):736. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4709-6].BMC Public Health.
2017;18(1):8.
Published 2017 Jul 11. doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8
