In a world bustling with opportunities and challenges, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos and lose sight of your purpose. Or maybe you’ve never had a genuine opportunity to get in touch with your purpose. In any case, it has been my repeated observation that understanding your “why” is essential for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. And that’s truly what we’re all about here at Coach Lindsey. Whether you’re navigating your career, relationships, or professional development, having a clear sense of purpose can guide your decisions and actions. But a task like “finding purpose” feels daunting, impossible even, so where might you even start? Here’s some ideas I have…
Reflect on Your Values
Time and time again when I’m working with clients, we find that what authentically lights them up is whenever the conversation touches on the things that matter most at their core. On this journey to find purpose, starting by identifying your core values will go a long way to developing the clarity you need. What principles do you hold dear, and what beliefs shape your worldview? Consider your personal and professional life, and pinpoint the values that consistently guide your decisions. Aligning your actions with your values is a powerful way to live authentically and in harmony with your true self.
Explore Your Passions
Carve out dedicated time for introspection. Reflect on the interests and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. What are the things that you lose track of time doing? Your passions often hold clues to your purpose. Whether it’s a hobby, a cause, or a particular skill, paying attention to what genuinely excites you can lead you to your why. You might even think about experimenting with new hobbies, even some that you may not have considered before. For purposes of career transitions, Dr. Herminia Ibarra[1] advises a process of exploring “possible selves,” but undertaking this process may be more broadly applicable to uncovering your “why.” The notion of possible selves acknowledges that, as humans, we are no one thing – many identities co-exist that form our whole selves. We have got to stop boxing ourselves in and give ourselves the freedom to imagine something more.
Analyze Your Strengths and Talents
Your unique strengths and talents can provide valuable insights into your purpose. Identify the skills that come naturally to you, and consider how you can leverage them to make a positive impact on the world. Think about the times in your life you’ve felt most successful. What talents were you leaning into to manifest that experience? Your purpose often aligns with your innate abilities, allowing you to excel and find fulfillment in what you do.
Assess Your Impact
Think about the kind of impact you want to have on the world and the people around you. What positive change do you aspire to create? What do you want to be remembered for? Whether it’s fostering connections, serving and inspiring others, or solving problems, understanding the impact you want to make can reveal your deeper purpose. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for feedback on your strengths and the positive impact you’ve had on their lives. Sometimes, others see aspects of ourselves that we might overlook. Their insights can provide valuable clues to your strengths and purpose.
Embrace Growth and Learning
Personal growth is a continuous journey. Embrace opportunities for learning and self-discovery. Attend workshops, read books, and engage in conversations that challenge your perspectives. The more you learn about yourself and the world, the clearer your sense of purpose may become.
Visualize Your Ideal Life
Take time to envision your ideal life in vivid detail. What does success look like for you? How do you spend your days, and with whom? Creating a mental image of your ideal life can help you clarify your values and priorities, leading you to your true purpose. You might even find value in transforming that mental image into something tangible by creating a vision board. You can do this with physical objects such as using magazines to cut out words and images that align with your vision or adding personal touches such as photos, your own artwork, or artifacts from meaningful experiences and arranging them into a collage. There are also a variety of digital tools that you could use to craft your vision board.
Uncovering your why is a transformative journey that requires introspection, exploration, and an openness to growth. Remember, the journey is what matters, so embrace the process of self-discovery with curiosity and an open heart.
[1]Ibarra, H. (2023). Working identity: Unconventional strategies for reinventing your career. Harvard Business Review: Boston