Your life purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life—the reasons you get up in the morning.
Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning.
For some people, purpose is connected to vocation—meaningful, satisfying work. For others, their purpose lies in their responsibilities to their family or friends. Others seek meaning through spirituality or religious beliefs. Some people may find their purpose clearly expressed in all central motivating aims these aspects of life.
Purpose will be unique for everyone; what you identify as your path may central motivating aims be different from others. What’s more, your purpose can actually shift and change throughout life in response to the evolving priorities and fluctuations of your own experiences.
Questions that may come up when you reflect upon your life purpose are:
- Who am I?
- Where do I belong?
- When do I feel fulfill?
Some people feel hesitant about pursuing their life purpose because they worry.
However, true purpose is about recognizing your own gifts and central motivating aims using them to contribute. The world—whether those gifts are playing beautiful music for others to enjoy. Helping friends solve problems, or simply bringing more joy into the lives of those around you.
Richard Leider, a nationally-ranked coach and purpose expert, says that “genuine purpose points to the end of a self-absorbe. Self-serving relationship to life.” When your authentic purpose becomes clear, you will be able to share it with the whole world.