Is finding your purpose in life still relevant?
So much has been written about finding one’s life purpose. A plethora of articles appeared when I did a Google search and many well-known authors have written about purpose. As stated by Adam Grant, “Purpose is the ultimate source of momentum. It’s not just about succeeding, it’s about feeling that you’re adding value. Purpose is the most powerful way we can prevent languishing, unlock our potential, and maintain peak performance.” Is finding your life purpose still relevant? I think the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
But first, what is Purpose? The definition per Dictionary.com is “the reason for which something exists.” We were made for a specific reason, for a purpose. In some cases, your purpose might be a calling. A person who has a love of learning and sharing that with children might be called to be a teacher. In other cases, your purpose might be more general. My life purpose is to help people live their best lives. I know that sounds trite. However, as I look back on my career choices, the two industries I have worked in, healthcare and higher education, have the purpose of helping people. As a finance professional, I was not directly caring for patients nor was I teaching students but all the things I was responsible for directly impacted those people. I gained energy and was connected to them by providing excellent services in support of the mission of the organizations I worked for. Now, as a life coach, I am directly assisting my clients in achieving their goals. In doing this, I feel happy, satisfied, and content because my clients will be living their best lives.
How do you know if you aren’t living your purpose? You might find yourself in a place you did not intend to be, such as an unfulfilling job. You might have feelings of disconnection, drifting, or longing for something else. What to do if this is the case? The answers can be found by asking and answering the following questions.
What or who do I care about the most?
What causes me to be concerned?
What outcome am I looking for from my daily work?
What activity do I look forward to?
At the end of the day, what satisfies me and makes me smile?
Now let’s think through an example.
What do I care about the most? “That all families have adequate nutritional food.”
What causes me to be concerned? “Food Deserts in the inner city.”
What outcome am I looking for from my daily work? “Increased food resources in the city.”
What activity do I look forward to? This could have several answers. “Drafting legislation that would bring more grocery stores to the inner city.” “Starting a non-profit that sources leftover food from corporate cafeterias for distribution to families.” “Owning a farm that grows produce that can be donated to families in need.”
At the end of the day, what satisfies me and makes me smile? “Families eating nutritional meals three times per day.”
Sometimes your life’s purpose might be very specific and personal, such as caring for an elderly parent so that they can live a safe and comfortable end of life or making sure your children get to college because you never did. Living your purpose in life can lead to fulfillment, satisfaction, and happiness and for those reasons, remains relevant.