What’s My Purpose? Questions to Find Your Why

Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “What is my purpose?”

This question can pop up while you’re stuck in traffic, scrolling through social media, or sitting in a quiet coffee shop. It’s one of those big questions that tugs at you until you finally stop and really think about it.

👉 Don’t want to read? You can watch my full breakdown in this YouTube video here:

A lot of people think they’ll find their life’s purpose in some big, dramatic moment, like a movie scene where everything suddenly makes sense. But the truth is, discovering your true purpose is usually a slow, lifelong journey. It’s more like following a trail than arriving at a final destination.

Let’s unpack this together and look at how you can start answering the question: What is my purpose?

Purpose isn’t just a buzzword from motivational speakers. It’s a driving force, a core principle that can guide you through life’s twists and turns. Your purpose is what gives your life direction and meaning. It keeps you going during tough times and helps you celebrate the small wins.

A strong sense of purpose is tied to better mental health, more energy, and even fewer heart attacks. It’s not just some feel-good idea — it’s a powerful tool for living a more meaningful life.

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The First Step to Finding Your Purpose

The first step in answering “what is my purpose” is to pause and take a deep breath. You need to step back from the noise of daily life, social media, and the expectations of others.

Many young people think they have to figure everything out quickly, but purpose isn’t a short-term goal you can cross off a list. It’s more like a journey of self-discovery, one that changes as you do.

Ask yourself some big questions:

• What makes me feel alive?

• What are my core values?

• What kind of positive impact do I want to leave on the world?

These questions aren’t meant to have easy answers. They’re doors that open new possibilities and help you explore different parts of yourself.

Aligning With Your Core Values

Your core values are the foundation of your purpose. They’re the things you believe in deeply — kindness, honesty, growth, freedom, or faith.

If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ (like me), your faith might shape your life purpose and guide your decisions every day.

When your daily actions match your personal values, life feels smoother. You don’t feel like you’re fighting against yourself. Instead, you feel like you’re flowing in the right direction, which builds a deep sense of purpose.

Purpose Isn’t Just About Career

A lot of people confuse purpose with career aspirations or economic success. While your job can be a part of your purpose, it’s not the whole story.

You might find purpose in raising your kids, volunteering for a social justice cause, or caring for an elderly neighbor. Even a gratitude journal, a dance class, or helping in a local volunteer group can reveal parts of your true calling.

It’s easy to get caught up in what other people think you should do. But remember: following the expectations of others often leads to a lack of fulfillment.

Write Your Purpose Statement

A purpose statement is like a personal mission statement. It doesn’t have to be perfect or final. Start small.

Try writing, “My purpose is to [blank] so that [blank].”

For example:
“My purpose is to use my skills to help people live healthier lives so that they can spend more time with their families.”

When you write it down, it helps create a better sense of clarity. You’ll feel a greater clarity and a stronger sense of direction.

Take Small Steps

Once you have an idea of your personal purpose, start taking small steps toward it. You don’t have to quit your job or move across the country tomorrow.

Maybe you join a volunteer group, sign up for a dance class, or start a gratitude journal. These small actions help you test the waters and learn more about what truly lights you up.

Taking action, even in small ways, builds confidence and reveals the next steps on your purpose path.

The Role of Relationships

Relationships can shape your purpose in powerful ways. Spending time with new people, especially those who challenge you to grow, can open up new possibilities.

Talking to a friend, mentor, or even a stranger at a coffee shop might give you different perspectives on life. You might find a new book, a new career path, or a new passion just by opening yourself up to other stories.

Your personal relationship with loved ones or with God can also become a guiding force that helps you find a deeper sense of purpose.

Embracing Hard Work and Failure

Many people avoid exploring what is my purpose because they’re afraid of failing or making the wrong choice. But hard work, mistakes, and setbacks are all part of the process.

Your purpose isn’t a static goal; it’s a living, breathing part of you that evolves. If you try something and it doesn’t feel right, that’s not a failure. It’s feedback that guides you in a new direction.

There are no “wrong answers” when it comes to purpose — only lessons that move you closer to your true self.

Look Beyond Yourself

Purpose often grows stronger when it involves helping others. Making a positive impact on the lives of other people or working to create a better world can give you a reason to get out of bed each morning.

Even small actions, like helping a neighbor or supporting a friend, add up to a life full of meaning.

A central theme in many faith traditions, including Christianity, is serving others. This sense of mission is often what keeps people going, even through tough times.

Purpose and Personal Growth

Your purpose changes as you change. What mattered to you in your twenties might not hold the same weight in your forties or sixties.

Life stages bring different priorities and long-term goals. In early adulthood, you might focus on exploration. Later on, you might care more about leaving a legacy or mentoring others.

Allowing your purpose to change with you is a good thing. It means you’re growing and staying true to your deepest values.

The Power of Reflection

Self-reflection is key in this journey. Take time to journal, meditate, or just sit quietly and think.

Ask yourself:

• Am I living in line with my personal strengths and core principles?

• Am I chasing my real passion, or just following the expectations of others?

• What would I do if I wasn’t afraid of failure?

These questions help you find a greater clarity and build a life that feels authentic.

Avoiding the Comfort Zone

Staying comfortable might feel safe, but it can block you from discovering your true purpose.

Pushing yourself to try new things, meet new people, or learn new skills is a great way to find unexpected passions.

Whether it’s joining a new group, picking up a new hobby, or starting a side project, every step outside your comfort zone is a step toward your true calling.

Purpose and Mental Health

A strong sense of meaning is closely tied to better mental health. People with purpose feel more motivated, more resilient, and often live longer, healthier lives.

When you feel lost or face a big life change — like a career shift, retirement, or a personal loss — revisiting your purpose can help anchor you and keep you steady.

Purpose in Daily Life

Purpose doesn’t always show up as one big mission. It often shines brightest in small, daily choices.

Choosing kindness over anger, listening deeply to a friend, or showing up for a loved one can all be acts of purpose.

It’s in these moments that you live your purposeful life, building a story that feels authentic and rich.

The Influence of Thought Leaders

Authors like Richard Leider have written entire books on the idea of life’s purpose. He often talks about purpose as a combination of your gifts, your passions, and your values, used in service of others.

Reading a good book, attending workshops, or even reading inspiring blog posts can help you explore these ideas further.

Learning from different sources and perspectives helps you refine your purpose, turning big, abstract ideas into real, practical steps.

Faith and Spirituality

For many, faith is a huge part of answering what is my purpose. A personal relationship with God or a higher power can provide guidance and comfort during the search.

Faith can act as a guiding force, helping you focus on what really matters and giving you strength when times get tough.

Your Unique Journey

The question “What is my purpose?” isn’t something you answer once and forget. It’s a question you’ll return to throughout your entire life.

It evolves with you, and that’s okay. There’s no single “right direction,” only the direction that feels true to your heart at each stage.

So take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy the journey.

Whether you’re exploring a new career path, deepening your personal relationships, or simply trying to make the world a better place, every small step brings you closer to your true self.

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