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The honest truth? I almost didn’t write this article. Because here’s the thing about purpose—it’s not something you find in a listicle. I know that. You probably know that too. And yet, there’s something in us that keeps searching for the concrete steps, the actionable advice, the thing we can do right now that will make the fog lift. I get it. I’ve been there, staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wondering if everyone else got a roadmap I somehow missed. So while I can’t hand you your purpose wrapped in a bow, I can offer you something real: ten practices that have helped me and hundreds of others I’ve worked with actually move forward. Not arrive—but move. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke at an event about finding your life’s work and how finding it can change everything. But I had to give this disclaimer:
This process takes a long time. Though I’m going to give you a foundation for thinking about your life’s work and some tools to get you started, you have to be patient. It’s a journey to be taken, not a problem to be solved.
Finding your purpose is a journey of identity formation that involves discovering who you are and what you have to offer the world. It’s not a problem to be solved quickly but rather a long-term process of self-discovery that unfolds through intentional exploration, reflection, and experimentation with different paths and possibilities.
Finding your purpose is a journey of identity formation that involves discovering who you are and what you have to offer the world. It’s not a problem to be solved quickly but rather a long-term process of self-discovery that unfolds through intentional exploration, reflection, and experimentation with different paths and possibilities.
Finding more passion, more purpose, and more meaning in your work and life is a process of identity formation. It’s a process of discovering more of who you are and what you have to offer the world. As you embark on this journey of self-discovery, it’s essential to embrace both your strengths and vulnerabilities, allowing them to guide you toward fulfilling experiences. Making space for your passion involves not only identifying what ignites your enthusiasm but also prioritizing time and resources to nurture those interests. By doing so, you create an environment where your true identity can flourish, propelling you toward a more enriched and purposeful life.
It’s not a problem to be solved simply, and it can’t be found in quick quizzes, a single blog post, or even a whole book. It’s something that you learn and discover over time.
The challenge with any large undertaking like this is that it can be overwhelming. And we can be impatient. Where do you start? What can you do now to actually make a difference?
There is a lot that you can do. You can even start on it today. You can start right now, in fact— if you have a few more minutes.
Here are 10 things you can do right now to find your purpose:
1.) Read a book about finding your purpose. 2.) Do a life-review process. 3.) Even better, create a monthly review habit. 4.) Do a 360-degree feedback process. 5.) Read more blogs about meaning (start by subscribing to this one and also check out these others). 6.) Write your stories. 7.) Write a letter to your younger self. 8.) Invest in one-on-one Meaning Sessions. 9.) Read our Guide to Finding Purpose —which lays out a process for you to follow. 10.) Read the Meaning Manifesto: Six Foundational Truths for Work Worth Doing (it’s free).
Wait!!! Don’t stop now!
Before you navigate away and get back to life as usual, this list is not worth much if you don’t take some action. So, I want to challenge you right now to choose to take action.
Pick one item from this list that you will do and share it with your network. Include a link to this post so others can join in.
Why share it? Because of the conversations that it can invite. If a friend sees that you’re taking action to find purpose, he or she may be inclined to have a conversation about it. The more conversations you have, the more your community will be a part of this process with you, which is important.
Choose an action step, share it, and then go do it!
PS- Comment and tell us what you chose to do.
How long does it take to find your purpose?
Finding your purpose is a long-term journey, not a quick fix. It’s a process of identity formation that unfolds over months and years as you explore, experiment, and reflect on what brings you meaning and fulfillment.
Can you find your purpose through a quiz or test?
No single quiz, test, or blog post can reveal your purpose. While assessments can provide helpful insights, finding your purpose requires ongoing exploration, self-reflection, and real-world experimentation with different paths and possibilities.
What’s the first step to finding your purpose?
Start by identifying a few areas or topics that genuinely interest you, then commit to exploring them through reading, conversation, and hands-on experimentation. The key is to take action rather than waiting for clarity to arrive on its own.
Is finding your purpose the same as finding your passion?
Purpose and passion are related but distinct. Passion often refers to what excites you, while purpose connects to how you can use your strengths and interests to contribute something meaningful to others and the world.
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