Most of us do things because we’re pressured by peers or we think it’s the best for us. But when was the last time you truly felt connected to the moments? Do your tasks go in harmony with your authentic happiness, or do they provide meaning to your life? These might seem like simple questions, but your answers define if you’re living on purpose like you’re supposed to.
Besides creating meaning, having a purpose gives you a sense of direction, from shaping your goals, changing your behavior to making your life decisions. It’s important to understand that everyone has a unique purpose, and that can evolve throughout life as our experiences and priorities change. To better understand what a life purpose is and how to find yours, continue reading.
1. Be with positive people
The company you choose can significantly influence how you shape and perceive your life. These people are not just your family members or co-workers. Take a look at the individuals you choose to speed time with and not those you’re obligated to engage with.
Carefully assess if those people are making positive changes in their lives and if they inspire and motivate you. Surrounding yourself with negativity can make it harder for you to find your life purpose and live it. As much as possible, only keep the company where being purposeful and passionate is easy and natural.
2. Cultivate altruism and gratitude
Fostering a true sense of purpose starts in the behaviors and emotions we choose to cultivate. A life purpose requires a solid emotional foundation. One amazing aspect to focus on is altruism, wherein you practice making selfless and disinterested life choices. Fostering genuine motivation to help others is highly associated with a purposeful and meaningful life. You can start by volunteering your time or donating money to the community.
If there’s altruism, gratitude should also be present. Gratitude can further strengthen your sense of purpose. It cultivates a positive emotion of being thankful and appreciative. Acknowledging the gifts, small or big, that you receive from others can lead to a happy life. Take time to practice gratitude and boost your sense of purpose.
3. Choose your destination
Having a clear vision of where you want to go can guide you in choosing what actions to take. You can visualize it, use affirmations, or set goals. You are also shaping your destination by visualizing different pictures or expressing your preferences.
To help yourself continue exploring the next steps, focus on positive thoughts and images. Negative emotions like fear and doubt can hinder your inner self from going forward. You can also try other practical methods like meditating or creating a vision board. This helps open up your mind to new opportunities, creative ideas, and better internal guidance.
4. Continue learning
Going to school, taking courses, and spending time on training programs are not solely for helping you shape your professional career. These learning opportunities are also valuable for pursuing your life’s purpose.
Continuous learning can help an individual explore new ways to connect with other people and cultures, discover their true passions and skills, and enhance their understanding of the world around them. Find an educational environment like a local charter school where you can start discovering your unique interests and talents. Go to a charter high school focused on providing quality education.
You can also take extra online classes to further your learning. There are now plenty of free and affordable online courses in business, design, literature, photography, or whatever field you prefer. Other ways to foster continuous learning are reading, engaging in hobbies, and interacting with like-minded individuals.
5. Explore your passion
If you want to find your purpose, you need to first find your passion. They go hand in hand. Your passion can be anything, from writing poetry and stories, reading fiction novels, practicing sustainable living, gardening, volunteering, and so on.
Passions are supposed to create differences in your life. They can keep you inspired and motivated or just genuinely happy. Some people often find themselves making a career change to live out their passion, which is fine if you think it’ll bring joy and enrichment to your life. Finding your purpose will be easier once you discover your true drives.
Many individuals are quite hesitant about finding and pursuing their purpose in life. Some think they’ll never get to see it, while others have a hard time understanding life questions and possibilities. Start the journey using our tips here and discover your gifts and how you can use them to help other people.