All of us have probably experienced a time where we felt stuck in one place, unsure and unable to move forward. Or maybe, we have achieved everything we were supposed to - graduating from university, getting a job, etc - and yet, there is a sense of dissatisfaction. It is probably because we did not have a strong sense of purpose that was driving our actions. Our purpose acts as our own internal compass. No matter the circumstances, our purpose will guide us back to the right path.
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to be so secure in their lives? How are they able to lead with such conviction? It is probably because they had a strong sense of purpose. More than just a cliché, having a sense of purpose can actually lead to better mental and physical well-being.
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
In the current COVID-19 pandemic, much of our lives have come to an abrupt halt and it seems like things may not go back to the way it was originally. Without a sense of purpose, it can feel like we are literally being buffeted by the winds and we are just letting things happen to us. As humans, we are wired to seek meaning by making sense out of chaos. Our purpose can let us do this easily. It gives us an internal locus of control. As a result, we are always in charge of our actions, even during times when we cannot control our situation.
Many of us may find purpose through religion and spiritual healing, but there are those of us who cannot do so. In such cases, we can seek meaning through actions that are important to us. The truth is that we do not have an infinite amount of time to do all the things that we want to do. Consequently, we need to reflect on what is truly important and meaningful for us so that we can maximize our time on those things. It also explains why even if we did accomplish certain goals, we still do not find meaning in them because it does not align with our purpose.
If you are feeling a little lost and don't know how to find your purpose. Ask yourself these 3 questions.
What do I love to do?
What are the qualities that I want to put out to the world?
What are the things/activities/skills that excite me?
As you write down the answers to these questions, you will be able to detect commonalities in all of them. From there, you can create your 'mission statement' and align your goals to them. It is important to note that having a sense of purpose does not mean that you will not face hardships. It just helps you become stronger in the face of adversity because of your unwavering belief in what you want to accomplish.
It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something. - Winston Churchill
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