4 Steps to finding your Purpose
Finding your purpose entails a deep and personal journey of introspection to help discover who you really are at your core, what makes you, YOU! Which leads you to uncover the reason why you do what you do, your decisions, actions, and priorities, thereby, giving meaning to your life.
Ikigai is a Japanese word that succinctly captures how to identify your purpose in life. It encapsulates the satisfaction and fulfillment we find in doing what we love. It is that place where what you love and what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can make money from all intersect.
Our quest for purpose is deeply rooted in our psychological and emotional fabric. A life that is lived with purpose is one that is filled with lots of happiness, motivation and overall well being. Walking in our purpose provides us with the motivation we need to reach our full potential in life which unlocks the profound satisfaction we seek. When we are able to align our lives with our purpose we are able to find meaning in our everyday lives.
Retrace your Steps
Retracing your steps involves self-reflection. This entails taking time to reflect on your values, beliefs, life experiences. Consider what activities or moments bring you the most joy. Those things that they make you light up and bring you fulfillment, and a sense of meaning.
Sit with yourself and ask yourself the tough questions. What causes resonate with me deeply? Explore your passion, hobbies and interests. Also review what your strengths and talent are. What kind of impact do you want to make in the world? What legacy do you want to leave behind? All of the answers to these questions will help point you in the direction of what your purpose is.
Connect the dots
Establish a pattern with what has been uncovered above. This helps you set what your values and principles are. As you connect the dot it leads you to identify what your WHY is. Your WHY gives you clarity on what your motivation is. You understand what drives you. Experiment with different activities and opportunities to gain clarity. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust your goals as you learn more about yourself and what brings you fulfillment.
Consider what kind of lifestyle and environment support your values and aspirations. Are there changes you need to make to live more aligned with your purpose? Engage with mentors, friends, or community members who inspire and support you. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives on your strengths and potential path. Seek feedback on your progress and ideas. An outside perspective can offer new ways of thinking or highlight blind spots you may have overlooked.
Connect with your Source
The quest for purpose often feels elusive in our fast-paced world. We search for meaning everywhere else but where we should. We get caught up chasing our career, fame, money, hoping external successes will fill the void within. In contrast, true purpose is not found in the external but within.
Inner voice has been described as one’s subconscious, gut feeling, universal guidance, your God. It is that inner voice that often gives you direction in life. The light on your path! Finding your purpose begins with listening to your inner voice. This voice is often drowned out by the noise of our daily lives and societal expectations. To hear it, we must cultivate silence and stillness. These moments of stillness help us connect with our inner selves, revealing insights about our true desires and aspirations. Your anchor and source always keep you grounded and will be an anchor during rough times.
Connect with your background
Your background is your identity. Connecting with your background can be a powerful way to find your purpose. It is being in tune with your roots, your culture, traditions which have shaped you and your identity. Here are steps to help you find your purpose through cultural connection. Reflect on significant events, milestones, and challenges in your life. Consider how these experiences have influenced your values, beliefs, and interests. Tap into those and if you need to unlearn some biases that could potentially hinder your liberation we encourage you to get rid of those to enable you tap into your full potential.
While on the journey to find your purpose, remember, there’s no right or wrong way. Stay true to yourself, be patient, trust yourself and trust the process, and most importantly make sure to enjoy the journey!