Transform Your Life: How To Find Your Purpose

Hey Hey, lovely readers!

Today, I want to delve into a topic that’s close to my heart—what is your purpose. The hustle and bustle of daily life––striving for success, ticking off goals, and meeting deadlines––can make us feel as if we are making progress and achieving success. 

But have you ever paused to ask yourself, “What is my purpose? Why do I do what I do?” If not, let’s take that pause together now.

Discovering Your “Why”

Your “why” is the core reason you exist. It’s your personal mission, the purpose that gives your life context and meaning. When we define our “why,” we gain clarity about our actions and decisions. 

Our purpose is the foundation upon which our lives are built. Without it, our efforts can feel scattered and devoid of deeper significance. Keep in mind success does not automatically equate to fulfillment. 

We can be at the top of our game and still long for a deeper purpose and meaning that remains unmet. 

My “why” is to help you grow a fierce faith, build your dreams, and ultimately love your life! That mission is why I love what I do—whether that’s speaking at a conference, writing my latest book, doing one-on-one business coaching, or interviewing a guest for my podcast!

To discover your own “why,” start by reflecting on what brings you joy and deeply motivates you. 

How Do You Know Your Purpose

Discovering your purpose involves more than setting goals; it’s about overcoming obstacles and taking decisive action, as noted by Marina Milyavskaya from Carleton University. 

She explains that while many people begin with good intentions when striving towards goals or changing behaviors, these intentions often falter before translating into action. 

• Temptation: Any temptation that hinders us from achieving our objectives becomes a significant impediment—whether it’s the allure of junk food sabotaging our commitment to healthy eating or the distractions of smartphones diverting our focus from study or work.

• Obstacles: Obstacles vary in difficulty and perception from person to person and are influenced by factors such as personality traits, the specific nature of the goals pursued, and the intensity of personal desires. 

• Motivation: Successfully navigating these challenges requires understanding as we harness the type of motivation driving us. 

The Carleton study distinguishes between two types of motivation crucial to goal attainment: “Want-to” motivation, which is driven by internal factors like personal significance, interest, or alignment with our values, serves as a powerful force for transforming intention into meaningful action toward uncovering our purpose.

Unveiling Your Passion: The Power Behind What Drives Your Soul

1. Consider passions, activities, or causes that you are naturally drawn to and energized by. 
2. Next, assess your strengths by identifying what you excel at, both from your perspective and through feedback from friends and mentors. Ask them what they see as your unique talents and contributions. 
3. Combining these insights will help you uncover your purpose and direction. 

Our purpose is often our calling. Forbes puts it this way: “A calling chooses you (you don’t choose it) and it won’t let go. It compels you to contribute, achieve and serve in ways that you often would never have initially imagined.”

Navigating Your ‘How’: Keys To Find Your Purpose

Once you understand your “why,” the next step is figuring out “how” you will live. 

This involves setting the rules or principles by which you’ll conduct yourself. Your “how” is about showing up in the world:

Your standards of behavior.

The way you interact with others.

The principles that guide your life. 

It’s about consistency and integrity, ensuring that your actions align with your deeper purpose.

Living Your Purpose

For women, living your “how” is an empowering journey of embracing your authentic self.

• It starts with defining the values that are non-negotiable for you. These principles will guide your decisions and actions, helping you navigate through life with confidence and grace.

• Your “how” is reflected in the way you treat others, respond to challenges, and celebrate successes. It’s about being consistent in your actions, showing up with integrity, and being true to your word.

• It means being kind and compassionate yet strong and resilient. It’s about creating boundaries that honor your needs and aspirations while fostering healthy relationships.
• Living your “how” also involves being intentional with your time and energy. Prioritize what truly matters to you and let go of what doesn’t serve your purpose. Surround yourself with supportive and inspiring individuals who uplift you and whose values align with yours.

Remember, your “how” is not about perfection but about authenticity. 

It’s about making choices that resonate with your inner truth and reflect your deepest values. As you live your “how,” you become a beacon of inspiration for others, showing that it’s possible to live a life of purpose, passion, and integrity.

Discovering Your ‘What’–Keys to Knowing Your Purpose

Finally, we get to the “what”—the tangible goals and outcomes you want to achieve. 

Most people focus heavily on this aspect, setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. However, without a clear “why” and a defined “how,” these goals can feel hollow and unfulfilling. Achieving success in a manner that aligns with your core values and purpose brings true fulfillment.  

Transform Your Life: How to Write a Compelling Purpose Statement

Writing a personal mission statement is like peeling back the layers to uncover the core of who you truly are. 

It forces you to dig deep, reflect on your values, and articulate your passions and strengths. In this process, you discover what drives you and what impact you want to make in the world. This clarity is transformative, guiding your decisions and inspiring you to live a life that aligns with your authentic self and your deepest purpose.

 A purpose statement is not about what you do, but who you are and what you stand for. Here are some inspiring examples from people I’ve worked with:

• Empowering Women Through Community: My mission is to create a supportive and inclusive community for women, where we uplift and empower each other to achieve our dreams. Through mentoring, sharing knowledge, and fostering connections, I aim to inspire women to embrace their strengths and live their most authentic, fulfilling lives.”

• Inspiring Creativity and Confidence: “My mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in women by providing resources, workshops, and personal support. I believe every woman has a unique voice and vision, and my goal is to help unlock that potential, encouraging women to express themselves boldly and pursue their passions with confidence.”

• Promoting Wellness and Self-Care: “My mission is to promote wellness and self-care among women, guiding them towards a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By offering practical advice, emotional support, and self-care strategies, I strive to help women prioritize their well-being, embrace their worth, and live lives of joy and vitality.”

An Exercise to Discover Your Purpose

Ladies, discovering your purpose is an exciting journey that begins with asking yourself the right questions. To help you uncover your calling, take some time to reflect on these questions and write your thoughts in a journal:

What activities make you lose track of time?

Consider the tasks or hobbies that completely absorb you and make time fly.

When do you feel most alive and engaged?

Identify the moments when you feel most vibrant and connected to what you’re doing.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Reflect on the achievements that bring you the most pride and satisfaction.

Which personal strengths do you rely on the most?

Think about the qualities that help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.

If you could pursue any passion without fear of judgment, what would it be?

Imagine a world where you can follow your dreams without worrying about others’ opinions.

What would you regret not doing if you looked back on your life in 10 years?

Consider the actions or opportunities you would most regret missing out on.

How do you want to impact the lives of those around you?

Reflect on the difference you want to make in your community or the world.

What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?

Think about the values and contributions you want to pass on to others.

Reflecting on your responses to these questions can help you draft a purpose statement that feels authentic and meaningful. Remember, your purpose can evolve over time as you grow and experience new phases of life.

The Bigger Picture

According to McKinsey’s research in 2022, 70% of employees said their sense of purpose is defined by their work. This highlights the importance of aligning our professional lives with our personal missions. 

When we find meaning in what we do, we become more committed and perform better.

Graphic #4 – Finding Meaning 

However, if you have yet to find your life purpose, you’re not alone. Many people grapple with this question, and it’s okay to take your time. It’s a journey, not a destination.

As you move forward, keep revisiting your “why,” “how,” and “what,” ensuring they remain aligned and true to who you are.

Standing Strong: Uncovering Your Purpose and Empowering Your Journey

Finding your purpose is one of the most fulfilling journeys you can embark upon. It’s about discovering what makes you unique and how you can contribute to the world in a meaningful way. 

Whether you’re just starting out or re-evaluating your current path, take the time to reflect on your “why,” live your “how,” and set your “what.” In doing so, you’ll create a life that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling. A tool to help you find your purpose is my book Standing Strong: A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence.

It’s for the woman who longs to break free from what holds her back.  “Standing Strong’ offers a no-nonsense, guilt-free guide to reclaiming your life from self-doubt. 

I come alongside you to help you eliminate the lies that keep you from being who God made you to be, become an unbreakable woman who finds her strength from God for any adversity, gain strategies for tackling the obstacles of self-doubt, fear, and insecurity, and find the confidence to say yes and amen to God’s call on your life.

Let this book help you cement these realities in your life and discover your true purpose.  Click here to download the first four chapters for free!