A study published in Applied Psychology found that individuals with a clear sense of purpose and a feeling of what they were doing was worthwhile, also tended to live longer.
There’s also research that links feelings of having a sense of purpose to positive health outcomes, such as fewer strokes and heart attacks, better sleep, and a lower risk of dementia.
The Journal of Research and Personality found that individuals who had a sense of purpose made more money than individuals who felt as though their work lacked meaning.
With all of those benefits, you would think that a large percentage of us know our purpose but surveys show only about a quarter of us do. The reason? It’s not that easy and it takes time to fathom out.
The process requires plenty of self-reflection, listening to others, and finding where our passions lie.
Below are some ideas to help you to reveal or find your purpose so you can begin living a more meaningful life.
Donate your time, money or talent
Giving helps you to be more connected and gives your life more meaning. You might discover talents or interests you never knew you had.
Consider what injustices bother you
Is there anything that makes you so unhappy to think about that it bothers you to the core?
Find a problem you care about and start solving it. Obviously, you’re not going to fix the world’s problems by yourself but you can contribute and make a difference. That feeling of making a difference is ultimately what’s most important for your own happiness and fulfilment.
You don’t necessarily have to engage in your purpose full-time. You might find your career gives you the ability to help a cause you feel passionate about or you could donate some of your time.
What makes you light up?
What do you like to read about, talk about or watch? What makes you light up?
What do you love to do?
Simply thinking about what you love to do can help you find your purpose as well. Consider what type of skills, talents, and passions you have. Then, think about how you might turn your passion into something meaningful to you. Also think about what you loved to do as a child.
Where would you go?
If you had to go somewhere every day that wasn’t work, where would you go?
Listen to others or find a Life Coach
There is a good chance you are displaying your purpose without even realising it or not being aware of it so listen to others and look for help when finding your purpose like with a Life Coach
If you’d like help finding your purpose please get in touch with me for a life coaching session.