Why do you get up in the morning? While this question might appear trite at first, if you take the time to reflect on it and answer honestly, you may find it points directly at your life purpose.
We all have a need to find purpose in life. Some people find a way to express their purpose in their jobs, others look for opportunities outside their daily work. Regardless of how we do it, we all seek to find how we can best contribute to life.
To explore your purpose:
- Question yourself regularly about purpose
- Use the answers to find your unique way to contribute
- Don't ignore your spirituality--it can be a source of purpose
- Take the next step--move to action
Be fully alive!
Explore your purpose today.
Why do you get up each day? Set a goal
The quality of your life can be significantly impacted by your sense of purpose. Research has said that people who have a sense of purpose are more likely to be resilient, joyful, and healthy. They have a higher likelihood of living longer and forming deeper relationships.
So, what is purpose? Simply put, it is a reason for living. It is something that gives your life meaning and direction. It can be anything from your career to your relationships to your hobbies.
There are many benefits to having a sense of purpose. For one, it can help you to cope with stress and adversity. When you have something to strive for, it can give you the motivation to keep going even when things are tough. Purpose can also help you feel more connected to others. When you are working towards a common goal, it can foster a sense of community and belonging.Take some time to reflect on your values and interests. What are the things that are most important to you? What do you enjoy doing?
By diving into these introspective inquiries, we can gain valuable insights into our passions and align them with our purpose.
6 tips to help you get started with purpose
What are you good at?
Think about what you are good at. What are your skills and talents and how can you use them to make a difference in the world?
Talk to your friends and family. What do they think your purpose is?
Seeking input from our friends and family can offer valuable perspectives on our purpose. Their observations and feedback can provide fresh insights, reinforcing our journey of self-discovery.
Get involved in your community.
Volunteer your time or donate to a cause that you care about.
Getting involved in the community can be instrumental in nurturing our sense of purpose. Volunteering our time or donating to causes we care about not only allows us to make a positive impact but also helps us forge connections with like-minded individuals.
Experiment. Try new things and see what you enjoy.
Finding our purpose often involves experimenting with different activities and exploring new horizons. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things to discover what truly resonates with you. Embrace the opportunity to explore various hobbies, passions, and potential avenues for making a difference.
Don't be afraid to fail.
Remember, failure is the steppingstone to success. The important thing is to keep trying.
Ask for help.
Talk to friends, family, or a therapist if you are struggling to find your purpose.
Spirituality to find Purpose:
Spirituality is a deeply personal and introspective aspect of human experience. It involves seeking meaning and connection that goes beyond everyday life. While spirituality is often associated with religious beliefs, it can also be a broader exploration of our inner selves and our relationship with the world around us. It makes us realize that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. This knowledge inspires us to live according to our values and make a positive impact on others. It helps us feel connected to others and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. When we see our interdependence with everything, we become kinder and more compassionate.
Spirituality encourages us to connect with our inner selves through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, or prayer. These practices help cultivate a sense of stillness and introspection, allowing us to tap into our intuition and inner wisdom. By carving out time for quiet contemplation and self-care, we create space for our purpose to emerge and flourish.
Exploring spirituality and purpose can be a deeply personal and transformative journey. It can be beneficial to seek guidance from mentors, spiritual leaders, or therapists who can provide support and insights. Engaging in discussions, attending the Bakken Center’s Mindfulness sessions, or joining supportive communities can be a great way to get started.
Remember, finding your purpose is a journey, not a destination. It is something that you will continue to discover throughout your life.
Goyal, M., Mishra, A., & Singh, A. (2021). Purpose in life and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22(1), 355-382.
Hirsh, J. B., DeNeve, K. M., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2019). Purpose in life predicts health and longevity. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 11(1), 106-118.
Caza, B., & Senécal, S. (2020). Purpose in life and work: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 115, 103471.
D’Alessio, G., & Steger, M. F. (2020). Purpose in life as a buffer against the negative effects of stress on physical health. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(1), 122-131.
Fry, P. S., & Debattista, K. (2020). Purpose in life and subjective well-being: A meta-analysis of 25 years of research. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 12(2), 229-251.
Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2020). Purpose in life and happiness: A meta-analysis of 20 years of research. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 12(3), 375-398.
Steger, M. F., Dik, B. J., & Kashdan, T. B. (2018). Purpose in life as a bright spot in the aging process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 115(4), 609-626.
Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing: Spirituality. Retrieved from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/spirituality
Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing: Life Purpose. Retrieved from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/life-purpose
