Children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up, not what they want to accomplish. Most children will answer something like “I want to become a unicorn” to both questions, but it goes to show how positions are commonly prioritized over passions. As adults, the question “What do you do for work?” is far more common than “What are you working towards?”. However, the latter of the two is far more important in discovering a personal sense of purpose in life.
Purpose is defined as the reason for which something exists. As humans, we wonder about the reason for which we exist on an individualistic level. You may be tempted to answer with something like “I am here to enjoy life”, but the longer you consider this question the deeper your thoughts will get. Soon you will be questioning what you want to accomplish or improve upon. Finding the answer to that question is you’re why, also known as your purpose. Finding purpose is a personal journey and every individual has a unique path to follow, but it can be hard to find that path. As you read through these questions pay attention to your answers and they will guide you to discover your why.
What Fills You With Passion?
For clarification, passion is that feeling of enthusiasm, desire, or other strong emotion you experience concerning specific topics or events.
If you normally embrace your passions they may be easy to identify, but if you are unsure of your passions consider these questions.
– What do you think about repeatedly?
– What do you look forward to days, weeks, or even months in advance?
– What are you eager to talk about with others?
– What can you happily focus on for hours?
– What are some of the most fulfilling things you have accomplished and why?
Each of these questions may incite different answers and that is perfectly normal. The answers that stand out to you the most and the answers that overlap are the ones in which you find the most passion. For some people, these questions may lead to answers that spark joy, but not true passion. There is always a chance that what you are truly passionate about is something you have not yet discovered. If this applies to you a good place to start is researching the things that bring you joy. By doing this you may find associated interests that spark passion. Exposing yourself to fields of information and experiences that are new is another way to work towards finding something that ignites your sense of passion. Your passion is out there so don’t stop looking.
Tip: Passions don’t have to be associated with only positive feelings. You can be passionate about changing things that spark sadness or anger, like deforestation or childhood hunger. Strong emotions are a part of true passion and they serve to motivate you in making a difference.
What Are Your Strengths?
Passion drives us towards our why, but it is our strengths that help us get there. Everyone has strengths, just as we all have weaknesses. While it is important to overcome weaknesses the focus here is on employing strengths. Strengths can be anything you have experience in or talent for. This could include creativity, teamwork, or even physical strength.
If you are looking to identify your strengths ask yourself these questions;
– What do people normally ask you for help with?
– What are some things you find easy that others may find difficult?
– What are your greatest achievements and what personal attributes helped you achieve them?
The answers to these questions should highlight multiple strengths. If you are stuck on just one strength then some external input could be helpful. Ask close friends or family how they would answer these questions about you and strengths may arise that you previously overlooked.
Tip: Just because it is a personal strength does not mean you have to love doing it. Some people are exceptionally good at math, but only do it when they have to and that is okay. What is most important is that you know your strengths so you can leverage them towards your why.
What Is Your Goal?
With a passion to guide you and strengths to assist you, the only step left in discovering your why is creating a goal. When you create a goal you create the path to your purpose. To accomplish that purpose your goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For more in-depth information look into how to set S.M.A.R.T goals. Once a clear goal is set you will find that it aligns with your why while tying in your passions and strength.
Tip: For example, someone has found their self-defined purpose to be photographing shelter pets for adoption sites. To this specific purpose an outsider ask’s “Why?” The response to this why would be “Because I am passionate about stray animals and my strength is photography, so I have combined the two to reach my goal of increasing adoption rates in animal shelters.” You should be able to define your goal in a similar succinct format.
How Will You Leave This World Better Than You Found It?
The purpose you find in your why is going to be vastly different from others, and that is good. There is plenty of room for improvement in the world across all disciplines. Maybe the world needs a new sport, an inventive way to save the rhinos or better photography for shelter animal adoptions. What the world needs is defined on personal levels and within niches. That is the reason for finding and pursuing your why. As long as it drives you forward in life with a sense of hope and fulfillment you will know you have found the right path. If that ever changes, do not worry. Instead, reevaluate your why and refine it to fit you. This can be complicated and require the assistance of a mentor, but it is possible. There is always room to grow and purpose to be fulfilled.
Citations:
1. Purpose. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/purpose
2. Passion. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/passion?s=t
3. Bowling, M., Pitzer, A., Team, T., Marlow, C., Brock, D., Duval, A., & This Grit & Grace Life Podcast. (2018, March 23). How to Discover Your “Why”. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://thegritandgraceproject.org/purpose/how-to-discover-your-why