purpose in my life essay

15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning

“ You don’t find meaning; you create it ,” was my answer to the question, what is meaning?

Drawn in by the unforgiving directness of the existentialist philosophers, I was (perhaps naively) attempting to respond to the question that Albert Camus said must be answered before all others: Is there meaning in life ? Or, to state it more clearly: Is a life worth living? (Camus, 1975).

This article explores a few of the questions central to the vast and complex topic of meaning and purpose in life and introduces techniques and tools to help clients find answers.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises for free . These creative, science-based exercises will help you learn more about your values, motivations, and goals and will give you the tools to inspire a sense of meaning in the lives of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is the purpose of life a philosophical and psychological take, how to find the purpose of your life, 10 techniques to help yourself and others, 4 useful worksheets, a note on finding meaning after trauma, divorce, and others, positivepsychology.com’s resources, a take-home message.

In The Myth of Sisyphus , Albert Camus (1975), when faced with what he saw as the meaninglessness of existence, suggested we live life to its fullest rather than attempt an escape.

For Camus, as with his contemporary Jean-Paul Sartre, existentialism concerns itself with the uniqueness of the human condition (Sartre, 1964). According to the existentialist formula, life has no inherent meaning. We have free choice and, therefore, choose our values and purpose.

But where did existentialism come from?

The sense of freedom that existentialism offers is crucial – jolting us out of a comfortable malaise. It builds on Friedrich Nietzsche’s thinking that there are no universal facts and that man is isolated. He is born, lives, and dies – alone (Nietzsche, 1911; Kaufmann, 1976).

Rather than dictating how the reader should live, Nietzsche tells us we should create our values and our sense of purpose.

And yet, if cast free, how do we create meaning and purpose?

Existentialism is indebted to Edmund Husserl’s work on perception to answer this and other questions. Writing in 1900, Husserl regards meaning, along with perception, as the creation of the individual. Meaning is not objective – to be found in the external world – but built up from our mental states (Warnock, 1970).

Martin Heidegger – often described as the first true existentialist – picks up on this idea in the heavy-weight Being and Time , written in 1927. For us to be authentic – following a state of anxiety born out of a realization that we are free – we must take responsibility for our actions, our purpose, and our meaning (Heidegger, 1927/2013).

Existentialism and the struggle for meaning

Sartre continues this line of thinking in Being and Nothingness (1964):

“…every man, without any support or help whatever, is condemned at every instant to invent man.”

Separate from the world, we must realize the horror that we are free to do and create meaning . And yet, to avoid bad faith (or inauthenticity), we must accept that we are responsible not only for ourselves but also for all people.

To the existentialist, our sense of meaning and purpose comes from what we do.

But can science and psychology help us find either? Yes, probably .

Meaning and psychology

Increasingly, psychologists have begun to realize the importance of meaning to our wellbeing and happiness.

Recent research suggests that people with increased meaning are better off – they appear happier, exhibit increased life satisfaction, and report lowered depression (Huo et al., 2019; Ivtzan, Lomas, Hefferon, & Worth, 2016; Steger, 2009).

Nevertheless, meaning is a complex construct that can be approached from multiple angles; for example, cognitively, appraising situations for meaning, and motivationally to pursue worthwhile goals (Eysenck & Keane, 2015; Ryan & Deci, 2018).

While there are many definitions of meaning in psychology, Laura King, a psychologist at the University of Missouri, provides us with the following useful description (Heintzelman & King, 2015):

Meaning in life “may be defined as the extent to which a person experiences his or her life as having purpose, significance, and coherence.”

Whether meaning is derived from thoughtful reflection or only as a byproduct of cognitive processing, it is vital for healthy mental functioning. After all, we only attach importance to an experience and see it as significant if it has meaning. Similarly, a sense of meaning and purpose is crucial to create an environment for pursuing personal goals.

A fascinating study in 2010 took a very different perspective, bringing us closer to our initial, philosophical discussion. The realization that there is only one certainty in life – death – can cause great anxiety for many.

The Terror Management Theory (TMT) suggests that features that remind us of our mortality are likely to heighten fear around death (Routledge & Juhl, 2010). However, TMT also suggests that a life “ imbued with meaning and purpose ” can help stave off such angst.

Philosophically and psychologically, it is clear that meaning is a fundamental component of our human existence.

Meaning refers to how we “ make sense of life and our roles in it ,” while purpose refers to the “ aspirations that motivate our activities ” (Ivtzan et al., 2016).

The terms are sufficiently close to saying that in the absence of either, our life lacks a story. As humans, we need something to strive for and a sense of connectedness between the important moments that make up our existence (Steger, 2009).

Sometimes, seeing the bigger picture or recognizing our place in the broader scheme can bring great insights and even play a role in our experience of meaning in life (Hicks & King, 2007).

Share the following ideas and insights with your clients:

Mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam

In 1990, astronomer Carl Sagan convinced NASA to spin the Voyager 1 Space Probe around to take one last look at Earth as the probe left the solar system. The picture it took was unlike any other before or since. Roughly 3.7 billion miles away and traveling at 40,000 miles per hour, it captured Earth as a small pale blue dot against a band of sunlight.

The image either leaves you with a sense of deep horror at our insignificance in a vast, uncaring universe or a sense of wonder at how we came into being in such a “ vast cosmic arena .”

This realization is captured beautifully in Carl Sagan’s words and this stunning computer simulation.

Broadening the mind

Alternate points of view that broaden the mind may help an individual experience an increased sense of meaning in life (Hicks & King, 2007). With that in mind, work with your client to widen their outlook and experience others’ thoughts to challenge what they know and think.

Ask your client to:

Read widely . Explore new ideas and beliefs that reach beyond your comfort zone.
Widen your group of friends and contacts . Seek out those who have unique ways of looking at things – positive people who will encourage you to grow.
Learn the methods of evidence-led, scientific thinking . Rational thinking can provide the opportunity to free yourself from biased judgments.

Finding meaning through growth

Adopting a growth mindset can also lead to increased purpose in life. Help your client move away from a fixed mindset and open up to finding new purpose through exploration and challenge (Lee, Hwang, & Jang, 2018; Smith, 2018).

Work with your client to:

Find and build on their strengths . Try out some free online questionnaires such as the Values in Action Inventory or the CliftonStrengths Assessment . Once identified, see how they can use their strengths more regularly in daily life.
Explore weaknesses . If they aren’t holding the client back, help them to accept their weaknesses. If weaknesses prevent the client from living the life they wish to lead, try out techniques to build resilience and adopt a growth mindset .
Help the client understand that the meaning they give to life is subjective and just as valid as anyone else’s.
Accept that mistakes are part of learning.
Encourage them to find ways to motivate themselves by building on intrinsic factors such as tasks that they feel related to, autonomous in, and can grow in competence (Ryan & Deci, 2018). After all, meaning is fundamental to motivation (Heintzelman, 2018).
Help others . Work for charities or provide support where needed.
Studies have shown that fostering a sense of awe, gratitude, and altruism can help strengthen a sense of purpose.
Ask the client to listen to the positive things people have to say about them.
Writing or reading about personal experiences can help develop a shared understanding of meaning. Not only does it build a sense of who we are, but it also makes sense of our experiences.

Download 3 Meaning & Valued Living Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to find meaning in life help and pursue directions that are in alignment with values.

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The sources of meaning and a sense of purpose in our lives are highly personal, subjective, and will vary throughout our lives.

Promotion of happiness themes

The following activities and techniques can promote key themes in our lives as sources of meaning (Ivtzan at al., 2016):

Support others (and receive others’ support) by joining clubs – strengthening bonds and building relationships .
Share feelings, desires, hopes, goals, successes, and failures with a close friend or significant other to increase intimacy .
Focus outside yourself on causes, pursuits, and responsibilities to self-transcend .
Pursue goals and strive for achievement in areas aligned with your values.
Become comfortable in who you are. Feel the satisfaction of meaning by practicing self-acceptance .
Express and experience respect and fairness .
Obtaining materialistic desires can be significant and meaningful for some.
Working towards professional goals can be purposeful for many.
Pursuit of pleasure and happiness brings meaning and purpose to many but can be short lived.

Reflect on your sources of meaning

Having shared the above list with your client, ask them to:

Rank on a sheet of paper their personal sources of meaning (italics above).
Review which ones are central and most influential.
Reflect on the opportunities to strengthen the ones that rank less highly.

The following tools and techniques are taken from our Positive Psychology Toolkit© and can support your work with clients in their search for purpose and meaning. The exercises are briefly explained, and can be access with a subscription to the Toolkit, which contains over 400 useful tools.

Living a meaningful life can be facilitated by a greater awareness of core values and the thoughts behind them. The insights provided by understanding personal values can help regain a sense of meaning to improve motivation.

Values represent what we consider essential and what we live for in life. They combine both the core psychological needs of the self and society’s norms.

Work with your client to identify what is most valuable to them before they commit to action; for example, being creative, learning, or showing compassion to others.

The Value Cards group exercise provides 42 values (plus some blanks) that can be cut out to form a deck of cards.

Ask each person in the group to:

Lay the value cards out in front of you.
Study and reflect on each one.
Identify the five cards that best represent your core values.
If comfortable, share your core values with others in the group to see what each person has chosen.
Once completed, select the card that represents your strongest value.
Explain to another person in the group why it is your strongest value and offer examples (enjoy this celebration of successes).
Select another value that you would like to live into more and discuss with another person in the group.
Select and share your core value with the group.

Life domains

Some values are specific to life domains. For example, productivity may be more suited to our professional life and compassion in our home life; as our domains change throughout our lives, so too can our values.

A Values Vision Board can provide an excellent visual means for clients to become more aware and connect to their values.

Create a vision board, using pictures cut from magazines and stuck to paper or software such as Powerpoint or Keynote.
Try grouping the images by domain or in order of overall life values.
Work on it through feeling rather than rational thinking, with no goals in mind.
Share your thoughts about the vision board with the therapist or a close friend.
Place the vision board somewhere it can be seen daily. Regularly return to the board to see if values have shifted and whether life is still balanced with the core values.

Emotion and goal-driven behavior

Despite the importance of our values, they can easily be ignored or even avoided.

Powerful emotions often overtake our values in directing our behavior. We fear writing the book we have always wanted or doubt our ability to commit to a relationship.

While goals can be vital to meeting our long-term plans, they can cause us to lose sight of what is important. We may be so focused on finding a partner, owning a house, or starting a family that we lose sight of enjoying life and building a group of friends.

The Values-Based Goal Setting exercise can help translate values into committed action.

Ask the client to:

Choose a life domain, for example, parenting, relationship, work, etc.
Think about what you would like to change in that domain.
Consider why it is essential to make that change.
Write down beside each reason what value it underpins, for example, work/life balance, love, etc.
Use the SMART acronym (specific, meaningful, adaptive, realistic, time-framed) to translate these values into concrete goals.
Review regularly to confirm that these are your goals (not someone else’s) and that your core values remain unchanged.

Shifting and replacing values

Near-death experiences are frequently associated with a re-assessment of a person’s values, including increased concern for others, an appreciation for life, and a decrease in materialism.

Considering our mortality (while challenging) can improve our awareness of what is genuinely important.

The My Gravestone exercise is a powerful tool for reevaluating how we spend our time on Earth. If appropriate to the client’s circumstances, ask your client to:

Imagine their life is over.
Using the shape of a tombstone, write out their name, birth date, etc.
Write a couple of sentences or phrases that capture how they would like to be remembered and how they would like to have spent their time.

This is an extremely difficult exercise for many and should only be performed if the client is ready and willing to cope with the emotions that may arise.

A near-death experience, serious illness, separation, or loss of a loved one can all shake our sense of who we are and force us to reevaluate our core values, life purpose, and sense of meaning.

Indeed, research on trauma survivors has observed post-traumatic growth and the capacity to extract meaning from adversity (Routledge & Juhl, 2010).

17 Tools To Encourage Meaningful, Value-Aligned Living

This 17 Meaning & Valued Living Exercises [PDF] pack contains our best exercises for helping others discover their purpose and live more fulfilling, value-aligned lives.

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Our Masterclass on Meaning and Valued Living© provides an intuitive and accessible way to apply positive psychology.

This excellent online program is for therapists, psychologists, counselors, coaches, and practitioners who want to help their clients find meaning and discover their values, connecting them to their ‘why’ so that they can bear the ‘how.’

if you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others discover meaning, this collection contains 17 validated meaning tools for practitioners. Use them to help others choose directions for their lives in alignment with what is truly important to them.

The meaning we attach to our self, the world around us, and our role within it form our narrative. Our purpose – our aim and goals – motivates the activities that take us through it.

Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that both meaning and purpose are vital to our wellbeing as well as crucial to who we are.

If we accept the existentialists’ view, then we are free to lead a life according to our values, assign a meaning to what we see as vital, and pursue a unique purpose.

As Sartre points out, this realization may begin with anguish and spiral to a sense of vertiginous nausea before we act. After all, it is like being dropped at a cliff’s edge, without the option of going back and an uncertain future ahead.

Instead, we must choose our values and the meaning we assign to who we are, how we live, and what we do. Our goals are personal, and we must decide whether to follow them or let them drift out of sight.

But failing to act authentically and live according to the meaning and purpose we have chosen would result in a less-well-lived life. So, try the exercises within this article – if only to better understand who you are, your core values, and your place in your surroundings – and explore potential yet to be written.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Meaning and Valued Living Exercises for free .

Camus, A. (1975). The myth of Sisyphus . London: Penguin Books.
Eysenck, M. W., & Keane, M. T. (2015). Cognitive psychology: A student’s handbook . New York: Psychology Press.
Heidegger, M. (2013). Being and time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Malden: Blackwell. (Original work published in 1927 and translated in 1962)
Hicks, J. A., & King, L. A. (2007). Meaning in life and seeing the big picture: Positive affect and global focus. Cognition & Emotion , 21 (7), 1577–1584.
Huo, J.-Y., Wang, X.-Q., Steger, M. F., Ge, Y., Wang, Y.-C., Liu, M.-F., & Ye, B.-J. (2019). Implicit meaning in life: The assessment and construct validity of implicit meaning in life and relations with explicit meaning in life and depression. The Journal of Positive Psychology , 15 (4), 500–518.
Ivtzan, I., Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Worth, P. (2016). Second wave positive psychology: Embracing the dark side of life . London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Kaufmann, W. (1976). The portable Nietzsch e. London: Penguin Books
Heintzelman, S. J. (2018). Eudaimonia in the contemporary science of subjective well-being: Psychological well-being, self-determination, and meaning in life. In E. Diener, S. Oishi, & L. Tay (Eds.), Handbook of well-being . Salt Lake City, UT: DEF.
Heintzelman, S. J., & King, L. A. (2015). Meaning in life and intuition. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 110 (3), 477–492.
Lee, C. S., Hwang, Y. K., & Jang, H. Y. (2018). Moderating effect of growth mindset on the relationship between attitude toward tourism and meaning in life. International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics , 120 (6), 5523–5540.
Nietzsche, F. (1911). Beyond good and evil (H. Zimmern, Trans.). Edinburgh: Darrien Press.
Routledge, C., & Juhl, J. (2010). When death thoughts lead to death fears: Mortality salience increases death anxiety for individuals who lack meaning in life. Cognition & Emotion , 24 (5), 848–854.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2018). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness . New York: Guilford Press.
Sartre, J. (1964). Being and nothingness: An essay in phenomenological ontolog y. New York: Citadel Press.
Smith, J. A. (2018). How to find your purpose in life. Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved October 5, 2020, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_find_your_purpose_in_life
Steger, M. F. (2009). Meaning in life. In S. J. Lopez (Ed.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed., pp. 679–687). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Warnock, M. (1970). Existentialism . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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What our readers think.

We obviously don’t exist in a vacuum so we have a stack of existing phenomena to analyse and interpret. Emanuel Kant said “Two things fill my mind with ever new and increasing admiration and reverence …. the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.”

Excellent Article. The way ‘ meaning’ and ‘Purpose’ is differentiated is giving clarity to many who get caught in a hazy situation.Purpose is constant and meaning may shift along the journey of life.Purpose is Values driven and Meaning is Actions driven. Enjoyed a lot

Excellent article. I especially liked the differentiation of “meaning” and “purpose” and ways to explore these and become more self-aware. Such poignancy and a great invitation for a deeply meaningful life.

Excellent article. I loved the included YouTube video and funnily enough this is a practice (visualizing myself “zoneing out”- like in the video) I use to ground myself. Refreshing 🙂

The term “existentialism” was given by Catholic existence philosopher Gabriel Marcel to Jean-Paul Sartre’s version of existence philosophy. Nietzsche is not an existentialist, rather, a vitalist. Kierkegaard preceded him and has more existential themes later philosophers like Heidegger built on. “Existentialism” was later associated with Sartre and his followers with “existential phenomenology” being more Heidegger’s suit.

Meaning is objective for Husserl insofar as the laws of logic, morality, and mathematics are independent of the human mind.

Wow, what an insert to capture. I was in a Ministry meeting last night and it was the first one. I listened to several of the ladies say they have no idea of their purpose. So to read this today is a Godsend to share in the next group. This is so profound and just in learning to live.

Thanks for this — especially meaningful at this time of year, in this year. I shared The Blue Dot video to my FB page. But how can we download and share your essay?

Glad you liked the article! Unfortunately, we don’t currently have a download button for our posts, but if you hit ‘Yes’ on the ‘Did you find this article useful?’ button (near the reference list), a range of sharing options will appear. 🙂

– Nicole | Community Manager

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Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

How to Find Your Purpose in Life

Do you have a sense of purpose?

For decades, psychologists have studied how long-term, meaningful goals develop over the span of our lives. The goals that foster a sense of purpose are ones that can potentially change the lives of other people, like launching an organization, researching disease, or teaching kids to read.

Indeed, a sense of purpose appears to have evolved in humans so that we can accomplish big things together—which may be why it’s associated with better physical and mental health. Purpose is adaptive, in an evolutionary sense. It helps both individuals and the species to survive.

Many seem to believe that purpose arises from your special gifts and sets you apart from other people—but that’s only part of the truth. It also grows from our connection to others, which is why a crisis of purpose is often a symptom of isolation. Once you find your path, you’ll almost certainly find others traveling along with you, hoping to reach the same destination—a community.

Here are six ways to overcome isolation and discover your purpose in life.

Reading connects us to people we’ll never know, across time and space—an experience that research says is linked to a sense of meaning and purpose. (Note: “Meaning” and “purpose” are related but separate social-scientific constructs. Purpose is a part of meaning; meaning is a much broader concept that usually also includes value, efficacy, and self-worth.)

In a 2010 paper , for example, Leslie Francis studied a group of nearly 26,000 teenagers throughout England and Wales—and found that those who read the Bible more tended to have a stronger sense of purpose. Secular reading seems to make a difference, as well. In a survey of empirical studies , Raymond A. Mar and colleagues found a link between reading poetry and fiction and a sense of purpose among adolescents.

“Reading fiction might allow adolescents to reason about the whole lives of characters, giving them specific insight into an entire lifespan without having to have fully lived most of their own lives,” they suggest. By seeing purpose in the lives of other people, teens are more likely to see it in their own lives. In this sense, purpose is an act of the imagination.

Many people I interviewed for this article mentioned pivotal books or ideas they found in books.

The writing of historian W.E.B. Du Bois pushed social-justice activist Art McGee to embrace a specific vision of African-American identity and liberation. Journalist Michael Stoll found inspiration in the “social responsibility theory of journalism,” which he read about at Stanford University. “Basically, reporters and editors have not just the ability but also the duty to improve their community by being independent arbiters of problems that need solving,” he says. “It’s been my professional North Star ever since.” Spurred by this idea, Michael went on to launch an award-winning nonprofit news agency called The San Francisco Public Press .

So, if you’re feeling a crisis of purpose in your life, go to the bookstore or library or university. Find books that matter to you—and they might help you to see what matters in your own life.

2. Turn hurts into healing for others

Of course, finding purpose is not just an intellectual pursuit; it’s something we need to feel. That’s why it can grow out of suffering, both our own and others’.

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Want to help high schoolers find purpose? The GGSC's Purpose Challenge for students, educators, and parents incorporates cutting-edge science into videos and interactive exercises. Students can get help with their college essay and win up to $25,000 in scholarship money.

Kezia Willingham was raised in poverty in Corvallis, Oregon, her family riven by domestic violence. “No one at school intervened or helped or supported my mother, myself, or my brother when I was growing up poor, ashamed, and sure that my existence was a mistake,” she says. “I was running the streets, skipping school, having sex with strangers, and abusing every drug I could get my hands on.”

When she was 16, Kezia enrolled at an alternative high school that “led me to believe I had options and a path out of poverty.” She made her way to college and was especially “drawn to the kids with ‘issues’”—kids like the one she had once been. She says:

I want the kids out there who grew up like me, to know they have futures ahead of them. I want them to know they are smart, even if they may not meet state academic standards. I want them to know that they are just as good and valuable as any other human who happens to be born into more privileged circumstances. Because they are. And there are so damn many messages telling them otherwise.

Sometimes, another person’s pain can lead us to purpose. When Christopher Pepper was a senior in high school, a “trembling, tearful friend” told him that she had been raped by a classmate. “I comforted as well as I could, and left that conversation vowing that I would do something to keep this from happening to others,” says Christopher. He kept that promise by becoming a Peer Rape Educator in college—and then a sex educator in San Francisco public schools.

Why do people like Kezia and Christopher seem to find purpose in suffering—while others are crushed by it? Part of the answer, as we’ll see next, might have to do with the emotions and behaviors we cultivate in ourselves.

3. Cultivate awe, gratitude, and altruism

4. Listen to what other people appreciate about you

Giving thanks can help you find your purpose. But you can also find purpose in what people thank you for.

Like Kezia Willingham, Shawn Taylor had a tough childhood—and he was also drawn to working with kids who had severe behavioral problems. Unlike her, however, he often felt like the work was a dead-end. “I thought I sucked at my chosen profession,” he says. Then, one day, a girl he’d worked with five years before contacted him.

“She detailed how I helped to change her life,” says Shawn—and she asked him to walk her down the aisle when she got married. Shawn hadn’t even thought about her, in all that time. “Something clicked and I knew this was my path. No specifics, but youth work was my purpose.”

The artists, writers, and musicians I interviewed often described how appreciation from others fueled their work. Dani Burlison never lacked a sense of purpose, and she toiled for years as a writer and social-justice activist in Santa Rosa, California. But when wildfires swept through her community, Dani discovered that her strengths were needed in a new way: “I’ve found that my networking and emergency response skills have been really helpful to my community, my students, and to firefighters!”

Although there is no research that directly explores how being thanked might fuel a sense of purpose, we do know that gratitude strengthens relationships —and those are often the source of our purpose, as many of these stories suggest.

5. Find and build community

As we see in Dani’s case, we can often find our sense of purpose in the people around us.

Many people told me about finding purpose in family. In tandem with his reading, Art McGee found purpose—working for social and racial justice—in “love and respect for my hardworking father,” he says. “Working people like him deserved so much better.”

Environmental and social-justice organizer Jodi Sugerman-Brozan feels driven “to leave the world in a better place than I found it.” Becoming a mom “strengthened that purpose (it’s going to be their world, and their kids’ world),” she says. It “definitely influences how I parent (wanting to raise anti-racist, feminist, radical kids who will want to continue the fight and be leaders).”

Of course, our kids may not embrace our purpose. Amber Cantorna was raised by purpose-driven parents who were right-wing Christians. “My mom had us involved in stuff all the time, all within that conservative Christian bubble,” she says. This family and community fueled a strong sense of purpose in Amber: “To be a good Christian and role model. To be a blessing to other people.”

The trouble is that this underlying purpose involved making other people more like them. When she came out as a lesbian at age 27, Amber’s family and community swiftly and suddenly cast her out. This triggered a deep crisis of purpose—one that she resolved by finding a new faith community “that helped shape me and gave me a sense of belonging,” she says.

Often, the nobility of our purpose reflects the company we keep. The purpose that came from Amber’s parents was based on exclusion, as she discovered. There was no place—and no purpose—for her in that community once she embraced an identity they couldn’t accept. A new sense of purpose came with the new community and identity she helped to build, of gay and lesbian Christians.

If you’re having trouble remembering your purpose, take a look at the people around you. What do you have in common with them? What are they trying to be? What impact do you see them having on the world? Is that impact a positive one? Can you join with them in making that impact? What do they need? Can you give it them?

If the answers to those questions don’t inspire you, then you might need to find a new community—and with that, a new purpose may come.

6. Tell your story

Reading can help you find your purpose—but so can writing,

Purpose often arises from curiosity about your own life. What obstacles have you encountered? What strengths helped you to overcome them? How did other people help you? How did your strengths help make life better for others?

“We all have the ability to make a narrative out of our own lives,” says Emily Esfahani Smith , author of the 2017 book The Power of Meaning . “It gives us clarity on our own lives, how to understand ourselves, and gives us a framework that goes beyond the day-to-day and basically helps us make sense of our experiences.”

That’s why Amber Cantorna wrote her memoir, Refocusing My Family: Coming Out, Being Cast Out, and Discovering the True Love of God . At first depressed after losing everyone she loved, Amber soon discovered new strengths in herself—and she is using her book to help build a nonprofit organization called Beyond to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians in their coming-out process.

One 2008 study found that those who see meaning and purpose in their lives are able to tell a story of change and growth, where they managed to overcome the obstacles they encountered. In other words, creating a narrative like Amber’s can help us to see our own strengths and how applying those strengths can make a difference in the world, which increases our sense of self-efficacy.

This is a valuable reflective process to all people, but Amber took it one step further, by publishing her autobiography and turning it into a tool for social change. Today, Amber’s purpose is to help people like her feel less alone.

“My sense of purpose has grown a lot with my desire to share my story—and the realization that so many other people have shared my journey.”

About the Author

Jeremy Adam Smith

Uc berkeley.

Jeremy Adam Smith edits the GGSC's online magazine, Greater Good . He is also the author or coeditor of five books, including The Daddy Shift , Are We Born Racist? , and (most recently) The Gratitude Project: How the Science of Thankfulness Can Rewire Our Brains for Resilience, Optimism, and the Greater Good . Before joining the GGSC, Jeremy was a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University.

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Since the dawn of time, philosophers and common people alike have mused over the idea of a “life purpose.”

But what defines one’s life purpose? And what should yours be?

In simplest terms, a life purpose is your reason (or reasons) for getting up in the morning.

True purpose can guide your decisions.

It will influence your behavior and help you prioritize goals to make room for what really matters.

Purpose can offer a sense of direction… and create meaning. For some people, purpose is connected to a vocation- meaningful, satisfying work.

Ancient Greek classicists called it a “telos,” or the ultimate goal of life. They believed that a life purpose should be was one’s central focus on their journey through time on earth.

Modern thinkers conceptualize it as that what they were meant to do or be… what they were made for.

Whichever way you prefer to think about it, having an idea of your greater aim in life makes every day more significant and precious. It allows you to harness your energy into something bigger than just yourself.

In this article, I will provide 19 life purpose examples that may help you take one step closer to eudemonia… or “Living the Good Life”.

Table of Contents

Exercises to Find Your Life Purpose

Self-inquiry and examination through good habits help you center your thoughts and really focus on what you enjoy most in your life and gives you meaning.

Everyone has different skills and talents that make them great… and taking the time to analyze what you excel at can give you further direction to what you can call your life purpose. Pro tip: you can have more than one!

Journaling what matters most to you

Creative journaling has many proven health benefits . From writing down your crazy dreams, to taking note of interesting flowers you've seen that day, it gives your left brain a chance to express itself… or your right brain time to make sense of the day.

Consistency is what is important.

If you choose a narrative approach, you give your loved ones a valuable record and tool to peer into the daily life of your family.

When you select a creative approach, such as poetry or sketching, you can get a glimpse into your subconscious and the themes of your life.

Either method works… and many of the world's most successful minds practice journaling .

You can also start using your journal as a tool to implement your life purpose. Everything from affirmations, inspiring quotes, or a daily to-do list will be able to help you navigate the waters of setting sail in the direction of your dreams.

Writing a life purpose statement

Are you feeling bold?

If so, sit down and write down a mission statement of the purpose of your life. You might be surprised what you think of!

For your first draft, don't put too much thought into it and let the feeling of what you want to most express flow through you. Be true to yourself and don't be shy; you don't have to share it if you don't want to.

Later, revise it and flesh it out. Write out a personal manifesto if you want to. Let the written word inspire you to greater things and pay attention to the most vivid details.

Don't think too much about it, either. You can have a seemingly small or narrowed down purpose, such as becoming a vegan. Or you may discover something greater, like becoming a human rights activist or uncovering a musical talent.

Take what you learn from this exercise and use it to make bigger and better choices for your life.

Find good literature or media to support your new vision, and if you are really feeling inspired, volunteer or take classes to improve.

Verbalizing to someone else what matters most

Talking about things to a compassionate listener helps our minds process what's going on in our life.

Even the process of listening to ourselves talk can help make what's going on “real” and, more importantly , give us some ideas of the right action steps to take.

Just talk about what matters.

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Always wanted to get a higher degree? Was your dream to be a painter?

Find a trusted person and talk to them about it. The enormous healing properties of letting someone know your secret desires will always shed light on those corners of your life and give you hope and a different perspective.

Visualizing what is most important in their life and what may be lacking.

Looking within helps you to clarify what's important and minimize distractions.

For example, if being healthy is important to you… you might change your diet, learn new recipes, or start a daily exercise plan.

If having more fun with your community is a goal, then you might be on the lookout for opportunities to meet new people.

Visualize what your ideal life would be like, and take steps every day to achieve it!

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney

Take a deep breath, light a candle, and close your eyes. Relax and think: where could my life go? What would I have? Where would I be? What would it feel like?

Now, let yourself write out what an ideal day would be like. Let your imagination go wild. Where would you vacation? What would you eat? What gifts would you buy the people you love?

You get the idea.

Now, ground yourself, and let yourself figure out a realistic way to align yourself to the life choices you could make to more embody that lifestyle.

It's easier than it sounds, and you can be amazed at all of the resources that reveal themselves to you when you're open and ready to receive or when you go out there and take action.

People from all walks of life benefit from the power of visualization. From CEOs to elementary teachers, walking yourself through the necessary steps in your mind's eye helps guide you to techniques or tools for an improved life.

It can be anything from a power color to a special spot in nature from which you draw inspiration.

19 Life Purpose Examples You May Draw Inspiration From

1. having a strong sense of family.

“I will always work to do what is best for my family. Without neglecting myself, I will seek to meet their needs. I will seek to understand their insecurities, and give them the support and unconditional love to make them feel special, important, and irreplaceable.”

Around the world, “family” ranks as the top choice when selecting one’s purpose in life. It's the foundation from which people come from… and where many people return. If you feel that friends and family are priceless treasures that can never be replaced, this purpose is definitely for you.

2. Helping Children

“I want to be a positive role model for children. Whether it's with tangibles like food or clothing, or by giving emotional support… I want to give children what they need to feel wanted, loved, and secure. I want to give children what they need to be healthy, happy, and productive.”

Whether you're a parent or not, if you're passionate about helping children, there are many ways to achieve this goal. The obvious is to provide financially by giving food, clothing, and shelter. You can also give your time and support in other ways.

Helping with homework, listening when a child needs to talk, donating to children's causes, or volunteering are some examples.

3. Giving Back to the Community

“I want to contribute something to my community that will leave it better than it was before my contribution. I want to show others that connecting with your community is important and vital.”

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Communities don't exist without individuals, and individuals cannot exist without being a part of some type of a community. We are interdependent beings. If you have a sense of appreciation for the significance of community, there are many ways to meet this purpose.

You can enhance it aesthetically, or participate in other activities. You may want to take a more interpersonal approach, like being a mentor or helping a neighbor.

4. Helping Animals

“All creatures deserve to be treated with kindness. I want to show compassion to animals through caring acts that help protect them and help them survive.”

It’s no coincidence that veganism and vegetarianism grow in popularity every year. Whether it's by aligning yourself with groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), or adopting a pet , you, too, can contribute to ensuring animals are treated humanely.

5. Living a Healthy Lifestyle

“I will prioritize taking care of myself by putting my health first. I will take care of my physical and mental health needs by being mindful of what I put in my body, and focusing on my emotional and mental well-being. Self-care activities will be a part of my regular routine.”

Self-care is one of the essential ways that health can become part of a life's purpose. In order to meet any other goals in life, you must first be in good mental and physical health.

6. Prioritizing Fitness

“I will feed the inside and outside of my body with the nourishment it needs. The right food is an obvious necessity, but I will also make sure I feed it physical exercise, and prioritize being physically fit.”

Fitness goes hand in hand with living a healthy life. It may be for medical reasons, or your aim may be to achieve a certain physical appearance or build strength . This life purpose is for you if you're passionate about the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of exercise.

7. Incorporating Music

“I will make music an integral part of my life. I will use it as a source of healing and enjoyment. I will also use it as a way to connect with others, and to connect more deeply with myself.”

If you feel drawn to music, incorporating it into your life more will give many emotional benefits.

In every culture, music seems to be the thread that binds people. Whether you're a musician, a dancer, or simply someone who loves to listen… there is so much meaning and purpose that can be gleaned from music.

8. Appreciating Art

“I will appreciate the beauty of art. I will find ways to include it in my life, by being both a spectator and finding ways to explore my own artistic talents.”

Art has many forms and expressions, and whichever one you feel “drawn” to is totally up to you and entirely beautiful. Many people have amazing latent artistic gifts that they go their whole lives regretting not having explored further.

You can take advantage of adult learning or community college opportunities to enhance your artistic skills.

9. Embracing Spirituality

“I will be a spiritual person and connect to something higher than myself. I will concern myself with being the best person I can be for myself and others. I will be guided by thoughts and actions that are kind and in my best interest, and the best interest of others.”

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Being spiritual can be a powerful way to embrace a larger identity and life purpose. If your focus is to grow and develop to be the best person you can be, and live a life where you show compassion to others, this mantra is ideal.

10. Living a Happy and Ethical Life

“I will first and foremost do what it takes to make myself happy. With this continued state of being, I will be able to treat others in a respectful and kind way. My happiness will lead to actions that are just, fair, and ethical for others.”

We've probably all heard the saying, “Hurt people hurt people.” It would then follow that we can say the opposite is also true. If you're in a state of contentment, you'll give off a sense of peace that will positively affect others.

This statement probably hits home for you if you're someone who's mindful about existing in the here-and-now. It's definitely for you if you're self-aware and value the multitude of health benefits from having a harmonious emotional and spiritual state.

11. Empowering Others

“My life purpose is to help others see their own power and strength. I want to make each person I encounter feel better about themselves and have an added sense of self-efficacy and self-confidence.”

Here's a statement that takes infecting others with happiness and peace to a different level. The drive to empower others is ideal for someone who loves interacting with people. It requires being able to see the positives and helping individuals identify their strengths.

12. Being True to Myself

“I want to live a life where I present to myself and others my authentic self. I want to maintain my true self while being genuine and sincere in all of my relationships and interactions with others.”

If you are someone who values your individualism, this example falls right in line. Being true to yourself may include maintaining your own unique fashion sense, dietary choices, or spiritual beliefs.

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It can be more interpersonal, where you value remaining true to another purpose you have in life, no matter what others think or say. For example, you may want to stay true to living a life as a starving artist, rather than conform to the American standard of climbing your way up the corporate ladder.

Or, it may mean holding onto independent thinking that sets you a part from the rest, and not changing your opinions or methods of expression to please others or to fit in.

At any rate, being your authentic self in all areas of life helps to achieve a healthy mental and emotional state.

13. Achieving a Meaningful Career

“I will continuously pour into myself the tools needed to be the best at what I do. I want to have a career that improves the life of others and society in some way.”

Many people choose careers based on their skills, passions, or natural talents. This purpose can help you decide what career to pursue and, therefore, what actions you need to follow to achieve it.

It can help you determine if you need to pursue a higher degree, what region you may need to live in, and even give you a realistic picture of what your income may be. For example, if you're on the fence about whether to become a social worker or a marketing executive, you may decide that a social worker better meets the task of improving lives.

14. Cultivating Healthy, Reciprocal Relationships

“I will treat others as I want to be treated. I will make sure I give as much as I receive. I will communicate with others to understand and give them what they need, instead of going off of my assumptions of their needs, so that I am truly treating them in a manner that makes them feel important and respected.”

Any time you're having multiple interactions with someone, you're having a relationship. Whether it's close friends, relatives, or co-workers, interactions with others that are built on respect and mutual give-and-take are the most productive and healthiest.

If you appreciate the value of relationships and the positive rippling effects they can have on all aspects of life, this statement may speak to you.

15. Reaching My Fullest and Highest Potential

“Realizing self-actualization means reaching your fullest and highest potential. I will use self-reflection to understand my thoughts, behaviors, patterns, talents, and skills. I will also identify my growth areas (I will not call them weaknesses). I will seek to educate myself and increase my knowledge through research, and by engaging in meaningful discussions with others who hold different viewpoints than my own. I will use all of these avenues to improve all aspects of who I am.”

If you are dedicated to self-growth and self-development , this example does a great job of summarizing many of the components necessary to accomplish a higher state of self.

You may have more than one purpose. This one goes hand-in-hand with “Being True to Myself.” To accomplish both, you must be ready to accept the self-discovery that comes from honest self-reflection. Achieving self-actualization also requires accepting the actions or changes you find you need to make as a result of those self-discoveries.

16. Bringing Others Joy

“Simply put, I want to make others laugh. Laughter is healing. I want to give people the good feelings, relief, and connection that comes with sharing a good laugh together. Even when there's sadness, laughter can provide a glimpse of hope and joy. I want to provide the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Some purpose statements are more serious, some will take a little work, and others will take a concerted amount of time to achieve. This one is just pure fun.

If connecting with others and enjoying life are what gets you out of bed in the mornings, this example is the perfect fit. We can choose happiness , and help others to choose it, too.

17. Helping the Less Fortunate

“I will help someone who is hurting or going without. I will give my assistance in some way to help someone else gain what they are missing, to help them have a better quality of life.”

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This is for the altruistic. Helping the less fortunate takes the life purpose of contributing to the community to the next level, by getting a little more specific. It requires you to identify or consider a type of person or group of people, and the resources they need.

18. Sharing Wisdom

“As I learn and grow from my experiences, I want to share that wisdom with others.”

This example is great for teachers, religious leaders, mentors, or anyone who enjoys articulating the lessons of their failures, successes, and life journey. Knowledge is priceless. Because everyone's experiences are different, we all have a little bit of knowledge we could share with someone else.

19. Appreciating the World Around Me

“I will embrace nature and all of its wonders. I will take the time to enjoy what cannot be bought and sold, but what gives us its beauty and utility every second of every day, unconditionally. I will appreciate the small things, and do my part to preserve the natural reserves that make life possible.”

If you enjoy nature and the simpler things in life, and see the environment as something that needs protecting, this may resonate with you. It incorporates both appreciation and action. Like some of the others, this purpose statement is also integral to mindfulness. There's an indirect sense of benevolence, too. Without the beauty and necessities of nature — like water, land to grow fruit and vegetables, and the many valuable things that only an ecosystem left intact can provide — human life cannot exist.

Final Thoughts on a Life Purpose

No two people have the exact same life purpose… even if they value the same things, like family, they may share different visions of how that life looks.

You can use this list of 19 life purpose examples as a springboard to launch your own journey towards finding your “why.”

While these are some of the most common themes that bring meaning to many people, that isn’t to say they are your true purpose.

Which ones stand out most to you?

Has a lightbulb of inspiration appeared over your head?

Have you thought about an interest or passion that could further enrich your life?

If so… follow that fire! Don’t let it burn out!

When you take the right steps, you can make big changes with daily choices in the right direction. With these life purpose examples, you can be well on your way to developing a life you're truly proud of.

Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important .

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21 Life Purpose Examples To Help You Write Yours

As kids, we are asked what we want to be when we grow up.

At that age, our answers are often simple: doctor, fireman, scientist.

Once we get to college or start working, our outlook on the future becomes more complicated.

Our goals are less oriented towards purpose but rather towards success.

However, to live happily, our views of success should align with a sense of purpose.

There are many different kinds of purposes of life to pursue, but it’s essential to find something that brings joy and fulfillment to your life.

To visualize and actualize your future goals, consider writing a life purpose statement.

We have put together fifteen life purpose statement examples to inspire you to write yours.

Why You Should Write a Life Purpose Statement

1. making a community contribution, 2. prioritizing home and family, 3. finding career success, 4. living authentically, 5. enjoying creative expression, 6. inspiring others, 7. fostering connections, 8. living mindfully, 9. achieving life balance, 10. protecting the environment, 11. raising successful children, 12. living with joy, 13. leaving a legacy, 14. making others happy, 15. teaching children.

Writing a life purpose statement can help focus your goals and motivate you to pursue them. Finding this motivation and channeling it into reality is easier when you explicitly articulate what you want to achieve.

Here are a few of the benefits of writing a life purpose statement:

Increased drive and motivation
Focused mindset to achieve your goals and purpose
Clear path to success based on your “why”
Sense of fulfillment knowing you're guided by something vital and meaningful

21 Life Purpose Examples

Now that you're convinced writing a statement reflecting your life purpose, here are a variety of examples.

Each one focuses on an area of life that may be meaningful to you.

If you resonate with more than one of these statements, consider combining them to expand your own to include a broader purpose.

“My life purpose is to stand up for issues that I believe in and to contribute positively to my community. I want to leave the world knowing that I made it a better place.”

If you care deeply about social issues or giving back to your community, this life purpose statement may work for your goals.

women talking in office Life Purpose Examples

In your own statement, feel free to get more specific about how you plan to contribute to your community.

“I hope to build a loving home with my family and to care for my children. I want to support their endeavors while still leaving time for my passions. I will be the best version of myself so that I can lead my children by example.”

For those who find a strong sense of purpose from family, consider a statement like this. Ask yourself how you are personally fulfilled through family, and what you want your life to look like.

“My life purpose is to find success in my career. I would like to be a notable person among my peers and be valued for my contributions to my field. My hope is that I will retire feeling fulfilled with what I have accomplished.”

Many people’s life purposes are centered around careers, as they find happiness through achieving success and contributing to society.

It may be helpful to specify your particular field, the goals you may have, and why your career gives you a sense of purpose.

“The purpose of my life is to be my true self , uninhibited by fear. I want to inspire others to live authentically and with passion.”

This statement is an example for those who value being honest, open, and living their truth. Start by questioning what your passions are and how they empower you.

Define what living authentically means to you and how you hope to achieve that.

“My goal in life is to harness my creativity and imagination to unearth truths about myself, my community, and society at large. I want to pose challenging ideas through my art.”

Many artists have specific mission statements attached to their work. As you grow as an artist, you may find that elements of your statement change, but the central core of your life’s purpose will usually remain the same.

“The purpose of my life is to be a source of light to other people and radiate positivity. I hope to find an inner strength that is inspiring to others.”

Finding peace and modeling that for others is a compelling goal to motivate your self-growth. Many people dedicate their lives to self-improvement and receiving wisdom to pass it on to others.

woman looking at her phone Life Purpose Examples

“My goal in life is to love others unconditionally and foster meaningful connections with people. I want to walk through life with an open hand, being available to form new friendships.”

If you thrive through your connections, this purpose statement may resonate with you. Think about what you are giving to these relationships versus what you are receiving.

How does that impact your purpose?

16. Pursuing Knowledge and Wisdom

“My goal in life is to continuously seek knowledge and wisdom, always striving to learn more about the world and myself. I want to absorb as much as I can, turning every experience into a learning opportunity.”

If you are naturally curious and find joy in learning and personal growth, this purpose might speak to you. Consider how your quest for knowledge enriches not only your life but also how it can positively influence those around you.

How does this pursuit shape your interactions and decisions?

17. Promoting Health and Wellbeing

“My life's mission is to promote health and well-being, both for myself and others. I aim to be a beacon of healthy living, inspiring and guiding others towards a balanced lifestyle.”

If you are passionate about health and believe in the transformative power of a healthy lifestyle, this purpose could resonate with you. Reflect on how your actions and choices can contribute to a healthier community and how this commitment to well-being influences your sense of purpose.

18. Advancing Technological or Scientific Innovation

“I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and science to create solutions that improve our lives. My purpose is to innovate, discover, and contribute to the progress of humanity through my work.”

If you are driven by a desire to innovate and solve complex problems, this purpose statement may align with your aspirations.

Think about the impact of your innovations on society and how they reflect your personal values and purpose.

19. Championing Social Justice and Equality

“My purpose is to champion social justice and equality, to stand up for what is right, and to make a tangible difference in the fight against inequality. I am committed to creating a more just and equitable world for all.”

If you are moved by a sense of fairness and a desire to advocate for those who are marginalized, this purpose might resonate deeply with you.

Consider how your actions can contribute to lasting change and how this pursuit aligns with your core beliefs.

20. Exploring and Preserving Cultural Heritage

“I am passionate about exploring and preserving cultural heritage, ensuring that the rich tapestry of our past is celebrated and maintained for future generations. My purpose is to connect with history and share its lessons and beauty with the world.”

Do you have a deep appreciation for culture and history and want to ensure its preservation? If so, this purpose statement could speak to you.

Reflect on how this passion helps you connect with others and the past, enriching your life and those around you.

21. Fostering Spiritual Growth or Enlightenment

“My life's goal is to foster spiritual growth, both in myself and in others. I seek enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the spiritual aspects of our existence, hoping to share peace and wisdom along the way.”

Maybe your path is deeply intertwined with spiritual exploration and growth, and this purpose might align with your innermost values.

Think about how your spiritual journey influences your relationships, your approach to life's challenges, and what it means for your overall purpose.

How Do You Write a Purpose Statement for Your Life?

Crafting a purpose statement for your life might seem like a tall order, but it's really about digging deep and reflecting on what truly drives you. It's your guiding light that helps you navigate through life's ups and downs. Think of it as your own personal North Star, keeping you aligned with what matters most to you.

Here's how to get those thoughts down into a coherent, powerful purpose statement:

1. Reflect on Your Passions

Start by thinking about what gets you out of bed in the morning. What activities make you lose track of time? This isn't just about hobbies; it's about the core drives that give your life meaning and joy. Jot these down, no matter how big or small they seem.

2. Identify Your Values

Your values are the bedrock of your purpose statement. They define what you stand for and what you won't stand for. So, take a moment to list out your top values. Are you all about honesty, creativity, family, independence? Knowing these will help shape your purpose statement.

3. Consider Your Impact

Think about how you want to affect the world around you. What mark do you want to leave on your community, your family, or even the planet? This isn't about grandiose achievements but the real, tangible difference you want to make.

4. Draft Your Statement

With your passions, values, and desired impact in mind, start drafting your statement. Keep it simple and clear. It should resonate with you deeply, almost like a personal mantra that you can turn to in times of doubt or decision-making.

5. Refine and Evolve

Your first draft might not be perfect, and that's okay. Life is dynamic, and so are you. Allow your purpose statement to evolve as you grow and learn. It's a living document, not set in stone.

Remember, your purpose statement is deeply personal. It's for you, about you, and should reflect your unique journey and aspirations. So, take your time, be honest with yourself, and let your true self shine through in your words.

How will you use these life purpose examples?

If you are ever asked the question, “What is your purpose in life?” you now have a better idea of what that answer might be.

Your statement should be personal and specific to your interests and motivations. Use these examples to help craft your personal life purpose statement.

Here are a few different ways to utilize this exercise:

Use it as a professional statement in your resume. Many job applications require a personal mission or professional statement in your resume. Craft your purpose statement to support your career goals.
Write it in a journal, and return back to it when you need to refocus your energies. Just the act of writing your statement reinforces it in your mind.
Discuss it with your significant other. Relationships often work for the long term when both parties share a similar sense of purpose and want to share in each other’s goals.

Refer to your life purpose statement regularly as you make critical decisions or plans for your life.

Use it as your compass to guide you through life's ups and downs, reminding you of the higher reason you live on this planet.

May your purpose in life inspire everything you do today and always.

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7 Tips for Finding Your Purpose in Life

Discover What Brings You Fullfillment

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.

Why Do You Need a Sense of Purpose?

Donate time, money, or talent, listen to feedback, surround yourself with positive people, start conversations with new people, explore your interests, consider injustices that bother you, discover what you love to do.

How Do You Know You've Found Your Purpose?

A Word From Verywell

Finding your purpose in living is more than a cliché: Learning how to live your life with purpose can lead to a sense of control, satisfaction, and general contentment. Feeling like what you do is worthwhile is, arguably, a significant key to a happy life. But what this means is different for each person. This article touches on a few helpful strategies for finding and steering your rudder in a sometimes turbulent sea.

Only around 25% of American adults say they have a clear sense of what makes their lives meaningful, according to one analysis in The New York Times . Another 40% either claim neutrality on the subject or say they don't.

A 2010 study published in Applied Psychology found that individuals with high levels of eudemonic well-being—a sense of purpose and control control and a feeling like what you do is worthwhile—tend to live longer. Other researchers found that well-being might be protective for health maintenance. In that research, people with the strongest well-being were 30% less likely to die during the eight-and-a-half-year follow-up period.

There’s also research that links feeling as if you have a sense of purpose to positive health outcomes such as fewer strokes and heart attacks, better sleep, and a lower risk of dementia and disabilities.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Research and Personality found that individuals who feel a sense of purpose make more money than individuals who feel as though their work lacks meaning .

So the good news is, you don’t have to choose between having wealth and living a meaningful life. You might find that the more purpose you feel, the more money you’ll earn.

With all of those benefits, finding purpose and meaning in your life is clearly central to fulfillment--but it's likely to take time and patience.

Press Play for Advice On Self-Advocacy

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast , featuring activist Erin Brockovich, shares tips on standing up for what’s right, taking care of yourself, and tackling things that seem impossible. Click below to listen now.

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The process requires plenty of self-reflection, listening to others, and finding where your passions lie. These seven strategies can help you reveal or find your purpose so you can begin living a more meaningful life.

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If you can cultivate just one helpful habit in your search for purpose, it would be helping others.

Researchers at Florida State University and Stanford found that happiness and meaningfulness overlapped somewhat but were different: Happiness was linked to the person being a taker before a giver, whereas meaningfulness went along with being more of a giver than a taker. The givers in relationships reported having a purposeful life more often than takers did.

Altruistic behaviors could include volunteering for a nonprofit organization, donating money to causes you care about, or simply helping out the people around you on a day-to-day basis.

Whether you decide to spend two Saturdays a month serving meals in a soup kitchen, or you volunteer to drive your elderly neighbor to the grocery store once a week, doing something kind for others can make you feel as though your life has meaning.

It can be hard to recognize the things you feel passionate about sometimes. After all, you probably like to do many different things and the things you love to do may have become so ingrained in your life that you don’t realize how important those things are.

Fortunately, other people might be able to give you some insight. There’s a good chance you’re already displaying your passion and purpose to those around you without even realizing it.

You might choose to reach out to people and ask what reminds them of you or what they think of when you enter their mind. Or you might take note when someone pays you a compliment or makes an observation about you. Write those observations down and look for patterns.

Whether people think of you as “a great entertainer” or they say “you have a passion for helping the elderly,” hearing others say what they notice about you might reinforce some of the passions you’ve already been engaging in.

As the saying goes, you are the company you keep. What do you have in common with the people who you choose to be around?

Don’t think about co-workers or family members you feel obligated to see. Think about the people you choose to spend time with outside of work and outside of family functions.

The people you surround yourself with say something about you. If you’re surrounded by people who are making positive change, you might draw from their inspiration.

On the other hand, if the people around you are negative individuals who drag you down, you might want to make some changes. It’s hard to feel passionate and purposeful when you’re surrounded by people who aren’t interested in making positive contributions.

It’s easy to browse social media while you’re alone on the subway or sitting at a bar waiting for a friend. Resist that urge. Instead, take the time to talk to the people around you.

Ask them if they are working on any projects or what they like to do for fun. Talk to them about organizations with which they are involved or if they like to donate to any particular cause.

Even though striking up conversations with strangers may feel awkward at first , talking to people outside of your immediate social circle can open your eyes to activities, causes or career opportunities that you never even knew existed.

You might discover new activities to explore or different places to visit. And those activities might be key to helping you find your purpose.

Is there a topic that you are regularly talking about in a Facebook status update or in a Tweet? Are you regularly sharing articles about climate change or refugees?

Are there pictures on Instagram of you engaging in a particular activity over and over, such as gardening or performing?

Consider the conversations you enjoy holding with people the most when you’re meeting face-to-face. Do you like talking about history? Or do you prefer sharing the latest money-saving tips you discovered?

The things you like to talk about and the things you enjoy sharing on social media may reveal the things that give you purpose in life.

Many people have their pet causes or passion projects that surround an injustice in the world. Is there anything that makes you so deeply unhappy to think about that it bothers you to the core?

It might be animal welfare, a particular civil rights issue or childhood obesity organizations. Perhaps the idea of senior citizens spending the holidays alone makes you weepy or you think that substance abusers need more rehabilitation opportunities—the organizations are out there, and they need your help.

You don’t necessarily have to engage in your purpose full-time. You might find your career gives you the ability to afford to help a cause you feel passionate about. Or, you might find that you are able to donate time—as opposed to money—to give to a cause that you believe in.

On the other end of the spectrum, simply thinking about what you truly love to do can help you find your purpose as well.

Do you absolutely love musical theater? Your skills might be best put to use in a way that brings live performances to children who can benefit from exposure to the arts.

Is analyzing data something that you actually find fun? Any number of groups could find that skill to be an invaluable asset.

Consider what type of skills, talents, and passions you bring to the table. Then, brainstorm how you might turn your passion into something meaningful to you.

How Do You Know You've Found Your Purpose?

Like the notion of purpose itself, the answer to that is subjective--and there are as many signs that someone's found their purpose as there are people.

Perhaps you feel fully connected to the universe and that you know your place in it. Maybe you've found your meaning in religion. Or you sense a strong connection with others. The feeling might arise from activities that benefit others, such as volunteering.

Ultimately, you've likely found your purpose if you've stopped asking whether you have.

Finding your purpose isn’t something you can do in a few days, weeks, or months. It can be a lifelong journey , and you must do it only one step at a time.

You also might find that your purpose changes over time. Perhaps you liked working with animals in your youth, but now you want to join forces with a cause that fights human trafficking. Or, maybe you want to do both, being among the lucky who find more than one purpose to drive their lives.

Keep in mind your purpose doesn’t necessarily mean you have to change what you’re doing already. If you cut hair, you might decide your purpose in life is to help others feel beautiful.

If you work as a school custodian, you might find your purpose is creating an environment that helps children learn.

Occasionally, consider pausing what you’re doing to reflect on your path: Is it taking you in the direction you want to go? If not, you can change course. Sometimes, that road to finding your purpose has a few curves, forks, and stop lights.

Khullar D. Finding Purpose for a Good Life. But Also a Healthy One. The New York Times. The Upshot. Jan. 1, 2018:1. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/upshot/finding-purpose-for-a-good-life-but-also-a-healthy-one.html

Kobau, R, Sniezek, J, Zack, M M, Lucas, RE, Burns, A. Well‐Being Assessment: An Evaluation of Well‐Being Scales for Public Health and Population Estimates of Well‐Being among US Adults . Applied Psychology : 2010: 2: 272-297. doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2010.01035.x

Steptoe A, Deaton A, Stone AA. Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing. Lancet . 2015;385(9968):640–648. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61489-0

Musich S, Wang SS, Kraemer S, Hawkins K, Wicker E. Purpose in Life and Positive Health Outcomes Among Older Adults. Popul Health Manag . 2018;21(2):139–147. doi:10.1089/pop.2017.0063

Schippers MC, Ziegler N. Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life. Front Psychol. 2019;10:2778. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778

Baumeister RF, Vohs KD, Aaker JL, Garbinsky EN. Some key differences between a happy life and a meaningful life . The Journal of Positive Psychology . 2013;8(6):505-516. doi:10.1080/17439760.2013.830764

Son J. Wilson J. Volunteer Work and Hedonic, Eudemonic, and Social Well-Being. Sociological Forum. 2012;27(3):658-681. doi:10.1111/j.1573-7861.2012.01340.x

Baumeister RF, Vohs KD, Aaker JL, Garbinsky EN. Some key differences between a happy life and a meaningful life. Journal of Positive Psychology 2013;8(6):505-516. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2013.830764

Hill PL, Turiano NA, Mroczek DK, Burrow AL. The value of a purposeful life: Sense of purpose predicts greater income and net worth . Journal of Research in Personality . 2016:65:38-42. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2016.07.003.

By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

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My Purpose in Life Essay

Updated 13 November 2023

Downloads 63

Category Life

Topic Life Goals

In most cases, it is difficult to define the purpose of life

In most cases, it is difficult to define the purpose of life in a way that people would concur duly. Each looks at the aim of life differently because not everyone shares the same beliefs and have the same life experiences. Therefore, there are no widely accepted purposes in life. However, it is paramount for everyone to identify their reason for living (Mathews, 2008, p.167).

My purpose in life is to serve God and achieve my ikigai

In most cases, individuals choose a purpose in life depending on their beliefs, experiences, and what happens around them. I for one believe in God and trust that we cannot hold our future. We cannot control situations the way we want to have a better tomorrow. For me, God exists, and he is a Supreme Being who has control over every individual's life and has a plan for everyone for he is the creator. Bearing in mind that God is the controller, my purpose in life is to serve God in everything that I do, similarly to achieve what I am passionate about, what am good at, what will pay me, and that which the world needs. I believe that by accomplishing strategic goals while serving the creator, I would have achieved my ikigai and thus will live a life full of happiness and satisfaction. (García and Miralles, 2017, p.256).

My college life and goals

I am a first-year college student, and I believe the far I have come my ikigai has been my main driving force and everything that I have experienced along the way God had planned for them to happen. Every day I wake up my goal is to prepare for anything that might occur in the future, although I may not know what tomorrow might bring. At college, each day I aim to study and take care of my duties and responsibilities as a student and also as a believer who hopes for a prosperous future. I desire to achieve all my set life goals and dreams for a prosperous future. I am not sure about what will happen after I graduate from college but I believe that if I equip myself adequately, I will achieve my desires and what God has planned for me. My undergraduate career will enable me to reach my strategic goals and passions and serve God. On the other hand be in a position of serving other people and helping them in realizing their purpose in life.

The significance of having a purpose in life

According to Yamamoto-Mitani and Wallhagen (2002, p.407), having a purpose in life gives an individual something to wake up to each day and also serves as a motivation for one to achieve set objectives. My life's biggest goal is to serve my God in every way possible. This purpose enables me to have faith in God in everything that I do and to believe that everything that happens is because of God since He has control over all humans. Furthermore, it allows me to provide service to and encourage individuals in the society by explaining to them the importance of serving God. This purpose has made me to remain steadfast in every situation no matter how bad it may be and to have faith in God despite the case at a particular time. Serving God brings peace, a feeling of satisfaction, and happiness to my life always.

Pursuing my passions and utilizing my strengths

Additionally, achieving what I am passionate about and what I am good at is another purpose that I have in life. Realizing what I am excited about gives me the confidence to always try an idea that I like. This purpose gives me a reason and strength to press on despite any challenges that I may face. Also, it assures me that I can always achieve what I love doing.

Again, accomplishing what I am good at is an ikigai that has enabled me to reach my college level of education. This reason for living has always been a motivation in my academics; it gives me an intention to regularly do my best in all the areas where I am talented. Consequently, doing my best in areas where my strengths lie has allowed me to succeed in my academics up to college levels. The aim has also ensured that I don’t give up easily on my duties and responsibilities irrespective of any obstacles that may arise. Being able to achieve my passion in life and also attaining my best in the activities that I like have been my life's pillars and sources of happiness (Sone et al. 2008, p.709).

Working towards earning and meeting societal needs

Finally, being able to achieve that which I can be paid for doing and that which the society needs are, also, my purposes in life. The goal of obtaining something that can enable me to earn while doing has always pushed me to work hard in every other thing that I do. Working hard in my education has helped me to reach the college level in my academics, henceforth can pursue my dream career. This purpose in life has made me believe in myself and my capabilities of succeeding, for this reason, all the steps that I have taken in my life so far have been because I want to achieve something that can earn me a successful life soon. I believe that the aim will enable me to graduate from college and get a well-paying job and expand my career.

Moreover, achieving that which the society needs has always been a motivating factor in my life. The aim has enabled me to still be responsible and keen on any activities that get involved me. Societies always appreciate and accept individuals who have a sense of responsibility, besides, being responsible enables an individual to achieve his/her set objectives and eventually become successful. Equally, the purpose has made me work hard to a level of pursuing my career; thus, I will be able to accomplish my career dreams. Identically, being one of the educated individuals needed for employment in the career field and serving other members of the society (Snare, 2016, p.43).

In conclusion, I have confidence that everyone has a purpose in life and everyone needs to work towards realizing their aspirations in life. And I trust that my reason for living is to serve God, achieve what I love, realize my talents, attain that which can pay me, and acquire that which the society needs. Therefore, it is crucial that every individual pursue their life's ikigai to achieve their goals and dreams and that of others. Identically it is vital for every individual to find out their reason for living and follow it faithfully. The realization will help individuals to bring out the best out of themselves and also the society would receive the best from them. I hope that this or other essay samples at our site will inspire you to complete a marvelous essay on my purpose of life topic.

Bibliography

García, H. and Miralles, F., 2017. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Penguin.

Mathews, G., 2008. FINDING AND KEEPING A PURPOSE IN LIFE. Pursuits of happiness: Well-being in anthropological perspective, p.167.

Snare, E., 2016. Introducing Sustainability to Creative Employment Seeking Expanding Communities OF SUSTAINABLE Practice, p.43.

Sone, T., Nakaya, N., Ohmori, K., Shimazu, T., Higashiguchi, M., Kakizaki, M., Kikuchi, N., Kuriyama, S. and Tsuji, I., 2008. The sense of life worth living (ikigai) and mortality in Japan: Ohsaki Study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70(6), pp.709-715.

Yamamoto-Mitani, N. and Wallhagen, M.I., 2002. A pursuit of psychological well-being (ikigai) and the evolution of self-understanding in the context of caregiving in Japan. Culture, medicine, and psychiatry, 26(4), pp.399-417.

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Purpose and Meaning of Life

This essay will investigate the human pursuit of purpose and meaning in life. It will explore how different cultures and philosophies define life’s purpose, the role of personal goals and societal expectations, and the psychological impact of finding or lacking meaning in life. The essay will also offer insights on how individuals can discover or create their sense of purpose. You can also find more related free essay samples at PapersOwl about Fiction.

How it works

What’s life? Is life defined as the good days where you wake up and it’s a beautiful day. The day where you jump out of bed, love what your wearing, and the entire day everything is just going right and easy. It’s the day that everyone is noticing you and you understand everything you are learning in school, answering all the right answers. The day, where you played ball and didn’t miss a shot. Your day was just on fire.

Or is life defined as the bad and dark days. The day when you get out of bed and stub your toe, hate what your wearing, spill your coffee on yourself, run to the train station and miss the train. The day when you go to school and no body, not even one person notices you, and the rest of the day just gets worse. I believe everyone in this room has had many difficult days. Life has many challenges. Life has many dark days where one is constantly concerned. Do people like me? No people don’t like me? Am I smart? No, I’m not smart. Challenges are here to stay. Life isn’t always going to be so peaceful. Life is not a trip where things are always going to go well.

As you get older the pressures get harder. Expect that your life will have many difficult days. Whether it’s health issues, wealth issues, social issues, school issues. There will be days where you’re learning but it isn’t that great, a day where you don’t understand a thing you’re learning. It is a day where you’re learning is just a disaster and everything you learn just goes in one ear out the other. On the other hand, there are days where learning is going great and you understand everything your learning. Success in life is dependent on how we deal with those difficult days, weeks and challenges. If one doesn’t deal with their challenges properly that challenge can become their challenge for life. Many people go in despair when they are going through a bad day. You say work is not for me, give up. Happiness is not for me, you give up. Friendships are not for me, you give up. Education is not for me, give up. But you should know that if you give up, you lose. The moment you give up its over. If you have hope you can do it. Reach for the best. Reach for the CEO position or the valvicorine position.

There many things that you can reach if you don’t give up. One can never escape their challenges if they give up. But, if you have hope you will be okay. You will be better than okay. This world is about doing, it’s about becoming something, it’s about accomplishing great things. You’re going through what you’re going through because you here to accomplish. One only accomplishes when their going through challenges. If you’re going through a hard day or week, wake up. Wake up. Learn from others and their mistakes. You should believe that you can do it. Every time a challenge comes rise to it. In life difficulties are the womb of greatness. If you find yourself in a difficult position know that you’re in the womb of greatness if you react. We are here to win the Olympics. We are not here to sit back and relax. Could you imagine a guy in the Olympics that is in the hurdle race says stop “I have a problem?” He says I have a problem, why do we have to jump the hurdles, why can’t we just run through the field. Everybody will look at him and think he is a stupid person because he is here to win the hurdle race not to just run without the hurdles. That’s the purpose of life.

The purpose of life is to go through hurdles and to jump over them. Hurdles are not a dead end. When you fail in life it’s not a dead end. When you fail in life it’s only a hurdle to jump and get up. To succeeded in life, you must fall. When you fall, you get better. When you go down and when you get up you go up higher. In life, your difficulties and failures is what lifts you higher. If you are having a hard day, week, or year maybe you’ll cry but you’re ready to jump. You’re ready to jump the hurdle. As you get older, the hurdles get harder and higher. As you jump you get better, higher, and more successful. If you want to be successful in life you’re going to have to learn how to deal with these difficult days because your problems will only get heavier and harder. Know that you can do it, and succeeded because you can jump that hurdle.

Hope is the secret to success. Never give up, always know that the next challenge in life is there to lift you up and make you ready for the next time. It might be difficult a challenge but your heart will be happy because you know that you will be ready for the next greater challenge.

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Essay on Purpose Of Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Purpose Of Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Purpose Of Life

Understanding the purpose of life.

Life is a precious gift. Its purpose is different for everyone and depends on individual beliefs and experiences. Some people find purpose in helping others, while others find it in learning or creating. It’s about finding what makes you happy and fulfilled.

Finding Your Purpose

Discovering your purpose can take time. It’s not always clear and may change as you grow. You can start by thinking about what you love to do, what makes you feel good, and how you can make a positive impact on the world.

The Joy in Purpose

When you find your purpose, life becomes more meaningful. You feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This joy can motivate you to work harder and achieve your goals. It’s like a guiding light that leads you through life.

Living with Purpose

To live with purpose, you need to follow your heart and stay true to yourself. It’s about making choices that align with your beliefs and values. Remember, your purpose is unique to you. So, embrace it and live life to the fullest.

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Paragraph on Purpose Of Life

250 Words Essay on Purpose Of Life

What is the purpose of life.

Life is a precious gift, and everyone has their unique way of living it. Some people think the purpose of life is to be happy, while others believe it is to help others.

Finding Happiness

Many people believe that the purpose of life is to find happiness. This could mean doing things that make us feel good, like playing games, eating our favorite food, or spending time with friends and family. It is about enjoying every moment and making the most of our time.

Helping Others

For others, life’s purpose is to help people. They find joy in making others happy or making the world a better place. This could mean doing volunteer work, helping a friend with homework, or simply being kind to everyone around us.

Learning and Growing

Some people see the purpose of life as a chance to learn and grow. They want to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and become better people. This could mean studying hard at school, reading lots of books, or trying new things.

In conclusion, the purpose of life can be different for everyone. It could be about finding happiness, helping others, or learning and growing. It’s about finding what makes you feel fulfilled and doing that. Remember, the purpose of life is a journey, not a destination. So, enjoy every step of your journey.

500 Words Essay on Purpose Of Life

Understanding ‘purpose of life’.

The ‘Purpose of Life’ is a big idea that everyone thinks about at some point. In simple terms, it is the reason why we are here. It is what gives our life meaning and direction. It is like a personal goal that guides our actions and choices.

Individual Purpose

Everyone has their own purpose in life, which can be different from others. This purpose can be anything that makes you feel happy and fulfilled. For some, it could be becoming a doctor and saving lives, while for others, it could be becoming a painter and creating beautiful art. It is not about what others think is important, but what you feel is important.

Common Human Purpose

While each person has their own purpose, there are also common purposes that all humans share. These include learning, growing, and contributing to the world. We all want to learn new things, grow as people, and make the world a better place. These common purposes can help bring us together and create a sense of community.

Finding your purpose in life can take time and is often a journey of self-discovery. It involves understanding your passions, values, and strengths. You can start by asking yourself questions like, “What do I love to do?”, “What am I good at?” and “What do I feel strongly about?” The answers to these questions can help guide you towards your purpose.

Living Your Purpose

Once you find your purpose, it is important to live it. This means making choices and taking actions that align with your purpose. For example, if your purpose is to help others, you might choose to volunteer at a local charity. Living your purpose can give your life meaning and make you feel fulfilled.

The Importance of Purpose

Having a purpose in life is important because it gives our life direction and meaning. It helps us make decisions and set goals. It also gives us a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Without a purpose, life can feel empty and meaningless.

In conclusion, the purpose of life is a deeply personal and important idea. It is the guiding force that gives our life meaning and direction. While each person’s purpose is unique, we all share common purposes of learning, growing, and contributing to the world. Finding and living your purpose can bring great joy and fulfillment to your life.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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My Purpose in Life is to Help Others

Categories: Helping Others Purpose

About this sample

Words: 688 |

Published: Aug 31, 2023

Words: 688 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Defining personal purpose and its significance, empathy and compassion as the driving forces, choosing the path of service and impact, personal growth through helping others, overcoming challenges and sustaining motivation, influence on relationships and community, collaboration and collective impact, conclusion: embracing the journey of helping others.

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Essay on Life

Good Example Of Purpose in Life Essay

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Life , Choice , Culture , Psychology , Human , Understanding , Society , Human Services

Published: 08/12/2021

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During the early years in life, I struggled with the issue of finding a purpose for my life since I drew inspiration from different individuals in different fields. However, as I grew up and began interacting with more people, I began to understand the different roles of people in society. The most impactful experience in my life was during a church activity where we volunteered to help feed and clothe the homeless within the community. The fulfillment I got from this activity was the life-changing experience that made me determine what my purpose in life would be. I knew that my purpose in life was to help the vulnerable people in society, put a smile on their faces, and make positive lasting impacts in their lives. I decided that every day, I would strive to ensure that I touched a life, however little it was to ensure that these individuals felt loved. My purpose in life, therefore, is to share love and compassion with the people who need it most.

In the recent past, the three choices I have made in my life include the choice to pursue a career in the human service profession. The second choice I have made is to improve my understanding of the different cultures across the globe and improve my capacity to interact with individuals from a variety of cultures. The third choice I have made recently is to do more individual research on human psychology.

The three choices I have made were all congruent with the purpose I have in my life. The choice of pursuing a career in the human services profession provides me with a chance to help individuals in a structured and legal way. It will ensure that I have an improved capacity to help vulnerable individuals get organized, get back on their feet and overcome the challenges that life has presented to them. This choice ensures that I can contribute to the establishment of a better society. It will ensure that I have an opportunity to create a link between those in need and the relevant resources that help them meet the needs that make them vulnerable members of our society. In addition to that, I will be contributing to a positive environment in a society where individuals and families do not live in fear of crime because of the need for vulnerable individuals to acquire resources in an illegal way. As such, my choice to pursue a career in the human service profession is congruent with my purpose in life.

Additionally, my choice to have a better understanding of the different cultures across the globe is also in congruence with the purpose I have in life. In the United States and other parts of the globe, communities are becoming increasingly diverse. Individuals from a variety of cultures are living within the same communities and sharing the same resources. Cultural competence has been seen as one of the most important skills that a human service professional should have to effectively practice in the field (Jani et al., 2026). As such, this choice will help me in understanding the different cultures and the preferences of individuals from these cultures. It will ensure an improved understanding of how different persons from varied cultures perceive their issues and the best way to develop solutions that align with their cultural needs. Thus, the choice to study other cultures is also congruent with my purpose in life.

Other than that, the choice I made to perform personal research on human psychology is also in congruence with my purpose in life. It is important to understand that in addition to material needs, most individuals are also deprived of emotional and psychological needs. It has been noted that technological developments and other issues have greatly contributed to an increase in mental health cases, especially among the young (Twenge et al., 2018). This means that individuals are increasingly becoming vulnerable to mental and emotional health issues. Therefore, my choice to seek a better understanding of human psychology is central to my capacity to understand the most appropriate ways of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of these individuals. It is on this basis that this choice is in congruence with my purpose in life.

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Jani, J. S., Osteen, P., & Shipe, S. (2016). Cultural competence and social work education: Moving toward assessment of practice behaviors. Journal of Social Work Education , 52 (3), 311-324.

Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among US adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science , 6 (1), 3-17.

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Relationships

To Find Love and Meaning in Life, First Find Your Purpose

Chasing your passion often comes with personal and professional benefits..

Posted May 9, 2024 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

Why Relationships Matter
Find a therapist to strengthen relationships
Studies have found that purposeful people are more attractive overall than those who have no sense of purpose.
The first step toward finding your purpose is believing you have one.
A higher sense of purpose often results in more positive relationship outcomes.

What motivates and has meaning for you, helps you set goals , and makes you feel your life is moving in a clear forward direction? If you can easily answer those questions, if you believe your life has meaning and that you have a reason for being right here, right now, you’re much more likely on track to find your unique purpose in life and a path to success and happiness than someone who feels no particular calling or direction.

To find your purpose, start with the understanding that a purposeful life is a life filled with meaning and direction. Finding purpose requires self-reflection on your past life experiences and how they have affected you, opening yourself up to diverse ideas and experiences, and, ultimately, actively participating in your most meaningful areas of interest.

A small study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that narrowing down life’s many options to those that motivate you, and leave you feeling satisfied and positive about yourself, not only helps you find people to whom you are attracted but also helps them find you. And that may well include a long-term romantic partner, if that’s what you seek.

After setting up fake profiles on a dating app of people who appeared to have a strong sense of purpose as well as people with no real sense of purpose beyond themselves, the researchers asked 119 men and women to read and rank each on their attractiveness as romantic partners. Overall, the researchers reported, profiles of people called to a higher purpose—wanting to help others (i.e., volunteering community service), following a strong creative drive (i.e., having a passion for acting, writing, dancing or visual arts), focusing on financial goals (i.e., pursuing wealth) or strongly centering their lives around relationships with loved ones—were perceived to be more attractive as potential romantic partners than those who expressed no particular purpose at all.

The highest rank for potential partners went to profiles of individuals most focused on their relationships, followed by those with a creative profile, and then those who were committed to helping others. Interestingly, the profiles primarily focused on finances were ranked lower in appeal than any of the others.

According to Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, intimacy, passion, and commitment are three components necessary for successful consummate, or complete, love. Other types and stages of love, from friendship and infatuation to romantic and companionate love, contain and often survive on just one or two of these components. In any case, commitment must be a component of any relationship if it is to be sustained.

Earlier studies have shown that those who have a higher sense of purpose, regardless of the category of purpose, report more positive relationship outcomes than those who don’t feel purposeful or are not pursuing a broader purpose in life. Research suggests this could be because highly purposeful people are also highly motivated people who invest more in their personal relationships and are therefore more committed to taking steps to resolve inevitable conflicts and sustain the intimacy and passion felt in a healthy, consummate relationship. Someone with a lesser sense of purpose may feel less invested in a romantic relationship and therefore be less motivated to take those same steps to protect that relationship.

But the benefits of having and feeling purpose extend well beyond finding like-minded thinkers and a near-perfect partner. Purposeful people have also been found to have better time management skills, better emotional regulation , less negativity and reactivity in stressful situations, and greater overall life satisfaction than those who feel little to no purpose in life. The purposeful are more resilient when faced with setbacks, and motivated to find the time and resources necessary to reach their goals, both personal and professional.

D’Ottone IC, Pfund GN, Hill PL. Purposeful Partners: Potential Relationship Quality and Sense of Purpose. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 2023

Yemiscigil A, Yilmaz MS, Lee MT. How to Find Your Purpose. Harvard Business Review. September 15, 2023

Pfund GN. Hill PL. The Multifaceted Benefits of Purpose in Life. The International Forum for Logotherapy.(2018) 41; 27-37

Susan McQuillan is a food, health, and lifestyle writer.

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'My purpose in life is to tell stories'

5/17/2024 A&S Communications

Asha Prabhat

Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Government, College Scholar Marlboro, N.J.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

I had two main extracurricular activities — being an active competitor on the Cornell Speech team and leading the student-run nonprofit, The Advocacy Project. But they're both connected. As a speech competitor, I hone skills of public speaking and storytelling, telling narratives of marginalized communities and my own identities that often go untold. But advocacy is a privilege, a skill that not everyone has access to. With the advocacy project, I and the other founders created a curriculum to teach how to argue, persuade and advocate for causes communities might be passionate about. Both activities informed one another and subsequently informed me— they taught me that my purpose in life is to tell stories, whether others or even my own.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

I learned how to put many different types of authors in conversation with one another. As a College Scholar, I was able to take many various types of classes in different disciplines, as the College Scholar program champions interdisciplinary research and education. Now, my thesis focuses on putting legal writing, feminist theory and global development programming in conversation with one another. A&S, College Scholars and my amazing professors gave me the tools to do that.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

This year, I was the world champion and the national champion in persuasive speaking. My speech discussed the impacts of PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, on patients and why it is so under-diagnosed. Using my own experiences and narrating other brave patients' stories, I created a call to action for medical communities to take this condition seriously. The speech was a culmination of a year of work, and winning both a world and national title proved to me that my experiences, even the painful ones, were worth it. Seeing my coach cry during the performance was just icing on the cake!

How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?

Coming to Cornell, I expected to get lost in the sea of people, given how big the campus is. But I discovered that within certain niches are beautiful communities. Because of my involvement, I was very active in the political advocacy space at Cornell. I was incredibly surprised to find out how motivated every student leader on campus is to support other groups' work. From Planned Parenthood to Consent Ed to the Cornell Anti-Detention Alliance to many more, I have worked with so many organizations who have gladly encouraged their members to attend our events, reposted our infographics and event flyers, and co-sponsored and co-led our programming. These connections are longlasting, as I've relied on these leaders for four years now and their support has never wavered. So I implore incoming students to find the leaders in your niche and build those connections.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

a group of people standing near a stairway

I would say the Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies program influenced my Cornell education the most. From learning about theory that has allowed me to contextualize my own identities to exploring history via under-discussed lenses, I have learned more in this academic space than anywhere else in my life. FGSS classes informed my speeches for the speech team, informed my choice in internships (for example — I interned for the Center for Reproductive Rights after working on a post-Dobbs talk with the FGSS program) and informed my thesis for the College Scholar program, as I explored caste, gender and victim in rural India.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 202 4.

National Humanities Center selects two A&S professors as 2024-25 Fellows

Ghosh to lead Cornell’s Society for the Humanities

‘Not her first rodeo’: Beyoncé scholar weighs in on ‘Cowboy Carter’

Community event will showcase trans philosophy and scholarship

'My purpose in life is to tell stories'

Asha Prabhat: Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies & Government & College Scholar

A&S Communications

Asha Prabhat

Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Government, Robert S. Harrison College Scholar Marlboro, N.J.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

I had two main extracurricular activities — being an active competitor on the Cornell Speech team and leading the student-run nonprofit, The Advocacy Project. But they're both connected. As a speech competitor, I hone skills of public speaking and storytelling, telling narratives of marginalized communities and my own identities that often go untold. But advocacy is a privilege, a skill that not everyone has access to. With the advocacy project, I and the other founders created a curriculum to teach how to argue, persuade and advocate for causes communities might be passionate about. Both activities informed one another and subsequently informed me — they taught me that my purpose in life is to tell stories, whether others' or even my own.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

I would say the Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies program influenced my Cornell education the most. From learning about theory that has allowed me to contextualize my own identities to exploring history via under-discussed lenses, I have learned more in this academic space than anywhere else in my life. FGSS classes informed my speeches for the speech team, informed my choice in internships (for example, I interned for the Center for Reproductive Rights after working on a post-Dobbs talk with the FGSS program) and informed my thesis for the College Scholar program, as I explored caste, gender and victim in rural India.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 202 4.

More News from A&S

College campus with stately buildings and green lawns under a blue sky, with a lake in the background

Committee to recommend final expressive activity policy

American Sign Language has found a growing home on the Hill

Extraordinary Journeys: The Class of 2024

Illustration showing a gold coin stamped with the letter "B"

BTPI will research relationship between Bitcoin and financial freedom

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My purpose in life Free Essay Example
008 My Purpose In Life Essay Example On How To Write An Examples 73
015 About My Life Essay Ambition Ins Purpose Goals ~ Thatsnotus
️ Essay on your aim in life. Essay on My Aim in Life for School and
19 life purpose examples to find your true purpose (2023)
🎉 Life essay sample. Personal Life Essay Examples. 2022-10-21

COMMENTS

How Purpose Changes Across Your Lifetime
This "is a project that endures across the lifespan," as purpose expert Kendall Bronk and her colleagues write in a 2009 paper. If we're able to revisit and renew our sense of purpose as we navigate milestones and transitions, suggests this research, then we can look forward to more satisfying, meaningful lives.
Essay on My Purpose in Life
250 Words Essay on My Purpose in Life Introduction. Life is a journey of self-discovery and purpose. It is a voyage that leads one to the realization of their significance in the grand scheme of existence. My purpose in life, as I perceive it, is to contribute positively to the world, continually learn and grow, and inspire others. ...
What Is My Purpose in Life: Essay
The first factor to a well-lived life is finding a purpose in life. This factor might sound the simplest, but it is indeed one of the toughest objectives to be fulfilled in life. You make the decisions you want, feel what you want to feel, and choose the direction to proceed in life. Do you find yourself questioning your purpose in this ...
What Is My Purpose in Life?
That's why my purpose in life is to finally prove to myself that the person that I want to be is the person that I am. As I child, I was overflowing with confidence. I didn't have to try to mask any insecurities as I was proud of every part of myself, flaws and all. Like most people, this all began to fade as I got older and matured.
15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning
Share feelings, desires, hopes, goals, successes, and failures with a close friend or significant other to increase intimacy. Focus outside yourself on causes, pursuits, and responsibilities to self-transcend. Pursue goals and strive for achievement in areas aligned with your values. Become comfortable in who you are.
Seven Ways to Find Your Purpose in Life
6. Cultivate positive emotions like gratitude and awe. To find purpose, it helps to foster positive emotions, like awe and gratitude. That's because each of these emotions is tied to well-being, caring about others, and finding meaning in life, which all help us focus on how we can contribute to the world.
How to Find Your Purpose in Life
Here are six ways to overcome isolation and discover your purpose in life. 1. Read. Reading connects us to people we'll never know, across time and space—an experience that research says is linked to a sense of meaning and purpose. (Note: "Meaning" and "purpose" are related but separate social-scientific constructs.
19 Life Purpose Examples to Find Your True Purpose
It may be for medical reasons, or your aim may be to achieve a certain physical appearance or build strength . This life purpose is for you if you're passionate about the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of exercise. 7. Incorporating Music. "I will make music an integral part of my life.
21 Life Purpose Examples To Help You Write Yours
4. Living Authentically. "The purpose of my life is to be my true self, uninhibited by fear. I want to inspire others to live authentically and with passion.". This statement is an example for those who value being honest, open, and living their truth. Start by questioning what your passions are and how they empower you.
7 Tips for Finding Your Purpose in Life
Keep in mind your purpose doesn't necessarily mean you have to change what you're doing already. If you cut hair, you might decide your purpose in life is to help others feel beautiful. If you work as a school custodian, you might find your purpose is creating an environment that helps children learn.
My Purpose in Life Essay
The significance of having a purpose in life. According to Yamamoto-Mitani and Wallhagen (2002, p.407), having a purpose in life gives an individual something to wake up to each day and also serves as a motivation for one to achieve set objectives. My life's biggest goal is to serve my God in every way possible.
Purpose and Meaning of Life
This essay will investigate the human pursuit of purpose and meaning in life. It will explore how different cultures and philosophies define life's purpose, the role of personal goals and societal expectations, and the psychological impact of finding or lacking meaning in life. The essay will also offer insights on how individuals can ...
My Life's Purpose: An Essay
My Life's Purpose: An Essay. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. I used to think my life was meant to be planned out by my parents. They set their expectations to be higher than I could achieve, and designated me on a path to pursue the ...
Why Do You Need a Purpose in Life?
Now that's a real value! According to Time Magazine, purposeful living has been linked to a lower risk of disease, better sleep, and other healthy behaviors. And, according to a study in JAMA ...
Essay on Purpose Of Life
In conclusion, the purpose of life is a deeply personal and important idea. It is the guiding force that gives our life meaning and direction. While each person's purpose is unique, we all share common purposes of learning, growing, and contributing to the world. Finding and living your purpose can bring great joy and fulfillment to your life.
What Is My Purpose In Life Essay
Definition Of Purpose. "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.". This quote was said by a man named Ralph Waldo Emerson! The meaning of this quote is that purpose is to be useful to the world ,honorable, be ...
My Purpose in Life is to Help Others
Personal purpose is the guiding force that shapes our life journey, providing direction and meaning. Choosing a purpose centered around helping others is a conscious decision to contribute to the well-being of those around us. This purpose-driven life goes beyond personal achievements, offering a sense of fulfillment derived from selfless actions.
My Purpose Of Life Essay
746 Words3 Pages. My Purpose of Life We often question why we are placed on this planet or do we serve a greater meaning to the evolution of this generation. Life's meaning is a question that no one can really put into one definition and that is because there is no one answer. Every person has their own set of goals that they plan to ...
Free Sample Essay on Purpose in Life
My purpose in life, therefore, is to share love and compassion with the people who need it most. In the recent past, the three choices I have made in my life include the choice to pursue a career in the human service profession. The second choice I have made is to improve my understanding of the different cultures across the globe and improve ...
My Life Essay
Essay About Life 1 (100 words) Life is a fascinating journey that presents us with countless opportunities and challenges. It is a delicate balance between joy and sorrow, success and failure, love and heartbreak. Each day brings new experiences and lessons, shaping us into the individuals we are meant to become.
To Find Love and Meaning in Life, First Find Your Purpose
Studies have found that purposeful people are more attractive overall than those who have no sense of purpose. The first step toward finding your purpose is believing you have one. A higher sense ...
My purpose in life Free Essay Example
The importance of playing the violin helped strengthen my manual dexterity. I know that with my experience in playing the violin, it can help fine-tune my motor skills. I knew I wanted to do more with my hands, other than performing. The first time I ever considered dentistry as a career was my sophomore year of high school.
My Purpose in Life Essay
Narrative Essay About Moving To Texas. Earlier in my life, I struggled with four things: family, friends, school, and myself, until I moved here to Texas for a second chance in my life. Throughout my life, I am always moving. Always adapting to new challenges. I do not do drugs nor smoke because I had learned it in a hard way in my early years.
My Life's Purpose and Goals
2. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Cite this essay. Download. Everybody has a purpose in one's life and want to find that purpose. My purpose is based off core values, strengths, passion. All my life, I yearned to live a meaningful ...
'My purpose in life is to tell stories'
With the advocacy project, I and the other founders created a curriculum to teach how to argue, persuade and advocate for causes communities might be passionate about. Both activities informed one another and subsequently informed me— they taught me that my purpose in life is to tell stories, whether others or even my own.
'My purpose in life is to tell stories'
But advocacy is a privilege, a skill that not everyone has access to. With the advocacy project, I and the other founders created a curriculum to teach how to argue, persuade and advocate for causes communities might be passionate about. Both activities informed one another and subsequently informed me — they taught me that my purpose in life ...

15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning

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How to Find Your Purpose in Life

2. Turn hurts into healing for others

Join the Purpose Challenge

3. Cultivate awe, gratitude, and altruism

4. Listen to what other people appreciate about you

5. Find and build community

6. Tell your story

About the Author

Jeremy Adam Smith

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19 Life Purpose Examples You May Draw Inspiration From

2. Helping Children

3. Giving Back to the Community

4. Helping Animals

5. Living a Healthy Lifestyle

6. Prioritizing Fitness

7. Incorporating Music

8. Appreciating Art

9. Embracing Spirituality

10. Living a Happy and Ethical Life

11. Empowering Others

12. Being True to Myself

13. Achieving a Meaningful Career

14. Cultivating Healthy, Reciprocal Relationships

15. Reaching My Fullest and Highest Potential

16. Bringing Others Joy

17. Helping the Less Fortunate

18. Sharing Wisdom

19. Appreciating the World Around Me

Final Thoughts on a Life Purpose

21 Life Purpose Examples To Help You Write Yours

Why You Should Write a Life Purpose Statement

21 Life Purpose Examples

16. Pursuing Knowledge and Wisdom

17. Promoting Health and Wellbeing

18. Advancing Technological or Scientific Innovation

19. Championing Social Justice and Equality

20. Exploring and Preserving Cultural Heritage

21. Fostering Spiritual Growth or Enlightenment

How Do You Write a Purpose Statement for Your Life?

1. Reflect on Your Passions

2. Identify Your Values

3. Consider Your Impact

4. Draft Your Statement

5. Refine and Evolve