The pressure to “figure out” your life purpose can feel overwhelming, whether you are trying to figure out a path post high school or feeling unfulfilled in your current career. Many people believe that they should know their purpose by the time they graduate high school and that will be it, a single destination they must find and stick with.
In this article, I’ll illuminate the most common misconceptions about life purpose and share how you can discover, live, and evolve with yours.
Myth #1: You Only Have One Life Purpose
One of the most common misunderstandings is that you have a singular, unchanging purpose for your entire life. In reality, your purpose is likely to shift and evolve as you grow. Who you are at twenty is not who you will be at sixty. That is a great thing, unless you have to commit to one path for life at age twenty.
Your experiences, knowledge, relationships, as well as the circumstances around you are always changing. New industries emerge, fresh opportunities present themselves, and passions you never imagined may peak your interest. Staying open to possible shifts is essential. Your life purpose might take new forms over time, each version perfectly aligned with who you are becoming at that time.
Myth #2: Purpose Is a Job Title or Career
Many people mistakenly believe that their life purpose must be directly tied to a career. But your purpose is not a job — it’s how you are meant to serve others and contribute to the world. Whether you’re an artist, a teacher, a healer, or an entrepreneur, your purpose is about the impact you have, rather than the label you carry and it may have nothing to do with how you earn money. You may find your purpose and most fulfillment through something you do outside of work.
Your Purpose Will Always Light You Up
Your life purpose will feel exciting and expansive. It energizes you and will not feel like work. And most importantly, your purpose always involves service to others. You may be helping, healing, supporting, or contributing to one person or a large group or community; but when you are living your life purpose, you will feel more connected, more joyful, and more in alignment with who you are meant to be.
The Path Is Integral To Your Joy
Many people are not aware that you may not be living your life’s purpose for a long period of time, one or more times throughout your life. You might spend years gaining experience, acquiring skills, meeting mentors, or walking through doors that slowly guide you to your purpose. Every step you take is part of the process and necessary to your growth. Always enjoy the process and be open to new inspired ideas and directions as they come to you.
Curiosity is Key
The best thing you can do to find your purpose is to stay curious. Be willing to explore, try new things, and shift direction if something no longer feels right. Just because you have done something for twenty years does not mean it has to define the next twenty.
We live in a time of global transition. Because things are changing at a rapid rate, know that you may and probably will need to expand or pivot as well. Now more than ever, the world needs people who are willing to show up differently. We need compassionate leaders who will build systems that support everyone.
You do not need to figure out all of the answers at once. Stay curious and ask yourself and your inner wisdom lots of questions. They will guide you to the answers.
Your life’s path will be found in the small guided decisions, brave aligned actions, and compassionate choices you make each day. And when you least expect it, your purpose may find you. Stay open, curious and keep following the breadcrumbs.
