What is Your Purpose? 5 Key Questions to Ask

What is your life’s purpose?

No doubt, you’ve been asked this question at least once in your life, and you’ve probably considered it yourself as well. The idea is that if you know your purpose (whatever that means), you can live a happier, more fulfilling life.

But the big question is, how do you find your purpose in life?

Volunteers working together to deliver food off of a fruit truck.

What is Life Purpose?

The concept of life purpose can seem overwhelming. But it essentially considers what motivates you, what moves you, or what makes your heart happy. Living your life according to your purpose can affect how you move through life, the goals you set, your behavior and belief system, and your decisions each day.

Many people think of purpose as connected to their vocation or job. Others see their purpose as being lived outside of work hours.

For many others, purpose is a matter of spirituality or religion - which are not necessarily the same thing.

Although you may have a similar life focus to another person, it will look and feel differently when applied to your own life. Your life purpose and how you feel about different aspects of it will change over the course of your life. In fact, your entire purpose may shift as you experience different things; for instance, if you become a parent, you will see the world and your place in it completely different than you did before.

5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Here are 5 key questions to help discover your own purpose:

1. What Motivates You?

Finding out what motivates you is a great indicator of your passion. The question of motivation can also be phrased, ‘what stimulates you to action?’ Motivation is divided into two types:

Intrinsic Motivation is about being motivated for internal reasons - thoughts, beliefs, etc. It’s about being driven from the inside. Examples of intrinsic motivators are a sense of accomplishment, personal ethics, enjoyment, pride in work, or self-respect.
Extrinsic Motivation - This type of motivation comes from outside of yourself. It’s being motivated to do something because of some external force. Examples of extrinsic motivators are money, praise, promotion, awards, or punishment.

We’re all motivated by a combination of these types, but as you’re trying to figure out your purpose, think more of your intrinsic motivations. What kinds of things move you from the inside?

Intrinsic motivation is longer-lived than extrinsic motivation. Exploring your internal motivators will not only be more meaningful, but you will also have a greater level of satisfaction.

Do you know your purpose? We can help you discover it at Get Impactful today!

2 What Are Your Strengths?

Determining your intrinsic strengths is a beautiful way to learn your purpose. The ‘follow your passion’ mantra isn’t always a good rule of thumb. Your purpose is more likely to be found with your strengths than with the things you like. (I love organizing my desk, but it doesn’t mean that’s my life purpose!)

When you work with your natural leanings, the things you feel naturally good at, you will feel authentic. An added benefit is that self-respect grows out of authenticity.

Are you an analytical, strategic thinker? Are you naturally at ease with people? Are you a detailed-oriented person? Do you love crowds, and is speaking in front of them fun for you? Are you a peace-maker? Is your sense of humor legendary? Are children drawn to you, and do you enjoy being with them as well?

Taking note of your strengths may be as simple as thinking of what you are most complimented on or what activity brings the most joy, energy, and positive response from others. If you can’t think of any of these things yourself, ask your friends and family! A helpful framing of the question to friends and family is, “what do you think comes naturally to me?”

Once you know your strengths, try to match them with occupations or industries.

3 When Are You in Flow?

‘Flow’ is an abstract concept, but most of us know when we’re in it. Being in flow means being so involved in an activity that you lose yourself in it. You love it and forget all about other things when you engage with it. You might feel ‘more yourself’ when you’re doing this activity.

Flow is easily achieved when you’re doing something that you enjoy, that you’re good at, and comes somewhat naturally to you. No doubt, you’re thinking of something right now. For instance, if you love mathematics (yes, some people love math!) and lose yourself in math problems. Or you love to teach what you know to other people, and when you’re teaching or tutoring, you could happily do it all day long.

When you’re ‘in flow,’ you don’t usually get depleted. You feel energized and joyful in the process. It doesn’t feel like work to you.

4 What Would You Like to Contribute to the World?

The most significant part of your purpose is often your contribution to the world. When you look into the world, which needs loom large for you? Which injustices do you feel the deepest? What do you do so well that can make your portion of the world a better place?

As a result of figuring out what you love and do well, are there any jobs or non-profits that you can be involved with to make change happen? How can you use your gifts, talents, and skills to help other people?

When your time is up, what would you have liked to have contributed to the world?

5 What Do You Value Most?

A final consideration in finding your purpose is your value system. Your values are an excellent indicator of the direction you should take. Each person has their own set of core values that help them derive meaning in life.

Do you hold tightly to accountability, responsibility, productivity, honesty, or empathy? Thinking of your values will let you know if you’re in the right place currently and also where you might like to be.

Final Thoughts

Finding your purpose is a worthy goal, but it isn’t a small thing. Don’t expect that it will be a quick process or that you’ll get it all right the first time. Consider writing out your answers to the above questions as a way of engaging with them, or talk them over with someone you trust.

Do you want more support in your life’s purpsoe? Visit us at Get Impactful to learn more.