To many people, “purpose” is found when you follow life’s recipe to a tee. Combining the ingredients of a high-powered job, a nuclear family and a setlist of assets were previously thought to bring purpose and meaning into all of our lives. But then, why are many of us still left with that empty feeling, the feeling that something may be missing or that something is’nt quite right?
That is because purpose is created by the self, for the self. Finding your purpose, outside the realm of what is dictated to you is where true happiness and self-esteem lie.
Here are three things you can do to redefine purpose in your life and start cultivating it!
- Explore Your Interests: What are the things you’ve always wanted to try? Have you ever been in conversation with someone and thought, hmm I wish I could do that, it sounds fantastic? Well, the good news is, is that you can! Take time out of your weekend to delve into those hobbies or topics. Whether it means taking a trip to your nearest bookstore or booking a class online, that will get you one step closer to finishing off the puzzle that is you. Money is not the object here. You can explore your interests without breaking the bank. Use this as an opportunity to start conversations with others interested in similar topics as a springboard to decide what sets your heart on fire.
- Check-In With Yourself: Do the inner work. I know it is challenging to be honest with yourself, but real work can begin once you are. Examine your motives, why are you living the life you are living? Is it to please your family, your partner or your colleagues at work? Are you behaving and doing things that do not resonate with your core? If you’re nodding your head in affirmation, you need to start focusing more on what you define as success and what makes you happy. Start journaling, write your thoughts and feelings down so that they start feeling “real”. If your immediate idea is to say no to something, like an invitation, begin practising following through on that initial feeling.
- Heed Advice and Feedback: It can be challenging to decipher what you are good at, as many of those traits are so ingrained in your makeup, that you don’t realise how unique and essential they are. That is why it is important to listen to the feedback and insight from those who closely interact with you. There is a possibility that they can pinpoint what it is your purpose is. Take note of compliments or observations people make. Placing a reasonable amount of importance onto these statements can reinforce the areas of interest you have and drive your purpose forward.
If these tips resonate with you, let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts.
All the best, Nikki
