Find Purpose

I believe we all want to find purpose. We crave validation that we’re contributing to the world and leaving it better than we found it. But purpose can sound lofty and noble, especially if you’re just trying to keep your head above water. You’re focused on meeting professional commitments and ensuring your family gets what they need.

You might be in a stage where purpose means not forgetting to pick someone up, making it to an important performance, or ensuring everyone is fed. That was me, living in chaos and constantly searching for light at the end of the tunnel. Finding purpose sounded grandiose at the time, but I knew it was key to a happier life.

A study led by researchers from University College London found that people with a strong sense of purpose in life were 30% less likely to die over an eight-and-a-half-year period compared to those with the lowest sense of purpose. This highlights the importance of eudaimonic well-being—contentment and satisfaction through a sense of control, worth, and purpose​​

A little dramatic, I know, but it makes sense! But with everything else I was responsible for, how do I get there?

Find Purpose Everyday

Let’s start with getting clear on what purpose is:

Purpose refers to a deeply held sense of meaning and direction in life. It encompasses the long-term goals and values that drive your actions and decisions. In personal life, purpose often relates to family, relationships, and personal growth. In professional life, it can manifest as a commitment to a particular career path, the impact you want to have through your work, or the legacy you wish to leave.

Key elements of purpose include:

• Meaning: A sense of significance in what you do.
• Direction: Clear, long-term goals and aspirations.
• Contribution: The desire to contribute to something larger than oneself.

Purpose doesn’t have to be monumental. It’s about setting an intention (direction) to do something meaningful (meaning) that makes a difference for someone else (contribution). When setting the intention, be specific about the action.

I know we all want to feel like we’re doing something big for the world, but if life isn’t allowing that right now, how about something small for the people around you? Here are some everyday examples:

• Look your teenager in the eye every day (I know, this can be dangerous) and tell them that you love them.
• Smile at 5 strangers when you’re at the grocery store or genuinely compliment them.
• Find a mentee in your career or community that you can encourage and help build their confidence.

None of these things require exceptional amounts of time, just the intention to make a difference and the action to follow through.

Find Purpose on a Greater scale

As your life becomes less chaotic, you can focus more on your greater purpose. Research shows this can help navigate the empty nest as you have something beyond your children to pour into​​.

The increasing independence of our kids can leave women in midlife with feelings of isolation, disconnection, and existential questioning. Alongside the empty nest syndrome, they might experience a loss of professional identity or changes in physical health. Purpose provides a framework for re-engaging with life, fostering social connections, and maintaining emotional resilience​ (Psychology Today)​.

Purpose also encourages continuous personal growth and self-discovery. Exploring new interests, developing new skills, and setting meaningful goals can enhance your sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This period can bring significant transformation and empowerment​.

Find Purpose Now

For most people, finding your purpose doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time as you try on different experiences and allow in new emotions. You may need more time in stillness or journaling to reflect and inspect what is. This is why slowing down is so important. You can’t allow something new in if you are constantly rushing from one thing to the next. Grab my free guide on the 7 Essential Traits of High Achieving Women if you want more on this topic.

I typically start my clients off with a values discovery. You might think you know what you value, but narrowing it down is revealing. Then the exploration begins, with your values at the center—they’re like a north star for everything you’re considering. Exploration can include new hobbies, books, and finding new connections. The idea is to expose yourself to new situations and see how they feel.

As you start to narrow in on several areas, you can go deeper to find the one (or two) things that will allow you to feel a deep sense of meaning and purpose for your life.

For me, while I was successful in my corporate career, I didn’t feel a deep sense of purpose. I noticed that what I enjoyed most was helping my teams change their perspective and see potential in alternatives. I left that career to focus more on my kids without any real intention for what I was going to do next. Then several women asked me to coach them, and I found my purpose: to help high-achieving women feel more fulfilled in work and life by creating a compelling vision for their future and stepping into it confidently with a clear strategy and actionable habits.

With this, I can not only help more women feel more joy and a sense of purpose in life but also enhance family dynamics, impacting future generations. I’m committed to showing women they can be who they want to be and have the family connections they crave. They just need to decide and be intentional in their actions.

Conclusion

An attempt to find purpose isn’t a one-time event but a journey of continuous discovery and growth. Start small, with daily acts of intention and contribution, and gradually build towards larger goals as life allows. Remember, purpose provides the framework for navigating transitions, enhancing well-being, and fostering deep personal satisfaction. As you start down this path, you’ll find that each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Embrace this journey of finding purpose with curiosity and courage, and watch how it transforms your life and the lives of those around you.