I used to think I needed to have purpose to have meaning in what I was doing, to be more satisfied and fulfilled, to feel more enjoyment and passion.
Some people might feel stuck, like the chicken or the egg. They don’t want to do something because it’s not what they’re passionate about or doesn’t fulfill their purpose. But they don’t know what their purpose is. So they feel purposeless, motionless, stuck in limbo. Unmotivated at their current job or activities, lack energy, excitement and engagement.
I still think purpose is important. But I’ve also come to realize purpose isn’t given, it’s discovered. You don’t start with purpose, purpose will find you.
When you feel like you’re missing purpose, practice what you’re currently doing. If you can learn to bring energy and excitement to what you currently do, purpose will find you. If you can turn your work into play, purpose will find you.
You’re good at this particular thing, you have an approach perfect for this type of work, you have a mindset that can solve this problem. When you unlock these solutions, that only you can unlock they way you unlock them, your value will be obvious to others.
Purpose is when you have a solution to a problem that other people want and need. Many times when you solve the problem for yourself first. The crucial part is the connector between you and others, this is what makes purpose, “purpose”. Purpose isn’t just about doing what you want or just feel passionate about. It is a connection between people.