The purpose of life is to give life meaning, die, and become not just dust, but become a story.
In a world overflowing with options, one may think finding a purpose should be easier than ever. We can choose from countless careers, lifestyles, ideologies, and identities, all at the swipe of a screen. Yet, instead of feeling liberated, many of us feel paralyzed — caught in a cycle of indecision, self-doubt, and the fear of making the “wrong” choice.
This is the “purpose paradox:” the more possibilities we have, the harder it becomes to commit to a single path, leaving many feeling lost rather than fulfilled. So, why does abundance create confusion instead of clarity? And how can we navigate this overwhelming sea of choices to uncover a deeper sense of meaning in our lives?
The Importance
First, it’s essential to know that you are not alone. It is common to feel lost and uncertain about your genuine desires in life when they are overshadowed by societal expectations and cultural norms. We can overcome this by imagining life without these external influences controlling our wants.
According to a 2021 study by the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, having a clear sense of ‘purpose’ in life has several benefits. These include a 24% decrease in the likelihood of becoming physically inactive, a 33% decrease in the likelihood of forming sleep difficulties, and a 22% decrease in the risk of becoming overweight.
Navigating your journey
To enter this journey of self-discovery, we need to confront our fears. We must overcome the weariness of making the wrong decision or encountering judgment. Without facing this paralyzing fear, there is no room for growth or discovery.
Next, we should try to detect hidden passions within ourselves through provocative activities, including journaling, meditating, or even talking with a mentor. This way, we can break down this big decision into smaller, more simple steps, which helps us come closer to self-discovery.
Forming authentic connections
After grasping a better idea of your ‘purpose,’ you should try becoming more involved in your community. Living in a digital age can be lonely, so it’s important to get out and make deep and authentic connections in the physical world.
Having these deep, personal relationships opens doors to vulnerability, which is so powerful. By opening up with others about your own dreams and challenges, you invite others to do the same. This way, you can share ideas and maybe even relate to similar passions.
Also, remember to keep actively nurturing existing relationships. This means spending quality time with family or reconnecting with old friends.
Making deliberate changes
I hope this article has motivated you to make deliberate changes in your life choices. There are a variety of things you can incorporate into your everyday life.
For instance, you can set aside 10 minutes daily dedicated to meditating. Before bed, consider writing a journal entry tonight. If you have a thought or creative idea you are scared to say out loud, you can write it down and reflect on it. Rather than rotting in bed all day, consider going outside to watch the beautiful sunset.
My favorite way to escape from the world’s chaos is through connecting with nature, which also helps me define my life’s purpose. Nature can strip away distractions and invite us to reconnect with our truest selves.
“Nature is not something separate from us,” artist Andy Goldsworthy said, “So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we’ve lost our connection to ourselves.”
Finding meaning in life is so fulfilling, so I encourage you to begin that journey. The search for meaning can be found in the simplicity of being present at the moment, surrounded by the raw beauty of the world. So, turn your phone off, go outside, and think about your ‘purpose.’