This article draws inspiration from the teachings of Robert Greene, author of "The 48 Laws of Power" and many other books.
Let's start with a fundamental truth: You are unique. There has never been, and never will be, anyone exactly like you. This is a scientific fact. Your DNA is unique, your experiences are unique—you are you, and no one else is.
Yet, so many of us try to emulate others. The influencers in our lives tell us what we should be doing, what's cool, what's interesting, what makes sense… for them.
We drift through life, tossed about by the wind, instead of capitalizing on what makes us unique. We live reactively and automatically, rather than taking control and working toward our purpose.
But how do you even know what your purpose is?
Before we explore that, let's discuss why having a purpose is important. Purpose provides goals and motivation. Goals give us focus. Motivation fuels us with energy. With focus and energy, we can achieve great things.
American self-help author Mark Manson suggests that the question "What is my life purpose?" is really asking, "What can I do with my time that is important?"
So, how do we find our purpose?
How do we find what we should spend our time on that would give it meaning?
Well... we must look for signs.
Let's do an exercise. Answer these questions thoughtfully, taking your time to reflect. Close your eyes after each question.
Think about times when you felt genuinely interested or excited about something you just learned. What were the topics?
Think about times when you felt proud and happy about something you accomplished, even if it was challenging or time-consuming. What were you doing?
Now you have a list—long or short—of things that made you feel alive, or at least curious. These are the signs. Signs of things that excite you, that make you feel truly alive, not just existing.
Next comes the brainstorming phase: identifying your life's task. Essentially, you need to dive deeper into what exactly excites you when you do the things you mentioned in your list. Investigate them all and come up with a few words that define what makes you come alive.
Let me give you an example.
You love books. You can't stop talking about them with everyone you meet. You're clearly passionate about reading. But let's explore this further. What fuels this passion? Is it the stories themselves that captivate you? Is it the excitement of sharing your reviews with others? Perhaps you've considered writing your own book? Or maybe you'd like to create a blog or Instagram account to share your literary insights? Have you thought about joining a book club, or even starting one of your own?
These aren't necessarily your "gifts" or "talents." Just because you have a good singing voice doesn't mean singing is what excites you and makes you feel alive. Think beyond that, as it could be something you haven't yet explored or learned about.
Robert Greene provides examples from several famous people who discovered their passion from special moments in their life that got them interested and excited.
Albert Einstein recalled the moment his father bought him a compass. He was so excited about the science behind that compass that it led him to pursue science.
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul, but she found her calling from the excitement she felt performing in school plays and speaking in front of people. Eventually, this led her to pursue a career in broadcasting.
Tiger Woods was mesmerized by his father playing golf in his garage. The rest is history.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is possibly the most well-known astrophysicist around. His passion started with a visit to a planetarium in New York City.
These and many others found their purpose or calling from something that excited them at various times. Remember that what one person deems important or exciting might not be the same for you.
If you haven't found it yet, don't worry. It is never too late. Yes, you might hear of people who found their calling early on, but comparison with others is possibly one of the greatest causes of unhappiness in this world.
They have their own path. You have yours.
Also, purposes can change over time. We change during the years, and so do our priorities and our purposes.
Finding your purpose is a journey, not a destination. It requires self-reflection, exploration, and a willingness to embrace the unique individual you are. Don't be afraid to experiment, to try new things, and to listen to the whispers of your own excitement.
Good luck on your journey.
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