Find Your Why

Have You Ever Felt Like You’re Just Existing?
You wake up, check your phone, drag yourself out of bed, and go through the same routine as yesterday. There’s nothing particularly wrong, but there’s nothing exciting either. It’s as if life is happening to you rather than for you. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with a lack of purpose at some point in their lives. But the good news? You can change that. And science backs it up.

Why Purpose Matters (Backed by Science)

Dr. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, observed that prisoners who had a sense of purpose were far more likely to survive harsh conditions. He wrote, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how’.” Research supports this idea, studies show that having a strong purpose is linked to lower stress, better mental health, and even a longer life.

A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that people with a strong sense of purpose had a 15% lower risk of death compared to those who felt aimless. Another study by psychologist Patrick Hill at Carleton University discovered that purpose-driven individuals tend to live healthier lives, experience less anxiety, and are more resilient in the face of challenges.

Clearly, purpose isn’t just a “feel-good” idea, it’s a fundamental component of well-being and longevity.

The Real Reason You Feel Lost

Most people don’t feel lost because they lack skills or opportunities. They feel lost because they lack clarity about what truly excites and fulfills them. In today’s world, distractions are everywhere, social media, endless entertainment, and external pressures pulling you in different directions. This makes it easy to drift through life instead of living intentionally.

But here’s the hard truth: Purpose isn’t something you find, it’s something you build. And it starts with action.

How to Find Your Purpose (A Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Look Within: Identify What Excites You

Psychologists call this Intrinsic Motivation, the natural drive to do things simply because you enjoy them. Research by Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term Flow State, shows that people are happiest when fully engaged in activities that challenge and excite them. Ask yourself:

• What topics or activities make you lose track of time?

• What would you do even if you weren’t paid for it?

• What conversations energize you?

Your answers to these questions provide clues about your deeper interests and potential purpose.

2. Take Action: Experiment & Explore

Thinking alone won’t bring clarity. You have to test things in the real world. The “Action Precedes Clarity” principle states that trying new experiences helps uncover what truly resonates with you. Try this:

• Take up a new project or hobby.

• Volunteer for something outside your comfort zone.

• Say yes to unexpected opportunities.

The more you explore, the more patterns you’ll notice about what fulfills you.

3. Turn Passion into a Mission

Once you discover what excites you, the next step is turning it into something meaningful. Studies by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley show that purpose is strongest when linked to helping others. Your purpose doesn’t have to be world-changing, it just needs to create impact in a way that matters to you.

• If you love storytelling → Help brands tell better stories.

• If you love fitness → Inspire people to get healthier.

• If you love problem-solving → Create solutions that make life easier for others.

Your mission is how you bring your purpose to life.

Final Thought: Purpose is a Journey, Not a Destination

Finding purpose isn’t a one-time event, it’s a continuous process. The key is to stay curious, take action, and refine your path as you go. Remember, your purpose today might evolve over time, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving forward.

So, what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to explore?