Finding your life’s purpose can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. For many, it’s not a clear-cut, instant revelation but a journey of introspection and exploration.
Here’s a guide to discovering your life’s purpose, enriched with personal anecdotes to illustrate the path.
EMBRACE SELF-REFLECTION
A lot of people are often busy reflecting on the behaviour of others instead of their own.
The first step towards finding your purpose is to embark on a journey of self-reflection. Take a quiet moment to ponder what truly matters to you.
Ask yourself questions like, “What activities make me lose track of time?” or “When do I feel most alive?”
I remember sitting in my kitchen on a crisp Sunday afternoon, contending with my career choices. I was close to the end of my Bachelor’s Degree at the time and didn’t know whether I wanted to pursue a path of teaching.
It was during these reflective moments, surrounded by the tranquillity of quietness, that I realised my passion for writing and storytelling. This realisation didn’t come overnight, but it started with those moments of quiet contemplation.
IDENTIFY YOUR PASSIONS
Understanding what you’re passionate about can offer significant clues to your purpose.
Reflect on activities that energise you and make you feel fulfilled. It’s important to differentiate between fleeting interests and deeper, sustained passions.
For example, my older sister had always been drawn to cooking. What started as a hobby soon transformed into a deeper love for culinary arts.
She spent weekends experimenting with recipes and her passion for cooking led her to pursue her studies in that field, which eventually turned into a full-time career. Identifying what you love can be a powerful indicator of where your purpose lies.
EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS
Sometimes, discovering your purpose requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Trying new things can offer fresh perspectives and reveal hidden interests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with activities and roles you’ve never considered before.
When I was at a crossroads in my career, I applied to work with the Bulletin as a reporter. The experience of working closely with different communities opened my eyes to the profound impact of meaningful work.
Reporting not only gave me a new sense of purpose but also provided valuable insights into what I wanted from my professional life – telling the stories of the people in Brunei.
SET MEANINGFUL GOALS
Setting goals that align with your values and passions can guide you towards discovering your purpose. These goals don’t have to be grandiose; they should be meaningful to you and reflect your personal aspirations.
For instance, I set a goal to improve my writing skills by asking input from my editors, reading up on articles and such. This goal not only helped me hone my craft, but also reaffirmed my passion for writing.
Setting and achieving small, meaningful goals can build momentum and bring you closer to uncovering your life’s purpose.
SEEK INSPIRATION
Sometimes, others can offer clarity on your own path. Read biographies, listen to talks, or engage with people who have followed their passions. Their stories can provide valuable insights and motivate you to pursue your own purpose.
REFLECT ON YOUR IMPACT
Consider the impact you want to have on the world. Your purpose often involves contributing something valuable to others or making a difference in your community. Reflect on the legacy you wish to leave behind.
Reporting and writing, for me, has helped so many people get their stories out that would never have been widely known by the masses. Educating people on what Brunei’s hidden talents or opportunities reinforced my belief in the importance of using my skills to help others and contributed to my decision to focus more on writing that could educate and inspire.
STAY PATIENT AND PERSISTENT
Finding your purpose is rarely a quick process. It requires patience and persistence. Be prepared for moments of doubt and uncertainty, and remember that your purpose can evolve over time.
I’ve had my fair share of doubts. After transitioning to a writing career, there were times when I questioned my decision and my own skills. However, staying committed to my passion and continuing to explore new opportunities eventually led me to a place where I felt fulfilled and aligned with my purpose.
It never mattered to me if people don’t know who I am or who the writer of the story is, what matters most to me is the people I write about and their stories.
EMBRACE THE JOURNEY
Finally, embrace the journey of discovering your purpose. It’s not just about reaching a destination but about enjoying the process of self-discovery and growth. Your purpose is often found in the journey itself, not just in the end result. – Izah Azahari
