Finding purpose: how to be happier

Purpose is more than just what you do day-to-day. It's a sense of meaning and intention behind your actions. Some define it as an overarching principle that gives life meaning. In contrast, others see it as the driving force—the "why" behind everything you do. 

 

Purpose can take on many forms. For some, it's solely tied to spirituality or personal beliefs. For others, it may come from their role in the community, relationships, or work. 

 

There is no right or wrong way to define it, but understanding your purpose is vital to leading a more fulfilled life. 

 

Research highlights the many benefits of having a strong sense of purpose. Purposeful people tend to be more resilient, recover more effectively from negative experiences, and even live longer, healthier lives. 

 

A study by Patrick Hill and Nicholas Turiano found that those with a clear purpose experienced a 15% reduction in the risk of dying over the next decade. The findings across all age groups demonstrate the universal value of living with purpose. 

 

During the pandemic, individuals who felt connected to their purpose at work reported five times higher levels of well-being and were four times more engaged than those who didn't. This shows how critical purpose can be, not just for personal growth but also for professional fulfilment. 

 

While 85% of people believe they have a purpose, only 35% can articulate it. Why is that? 

 

Purpose can be elusive. It's something we detect through intuition rather than invent through logic. According to Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, "Your mission or purpose is something that you detect rather than invent." It comes from within—a feeling that aligns with your heart rather than something purely rational from your head. 

 

Think about the last time you felt alive, fulfilled, and engaged. That feeling may give you a clue about your purpose. But for many, defining it is the hardest part. 

 

 

If you need clarification on your purpose, don't worry. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and it can evolve throughout your life. The first step is to explore what you love, what matters to you, what you excel at, and what you can get paid for. Doing so can give you the building blocks to identify activities that fulfil you and align with your purpose. 

 

To help you get started, try this simple reflection exercise. Ask yourself: 

 

 

Answering these questions will help you detect patterns that point to your purpose. A purpose is often fluid and changes over time but understanding these core elements will help you find fulfilment in your work and life. 

 

Click here to access my resource to help you find your purpose. 

 

 

 

Purpose doesn't only impact individuals—it significantly influences organisations, too. A McKinsey survey revealed that 70% of people define their purpose through their work, particularly millennials, who often see their job as their life. The statistic highlights a critical opportunity for leaders and organisations. 

 

When individuals connect their purpose with the organisation's purpose, the employee and the business thrive. Purpose-driven companies often see higher levels of engagement, better performance, and lower turnover because employees feel aligned with their work. 

 

But purpose isn't one-size-fits-all. Leaders must foster a culture that helps employees discover their purpose and see how it connects with the organisation. Doing this will lead to a more motivated and fulfilled workforce. 

 

 

As a leader, you play a crucial role in helping your team uncover its purpose and align it with the organisation's goals. Open conversations about personal and organisational purpose can foster trust, empathy, and motivation. 

 

 

 

 

 

Your purpose is not static, nor is it something you need to figure out overnight. It evolves with your life experiences and sometimes shifts dramatically following significant life events. 

 

Start by asking yourself two simple questions daily: When did I feel most alive today? And when did I feel most drained? Keep track of your answers over 30 days, and you'll want to see patterns emerge that can guide you to your purpose. 

 

In the words of an unknown author: 

 

 

Finding purpose is a journey, but it is a journey worth taking. Click here to access my resource to help you find your purpose.