How Can I Find Purpose In My Life?

Many people believe that religion is the best way (and only way)  to find purpose in life, ESPECIALLY for those of us living here in Utah County, Utah. Purpose goes beyond this point of view.

When we look for purpose in our lives, we have to first start at the beginning. We have to define what purpose means to us. Purpose is something that we have to define for ourselves, and no one else can define for us. 

The first way we can identify and define purpose is by identifying things we value in our lives. Maybe that is serving others, maybe that is doing things that make you happy, maybe it is simply existing, regardless of what it is, it is valid and it is true to you – and that is what matters most. From there, we try to see how we can bring those values to all areas of our lives- which sounds easy on paper, but it often involves the anxiety of trying new things. At the end of the day, purpose involves connecting our feelings and dreams with the actions in our lives and living a life that is authentic in the process.

Purpose gives us hope and gives us a reason to live a fulfilling life. Without a sense of purpose, it can be easy to feel hopeless, confused, and alone. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are starting your journey towards your own unique purpose. 

• If you envision your ideal/ perfect life, what does it look like? Who is there? How do you spend your time? What do you have? 
• What makes me genuinely happy? 
• Who do I enjoy spending time with? 
• What goals would I like to accomplish in my lifetime? 
• What motivates me? 
• What qualities about yourself do you, and others, like about you outside of a faith system, or even family?
• What did you want to do when you were a kid and how is it different from what you think today?
• What do you value in relationships, experiences?
• What is good in my life that I accomplished and can take personal credit for? 
• What is important to me in a relationship and how can I turn that into what is important for me to be?

Starting therapy is a great way to get to know yourself a bit better, especially if you have a hard time answering the questions above.