How to rediscover your purpose

Finding your purpose can sometimes feel like an elusive journey, especially when life gets overwhelming. But the truth is, your purpose is not something lost that needs to be found— it’s something you create. Purpose is what brings meaning, fulfilment, and direction to our lives. Without it, we often feel aimless, stuck, or disconnected from the things that truly matter.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of rediscovering your purpose, offering practical steps, personal stories, and the insights you need to start living a life full of meaning.

Why do we lose our sense of purpose?

It’s natural to go through phases in life where you feel disconnected from your purpose. Maybe your career no longer excites you, your relationships feel stagnant, or you’ve simply lost the spark that once guided your actions. It’s common for people to feel adrift, especially during major life transitions like moving, changing careers, or personal challenges.

But when this feeling of purposelessness lingers, it can lead to emotional suffering, such as anxiety, boredom, and even depression. As humans, we thrive when we have something meaningful to work toward. Without purpose, we start to question why we’re doing what we’re doing—and that’s when the feeling of emptiness can settle in.

Imagine this: Waking up each morning with a heavy sense of dread, feeling like there’s no direction guiding your day. You move through your routine, but it all feels hollow—each task disconnected from anything meaningful.

Now, imagine the alternative. Imagine waking up with a clear sense of direction and knowing that what you're doing matters. Every action feels aligned with something larger than yourself, and that feeling drives you to take on challenges with enthusiasm and energy.

Purpose is chosen — not found

One of the most empowering things about purpose is that it’s not something you have to search for—it’s something you can choose. Your purpose doesn’t have to be a singular, grand idea. It can evolve and change as you grow. You can redefine it at different stages of your life based on what resonates with you at that moment.

If you're struggling to reconnect with your sense of purpose, ask yourself:

• How can I be of service today?
• What do I want to wake up to?
• How do I want to show up in life?
• What impact do I want to leave on the world?

By focusing on service and contribution, you’ll start to shift your mindset from aimlessness to a life filled with meaning. Purpose isn’t about finding one monumental thing; it’s about choosing to focus on what’s meaningful to you right now.

The emotional toll of living without purpose

When you don’t feel connected to your purpose, life can start to feel monotonous, empty, and unfulfilling. Without a clear sense of value, it’s easy to lose motivation for the things that used to bring joy. Purpose is the engine that drives action—without it, you’re left feeling stuck.

People who live without a strong sense of purpose often experience the following:

• Boredom and restlessness: You might go through your day feeling like there’s no point to the things you’re doing.
• Anxiety or frustration: The lack of direction can lead to feelings of anxiety, as your mind searches for meaning but comes up empty.
• Lack of motivation: Without a sense of purpose, it’s hard to stay motivated and inspired in your work or personal life.

Research has shown that individuals with a clear sense of purpose tend to have lower levels of stress and anxiety, and they’re generally happier. Studies also suggest that having a strong sense of purpose is linked to longer life expectancy and improved mental health.

Rediscovering your purpose: Practical steps

1. Start small

Rediscovering your purpose doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Start by asking yourself small but powerful questions:

• What activities make me feel fulfilled?
• What do I do that brings joy to others?
• What would I do even if I wasn’t getting paid for it?

These questions can start to illuminate areas of your life where purpose is already present but perhaps overlooked. Sometimes, rediscovering purpose means reconnecting with the things you used to enjoy but haven’t made time for recently.

 2. Focus on service

One of the most powerful ways to rediscover your purpose is through service. When you focus on helping others, you automatically feel more connected to something larger than yourself. Ask yourself, “How can I be of service today?” It doesn’t have to be something grand—it could be as simple as listening to a friend or volunteering in your community.

 
3. Visualise your ideal life

Take time to visualise the life you want to live. What would your ideal day look like? How would you spend your time if you were truly living in alignment with your purpose? This exercise not only clarifies what you want but also motivates you to start taking actionable steps toward that vision.

 4. Embrace change

Remember, your purpose can change as you grow. You are free to redefine what’s meaningful to you at any time. Maybe your purpose at this moment is focused on your career, but later in life, it could shift toward family, creativity, or community. Embrace the flexibility that comes with purpose and allow yourself the freedom to evolve.

Client success story: Aisha’s transformation

I worked with Aisha, who came to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and lacking direction in her life. She was struggling with unresolved trauma from childhood and lived in constant survival mode, feeling like there was no hope for change. Over time, she had lost confidence in herself and didn’t believe anyone could truly help her.

But after a few coaching sessions, Aisha started to experience a breakthrough. We focused on helping her rediscover what made her feel fulfilled and purposeful. She made incredible progress, not only in her personal life but in her career as well.

"Before I started coaching, I wanted to take control of my life, 100%. I was dealing with unresolved traumas and living in survival mode. I didn’t have confidence in myself, and for a long time, I thought nothing could change. But coaching made me realise that if I didn’t do the work, nothing would change. Now, I believe in myself more than ever, and my life has transformed. I’ve been promoted at work, started a side business, and found peace with myself."

Aisha’s journey shows how powerful rediscovering your purpose can be in transforming every area of your life. She went from feeling stuck and unsure to living a life full of meaning, confidence, and fulfilment.

Rediscovering your purpose isn’t about making one big change — it’s about taking small, intentional steps toward what matters most to you. Whether it’s through service, redefining your values, or focusing on meaningful connections, you have the freedom to create a life full of purpose.