The Importance of Purpose in Life

Finding life purpose is something I think we all struggle with, or have struggled with, at some point in time. I know plenty of people who question their current career path, have wondered what they'll do after a layoff, or are just plain unhappy with their direction in life. There are also the people who just tough out each week at a job they hate, because they don't know what else they would do. I've been there, and I still sometimes wonder what's in store for me. Purpose seems to be one of those ever elusive creatures that you just hope to stumble upon some day. Then when you find it, you don't want to let go.

I don't think there's a magical equation that will help you find your purpose. There are plenty of career help books out there, and none of them will be able to tell you exactly what you should do. Your heart is probably the best place to turn, because it's been with you all along. Deep down, I think we all really know what makes us happiest. It's just that over the years we've had circumstances and people that quiet our heart. They tell us we're not good enough, fast enough, big enough, or smart enough to do what we really want. I say forget all those things and do what really makes your heart happy. You probably know best which direction to go.

Finding our purpose is important, because it reminds us that we do belong here (wherever that may be). We were all put here for a reason. Knowing that reason, whatever it may be, makes us better people. All we can do is try our hardest to give back to this crazy world the gifts that were given to us. It's either that or let them go to waste, and that would be a shame.