Most people wonder from time to time, “What am I doing with my life?”
Questions like these swirl around in plenty of minds all over the world.
- “What is my purpose in life?”
- “Why am I really here?”
So, if you’re scratching your head wondering, know that you’re definitely not alone.
We’re all here travelling the journey of life.
Some people, for one reason or another, have a better sense of what their purpose is. They know what career brings them fulfillment or what kind of lifestyle brings them contentment. Maybe they’ve known since they were little or simply had an “aha” moment that gave them clarity.
Others just aren’t so sure. They’re not satisfied with what they’re doing or maybe even how they’re feeling.
What about you?
- Do you feel like you’re on the right path for you?
- Are you doing what you ‘should’ be doing?
- Are you feeling the way you want to feel?
Today, let’s discuss how you can gain more clarity when it comes to passion and purpose in life – and how you can spend your time.
“What Path I Should Be Walking?”
This is common question, as there are many roads to choose along life’s journey.
As spiritual beings navigating life, it’s easy to get lost – especially if you aren’t really looking at any instruction manuals.
The reality is that there are many roads or paths to choose from.
And, it’s not necessarily a “right vs. wrong” thing.
- The path that you walk is unique to you.
- When you start comparing yourself to others, you might feel badly.
- You might feel like you’re not as good or accomplished.
But remember, your path is yours and yours alone.
Your experiences are yours, your passions and dreams are yours, and even if you feel a bit lost right now, it’s alright.
There is a season for everything. The path you are “supposed” to walk depends on your true desires and passions.
The more you discover about yourself, the clearer your particular path will become.
Be gentle with yourself every step of the way.
Be True to Yourself
It helps to contemplate various questions regularly.
- What are my interests?
- What am I so passionate about I could do it for hours and hours?
- Do I actually enjoy how I’m spending my time?
- Am I doing what I feel is right for me (rather than what others think)?
- Am I actively trying to better myself – mind, body, and spirit?
- What do I really want in life?
- How do I want to feel?
As you ask yourself these questions and answer them, you are learning how to be true to yourself.
You’re discovering your true wants, needs, and passions. There are many people living life just as everyone else is, fulfilling the status quo. But you don’t have to settle for that. You really can enjoy your life’s journey by being true to yourself and being optimistic as you walk your path.
Tap Into Your Intuition
Understand that we are all intuitive beings.
This means that we all have an “inner voice” that will lead and guide us to walk on the path that is optimal for us. Haven’t you ever felt that certain nudge that prompted you to say yes to something or no to something else?
Listen for that inner voice as you make decisions and walk your life’s journey. The more you do, the easier it will be for you to hear and follow that voice.
What Matters to Me? An Exercise
Here’s a simple exercise you can do to get a feel for what kinds of things cause you to feel passion and meaning.
- Grab a piece of paper and a pen.
- Write at the top: “What can I do with my life?”
Now, notice you’re not seeking the answer to the question, “What is my purpose?”
Why?
Because we exist for far more than just ONE purpose.
Now, back to the question, “What can I do with my life?”
- Try not to think much.
- Just start writing down things you can do with your life.
- Don’t worry about making a whole lot of sense right now.
- Just jot whatever comes to mind.
It might look something like this:
WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY LIFE?
- take classes
- learn new skills
- get a job I love
- help teens that struggle with depression
- flip houses
- get married and raise a family
- travel the world
- etc.
List as many things as you want. There’s no right or wrong in this exercise. You’re simply gaining some insight and momentum right now.
Now, write in big letters, “How do I want to feel?”
Then list how you’d like to feel.
List as many emotions as you want, such as:
- happy
- excited
- joyful
- blissed out
- peaceful
- thrilled
- ecstatic
- grateful
- content
- etc.
Then, once you’re done with that list, look at your first list. Take some of the things you’d like to do with your life and match them to particular feelings.
For example, maybe travelling makes you feel ecstatic. Make a note of it.
Travelling makes me feel ecstatic.
Or, maybe helping teens that feel depressed makes you feel excited and grateful. Note that too.
Take some time to play around with your feelings and ways you’d like to show up in the world. As you do, you should be able to come up with a handful or more of things you can do with your life to feel purpose and meaning.
Work Through Procrastination and/or Boredom
Some people wonder what they should do with their life decade after decade. They want to do something different than what they’re doing, but they don’t make the effort to actually change.
There’s a saying that applies nicely here:
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
If you desire to travel a different or more meaningful path, resist the temptation to procrastinate. If you find yourself really struggling to get momentum doing, get yourself a life coach or therapist.
It can help to have that extra boost, insight, and guidance.
Do You Procrastinate? 4 Things to Keep in Mind to Get You Going
Choose to Enjoy The Journey
Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
You might be tempted to stay stuck in “frustration mode” if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life. But you don’t have to stay there.
Life will have its ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dance in the rain. In fact, talk to those who get out there and splash, dance, and laugh in the rain. They’ll tell you it’s exhilarating!
Choose to enjoy the journey, even if you have no idea where the destination is. Experience joy in doing even the simplest of things while you walk your journey.
- Smile when you grab your coffee in the morning
- Giggle while you fold the laundry
- Laugh with the clerk while you check out at the grocery store
Enjoy the moments as they come.
Is There One Ultimate Purpose?
Try not to get worked up about knowing your ultimate life purpose.
Many people become consumed with fear over not fulfilling their purpose in life. However, there really is no set purpose for anyone. In fact, there are many reasons we are here!
We’re here to:
- learn valuable lessons
- discover a whole lot about ourselves, others, and the world
- show up for others
- experience so many things
- and more
If you don’t know the “main” purpose for your life, it’s alright. Spend time focusing on those things that bring you joy and add value to humanity.
If you get up each day and think, “I’m going to show up for myself and others today in love and service”, then your life will be rich and rewarding. There’s no doubt about that.
What If I’m Afraid of Failure?
It’s common to feel some fear around this topic, but the reality is that there’s no such thing as failure.
Maybe things don’t work out as you thought, but that’s alright.
You can learn valuable lessons from the situation and move on. Any successful person will tell you that they hit plenty of hurdles along their journey, but they didn’t let them bring them down.
Neither should you.
There’s the saying,
“Feel the fear and do it anyway”.
That’s great advice. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to your comfort zone, but sometimes it helps to get on out and try something new – even if you’re afraid.
So, if you’re wondering what you should be doing with your life, that’s a good thing.
At least you’re pondering the topic, which can help you lean in to find out what makes you tick. You’re learning what brings you those core positive feelings you desire to feel, from the simple to the more complex.
Just keep along your individual journey doing the best you can each day. Enjoy all of it – the curiosity, the soul searching, the clarity, progress, etc.
It all creates you as a unique and pretty amazing person.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Jun 10, 2023 and has been updated to enhance reader experience.
Photo by Khoa Võ
