"What Should I Do with My Life?": How to Find Your Purpose

"What should I do with my life?" A scary question I'm sure a lot of young people feel these days.

Ah, your 20s, and heck, even your 30s nowadays—a decade filled with excitement, pivotal life decisions, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos too. It’s a time when you’re supposed to learn how to make your dreams a reality, figure out a career path, manage personal relationships, and somehow keep your sanity intact. It’s a juggle, and dropping the balls seems inevitable

The first thing you should know it that all of this confusion is perfectly normal. Take it as sign that you are pushing yourself to be better – an indicator of ambition and growth. Many of us hit points where we're puzzled about what to do with our lives, making this a common crossroads especially for this current younger generation, trying to figure it all out and what career path to take. Yet, this challenge is also a powerful opportunity to deeply understand yourself and find your purpose. Embrace this time to carve a path that truly resonates with who you are.

Whether you're fresh out of college, feeling the daunting pressure of deciding on a career, or you're further along in life and caught in a whirlwind that feels like a midlife crisis, this content is tailored just for you to assist you in this pursuit, focusing on how to pinpoint your life's true calling and direction, illuminating your passions, values, and unique abilities.

The real challenge isn’t just recognizing that this stage is normal, but consciously deciding to embrace the confusion, getting your brain on board with the discomfort, and resisting the urge to stay in your comfort zone.

It’s not just about your 20s—at any stage in life, tap into your desires and align them with your skills to do things that are truly meaningful and spark joy. Let’s shake off the grip of uncertainty that may be preventing you from embracing a life that’s rich and profoundly meaningful. Embark on this journey to uncover what to do with your life, embrace your purpose, and make the most of the vibrant potential that your twenties and beyond hold.

And let me tell you, I’ve changed career paths many times! From gallery owner, to wedding photographer, to corporate marketing professional, to personal trainer—I’ve truly mixed it up. Each change brought new insights and helped me answer the burning question: What should I do with my life?

How to Find Your Purpose and Why it's Important

In order to find your purpose, stop to think about what really drives you. What gets you out of bed each morning with that fire in your belly? Every ounce of change you seek begins with a little self-reflection - then a lot more. It is when you truly want the best for yourself that you realize, by loving yourself first, you are able to give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in life.

That’s where understanding how to find your purpose comes into play. Purpose is not just a lofty concept; it’s the core of your being. It combines everything you’re passionate about with your deepest values and strengths, forming the essence of your identity and directing your life’s choices and actions.

If you're feeling a bit off track lately, or moving through your days feeling disconnected and unsure, like you’re just going through the motions, it might be a sign that it's time to dive deeper into understanding your purpose. This isn’t just about feeling good—knowing your purpose can genuinely enrich your life, allowing you to leave a positive mark on the world. When you align with your true purpose, your true authentic self, you unlock the power to inspire others and create meaningful change.

Do you find yourself envious of others who seem to have it all figured out? Maybe you're often dissatisfied, lacking motivation, or feel that your daily life is out of sync with your true self. Social media doesn't exactly help with this feeling, seeing as though so many others have it all figured out, living life with purpose. But forget about everyone else and let's focus on what you want to do with your life, what sparks joy into your day-to-day and what gifts you have that you can offer the world.

Ask yourself these three questions to tap into how to find your purpose.

1. What activities do I enjoy the most and find myself doing often?

2. What skills have I mastered and feel confident in?

3. What do people often seek my advice or assistance with?

Benefits of Living a Purposeful Life

It’s not just about feeling fulfilled—though that’s a significant part. Living purposefully equips you to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience, motivating you to pursue your goals with heart and perseverance. It enhances your mental and emotional well-being, boosts self-esteem, and cultivates stronger, more meaningful relationships. Living authentically with passion and purpose attracts like-minded individuals and opens doors to new opportunities.

And it doesn’t stop there—living a life driven by your purpose means you can make a real impact. With your unique talents, you can initiate positive changes and contribute to something bigger than yourself. When asking yourself, "what should I do with my life?", consider how your career choices, volunteer efforts, or personal projects align with embracing your life's purpose, filling you with meaning and ensuring you leave a lasting legacy.

When you live a life filled with purpose, every day is an opportunity to deepen your joy and satisfaction. Embracing your purpose means more than just navigating life's challenges with grit; it allows you to infuse passion into every endeavor, enriching your personal journey. As you find your purpose and align more closely with it, your self-esteem soars and your relationships deepen, becoming more meaningful. This authentic way of living not only attracts others who share your values and vision but also opens doors to new avenues for exploration and impact.

By living in alignment with your core values and driving forces, you fill your life with enduring meaning, ensuring that your legacy is not just remembered, but cherished. So, isn't this the life’s purpose you want to embrace? Find your purpose, and let it guide you to a life of true fulfillment and impact.

1. Reflecting on Your Passions and Interests

One of the first steps to find your purpose is to reflect on your passions and interests. Start by asking yourself what activities bring you joy and make you lose track of time. What subjects or topics do you find yourself constantly curious about? Reflect on the moments when you feel most alive and engaged, and identify the common threads that run through these experiences.

Start by asking yourself what activities bring you joy and make you lose track of time. What subjects or topics do you find yourself constantly curious about? Reflect on the moments when you feel most alive and engaged, and identify the common threads that run through these experiences.

Consider your hobbies, thing you enjoy and are good at, past experiences, and childhood dreams. What were the things that excited you then, and are they still relevant to your life now? Sometimes, our passions may evolve or change over time, and that's okay. The key to find your purpose is to pay attention to what ignites a fire within you, pursue those interests with enthusiasm and see if you can integrate them within your career path.

In a recent study by LiveCareer, "95% of Gen Zers want to do a meaningful job that goes beyond making ends meet". Integrating your passions and interests into your career aligns perfectly with this desire, offering a path that is both fulfilling and impactful.

By engaging with like-minded individuals with similar core values, and joining a tribe where ideas flourish and everyone is likely asking, "What should I do with my life?", you tap into a collective wisdom, a figuring-out stage full of potential for you to grow. This shared energy not only enriches your journey but helps sustain your motivation and commitment to your dream.

2. Identifying Your Strengths and Skills

In addition to exploring your passions, it's essential to identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? What activities come effortlessly to you? Reflect on the tasks or projects where you excel and receive positive feedback. These are often indicators of your unique strengths and talents. These reflections are vital as you consider the broader question, "What should I do with my life?"

Take time to assess your skills objectively. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends, family, or coworkers who can provide insights into your strengths. You can utilize online assessments or personality tests to gain further clarity on your strengths and how they align with potential career paths or areas of interest.

To further refine your understanding of your strengths, consider specific areas such as problem-solving, leadership, creative thinking, or technical skills. Engage in activities that highlight these abilities. For instance, if you excel in communication, try leading a workshop or a group discussion. If your strength lies in analytical thinking, involve yourself in research projects or data analysis tasks. Engaging directly with your strengths allows you to see them in action, and what might become marketable skill, helping to chart a course that feels both natural and exciting.

3. Seeking Guidance and Inspiration from Others

Navigating your 20s, or even 30's, often brings up the daunting question, "What should I do with my life?" You're expected to carve out a career, possibly start a family, and balance social life all at once. As overwhelming as these challenges may seem, remember, this is also your time to experiment and find what truly drives you. It's about making mistakes and learning from them—about growing at your own pace in a world that often seems to rush every milestone.

In this era of boundless information and connectivity, you have a unique advantage. Unlike generations before, you can easily seek out mentorship or career coaching when challenges arise, giving you the tools and support needed to navigate life’s complexities more effectively.

Embracing this resource can provide a crucial edge, transforming potential obstacles into stepping stones for personal and professional growth. Sometimes, we need an outside perspective to help us uncover our purpose. Seek guidance and inspiration from skilled individuals, life coach or mentor who has already found their life's purpose. And on the flip side, be aware of who come to you for advice or help. Often time we take for granted the things we are skilled at. By recognizing this, you may find your purpose through the unique strengths you offer to others.

By engaging in meaningful conversations, seeking advice, and learning from the experiences of a trained empowerment coach, your mind will be surrounded with inspiration, leading to the manifestation of great possibilities with someone who believes in your potential.

Attending workshops, seminars, or conferences related to your areas of interest can also provide valuable insights and connections. Networking with like-minded individuals can open doors to new opportunities and expose you to different perspectives. Remember, finding your purpose is not a solitary journey. It’s about connecting with others and learning from their journeys. This will provide you with an advantage.

There’s no need to navigate the initial uncertainties alone when you can learn from someone who has already mastered the path.

4. Taking Action and Exploring Different Paths

Once you have reflected on your passions, identified your strengths, and sought guidance from others, it's time to take action and explore the various paths. Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. Most often, the only way to discover your purpose is through experimentation and exploration.

Consider volunteering or interning in fields that align with your interests. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into whether a particular path resonates with you. Additionally, take advantage of online resources, books, and courses to expand your knowledge and skills in areas that intrigue you.

Maybe you want a work-life balance life – a flexible schedule or a work from home option. Maybe you want to travel or work directly with people rather than behind a laptop. Perhaps you want security or get excited about being an entrepreneur.

Remember that discovering your purpose and what to do with your life is not a linear process. It may involve trial and error, and it's okay to pivot or change directions along the way. Embrace the journey and trust that each step you take brings you closer to living a purposeful life.

5. Embracing and Living Your Life's Purpose

However long it takes, and for me, it took well into my forties to discover what to do with my life, remember to embrace it and find ways to integrate it meaningfully into different aspects of your life. Find a work-life balance approach, align your career choices, nurture meaningful relationships, and engage in daily activities that resonate with your purpose. Make conscious decisions that honor your values and contribute to your overall sense of fulfillment.

Living with purpose requires commitment and self-reflection. Regularly evaluate whether your actions and choices are in alignment with your purpose. Stay open to growth and continue to learn and evolve along the way. Remember that purpose is not a destination but rather a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Don't let uncertainty hold you back from living a purposeful life. Embrace the challenge, trust the process, and allow yourself to discover the unique gifts and talents that can make a positive impact on the world.

Your journey to finding purpose isn’t just about achieving personal happiness; it’s about enriching the world around you with the distinct contributions only you can make.

Taking action aligned with your purpose and maintaining consistency ensures that every step you take moves you closer to a life that not only feels fulfilling but also contributes positively, creating ripples that extend far beyond your own experience.

TIP: Take time to self-reflect and create the awareness needed to craft a clear vision of the life you desire. Consider the people, activities and environments that bring you happiness and peace, and make you feel most alive. Simultaneously, define what you need to steer clear of to stay true to your goals and dreams. And what can you do immediately to start taking the action steps to start you on your path.

Are you ready to take that step to discover what to do with your life? Consider partnering with a life coach who can guide you through the complexities of personal development. As a life coach, I'm here to help you tap into your best self and create a life that truly reflects who you are. Let’s embark on this journey together. Reach out today, and let’s transform your potential into reality. Remember, the power to manifest your dream life full of depth and meaning is in your hands but you have to make the decision to start!