Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly, but so often folks live life without thinking about their purpose. We believe that thinking about your purpose and trying to identify what it might be is one of the most impactful things you can do to level up your life, career, and general level of happiness and fulfillment. Having a sense of what your why is will help you become a better decision maker which inevitably will improve your life. Below, you’ll find some interesting discussions, stories and perspectives around find your purpose.
Chrissy Covington
I can’t really explain it. I don’t know about purpose, but I’ve always wanted to make people happy. I’ve also always wanted to be the center of attention, the one they smiled at, the joke that fixed the bad day. It helps me. It helps them. It’s just always been with me. I’ve had a prominent disdain for the loneliness and sadness in others since I was a little kid. I hate to see someone cry. I can’t stand it. I think it’s because I truly understand sadness and isolation. I was bullied at times growing up, and I genuinely always want to remind everyone there is happiness and goodness all around and to never be jaded by the past. Read more>>
Billie G. Williams
I often refer to myself as a proud “WIP” (work in progress). Whether it’s physically, emotionally, financially or most importantly spiritually. Staying locked in on my spirituality has not only helped me stay grounded but has also helped me define my purpose. Seeking information and sharing that information with the youth, my peers, or my elders aligns with that purpose I’ve learned that I am a teacher of sorts and a protector I’m so loving it. My podcast and my current occupation allows me to do so. Read more>>
Harry Massoud
I have played piano all my life but the moment I knew it was my purpose to really pursue it was when I discovered the effect my music was having on others. When you are able to touch the souls of others you have never even met, make them feel deep and/or buried emotions to the point where they are crying out of nowhere, then you have reached the highest level of musicianship. This is the ultimate power within music. No matter where you are from or what language you speak the emotion that you put into music can be felt by anyone and anywhere in the world when done right. When I discovered I had mastered that element in music, I knew it was my purpose to keep diving deeper into it because it was not just a gift for me anymore, it was a gift that I could share with others. A gift from God. Read more>>
Christina C. Wu
As a child, I loved reading books and dreamed of becoming an author. Later in my life, I pursued a path toward education and psychology, and counseled Asian American families. When I became a mother, I fell in love again with reading children’s books. I noticed a lack in bilingual English / Chinese children’s books particular early reader chapter books. I wanted to infuse my linguistic, educational knowledge with my personal and work experiences into my writing. Read more>>
Alena Horowitz
When I went back to school for entrepreneurship, I often struggled with the question: “What PROBLEM are you solving?” I felt as if my projects, products or services had to address some monumental issue. In my opinion, in finding your purpose, you don’t have to be solving a global crisis like world-hunger. Products and services can also be new, unique, cool, stylistic, and driven by wants and preferences rather than absolute NEEDS. To find your purpose, you don’t have to be solving a distinct problem, however, if you look deep enough, every activity, path or product has the potential to solve problems. Read more>>
Solfulkay
Purpose can be subjective because the meaning may differ based on who you ask and where they are currently on their journey of life. Ultimately, I believe purpose isn’t something that you necessarily ‘find’ but instead it is revealed. We all have purpose and this purpose starts off as a seed; maybe not visible, but certainly present. As we grow and learn this seed also grows; it’s something we can agree that is already within us, but it’s revealed at different times for everyone. The best way to reveal your purpose is simply by always trying. Just keep swimming. Read more>>
Philip Carrera
I found my purpose by weaving together the different experiences I’ve had throughout my career. My time as a marketing director gave me strategic insight into how businesses grow and thrive in the digital space. Working in animation allowed me to develop my drawing skills and tap into a deeper creative side. While my experience as a copywriter for advertising, entertainment, and software companies, honed my ability to craft compelling messages to different audiences. These diverse skills have helped me venture into the world of book publishing under the Dizzy Bee Books brand, where I can combine creativity, storytelling, and business acumen to bring joy and relaxation to others. Read more>>
Raja Marhaba
Not everyone knows what their purpose in life is. People go through life living, not thinking, just living, and doing what makes them happy – whatever that is. Do people really know what happiness is? What is the cost of happiness? It can be in the form of money, material things, traveling, family or working. I was one of those people. I had no idea what my purpose in life was or that I should have a purpose. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and did not have a typical childhood. My mom died when I was ten. I did not understand much at that age only I was very angry with God because HE took my mom away. I struggled tremendously in my childhood, through my teenage years and eventually with my marriage. Read more>>
Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss
One of my mentors today, Cathy Heller, says, ‘Purpose is the opposite of depression.’ As someone who battled severe depression and anxiety in my twenties, I can say that finding purpose and meaning is what helped me thrive, not just survive. At my lowest point, I wasn’t trying to end my life—I was trying to end the overwhelming despair and hopelessness. Read more>>
Daryl Thompson
There is an old saying that if you “do what you like to do to do then you will neve work a day in your life” could not be more truer. As a small child I had an Aunt that gave me a box set of Tom Swift novels about a young adventurer that was also an inventor and scientist. I could not get enough of these novels in which I would sit down and consume with great enthusiasm for hours at a time, constantly day dreaming about inventing things that could make a difference and adventure in far off lands. I have followed that course for my entire life exploring the limits of discovery and what possibilities lay just around the next corner. Today I am fortunate enough that I can wake up every morning and live my life as though I was Tom Swift himself! Read more>>
Jamie Lopez
Finding my purpose has been a transformative journey, deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the legacy of my mother. Last July, I faced one of the most challenging moments of my life when I lost my mother to stage 4 breast cancer. She was not only my mother but also a remarkable woman who inspired many with her numerous talents and accomplishments. Read more>>
Molly Bloom
To be honest, I find new purpose often. Maybe too often. But, the “common denominator” purpose is to create. That drives all things. If I am not creating, which usually means I get to learn something new, I’m simply not myself. Read more>>
Elijah Perry
Finding one’s purpose is often a journey of exploration, reflection, and growth. For me, my purpose is grounded in helping people by providing knowledge, guidance, and solutions in the areas they need. It evolved from the capability to interact with people from various walks of life, offering insights tailored to their questions, ideas, and challenges. Every interaction is an opportunity to assist and empower others, which drives my sense of purpose. Read more>>
Ariel Boyd
Iv always loved art and creating ever since I was a child. My mom always encouraged me to do what I loved to follow my heart. As I grew up I started to see things old and left behind collecting it over time to find a better use for it. Along with that I adored life after death concept of not being forgotten. Once I was a bit older I started to realize the amazing things I had collected over time and wanted to give it new life. From there on out I never stopped creating because I always saw the beauty in everything I touched. Even now I see everything has a purpose and a form to be adored as art. Read more>>
Jamaal Rashad
Finding my purpose has been quite the journey. I think the overarching lesson for me was that our perceived purpose may change. If you asked me as a young man, I was certain that my purpose was to be a professional athlete. My father, uncle, and grandfather all played professional sports, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was destined to follow in their footsteps. After having a career-ending injury during my college career, I was completely lost. I had no direction, much less purpose, and I was forced to start over and redefine who I was. I quickly learned that I needed to direct my passion into something positive before it became self-destructive, and this is where my journey to entrepreneurship started. I spent time becoming reacquainted with myself to learn who I truly was, my strengths, my weaknesses, and the things that made me special as a human, not an athlete. This opened an entirely new world for me. Read more>>
Nicole Doran
As a kid, I was happy and healthy; I was a dancer, gymnast, volleyball player, and honors student. Then, at 16, I felt my body and brain shift. I gained 30 lbs in a few months and was suddenly chronically fatigued, had severe brain fog, and felt highly inflamed. I was diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism and written prescriptions by my doctor to mask the symptoms, but the root causes of my condition persisted. Read more>>
Charlie Golden Jr.
When I found out who GOD was for myself in the process of developing an intimate relationship with him ! Read more>>
Bernadette Ashby
My love for music and the fine arts was always there as a child. I was fortunate to take a few piano lessons but playing never took. I resided myself to the fact that I would never be able to play. I continued to love all kinds of music throughout my teen years, young adulthood, and as an older adult. It wasn’t until I wanted my kids to play the piano that I found a system that would unlock my musicianship. Afterall, I was 37 years old and it would be unreal to play at my age let alone teach. But I never gave up my dream. Read more>>
Luismiguel Flores
My purpose really started at home, with the values my parents instilled in me. My dad was a hardworking, selfless provider, and my mom created a nurturing home environment. I vividly remember always telling my parents, ‘We should open a restaurant with the food we eat at home because it’s so good.’ Even from a young age, I recognized the joy and connection that food brought to our family, and that love for cooking and sharing meals stayed with me. Read more>>
Nicole Smith
I have always been an empath. I have had a great love to make humans feel happy with humor or however I could connect and also have always had a huge love of animals since I was a child.
My mother and father were definitely hippies and I grew up around many cats and dogs and always had a passion for animal welfare. Read more>>
Kelly Schwenk
I’ll always be intrigued by the concept of finding one’s purpose, and the journey it takes to accomplish the clarity to be able to say “this is what I’m meant to do.” I wish it were as simple as establishing a dream at a young age, or taking an elective in college that makes everything click. As someone who changed their college major and career path multiple times, it’s much easier to look back and think about the things that made me happy from an early age. My hobbies and personal interests have been the same, with appropriate growth, since I was pre-teen. Read more>>
Gian Magana
My photography journey has been shaped by experiences outside of formal education and photography classes. None of my teachers provided the right recommendations aligning with my creative discipline and approach. My work has been influenced by photographers like Mary Ellen Mark, Garry Winogrand, and Bruce Gilden, whose subjects often included individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, and those experiencing homelessness. My body of work is never intended to gain profit or money from photographing these communities. Read more>>
James June
I found my purpose through my recovery. When I was early in my recovery from substances and alcohol I lived in a sober living home. Within three months o living in the sober living home I was offered to become a house volunteer. Meaning I assist the house manager in overseeing the house. Making sure client sign out, sign in, do their chores and so on. About a month later I was offered to be a house manager and from there I climbed up the ranks to becoming the Assistant Operations Manager. It was at this company that I discovered that helping others find their recovery pathway as I did was my purpose. It has been a passion of mine to help others and at work and outside of work. Seeing other get into recovery as I have is the biggest award and knowing that I had a part in that journey goes beyond words. Read more>>
Denise Warner
When I came out in 1997, it was to my husband at the time. I had been going to therapy to try understand my feelings about women and it became clear to me, I was a lesbian and I was about implode my marriage and possibly every other relationship. Thankfully, my ex husband, family, in-laws and friends were supremely supportive and I’m grateful for that. Over the next few years, I realised that I didn’t want to squander my luck. I focused on other people’s Coming Out stories, dove into my own local LGBTQIA community and was looking for a way to amplify my voice for the community. I tried a few things; going to monthly local discussion meet-ups, going to events at my local LGBTQ community center and it dawned on me that there had to be a wider reach to share my thoughts, resources, news, and relevant information. Read more>>
Théa Irizarry
I believe God gave me a purpose, not that I found one myself, and that the one he gave me is to love him and my neighbors well. One of the ways he has equipped me to do that is by giving me the skills and desire to organize events that bring people together and give them a chance to get to know their communities. There’s something really special about how live music connects people to each other- both within the audience and to the person on stage. I think it’s also really powerful and practical to have deep connections with people who live close to you. Read more>>
Verchona Yvette Walker
I believe you find your purpose through your natural gifts; the things you organically do well, the joy they bring you, and more importantly, the impact they have beyond yourself.
For me, my gift is cooking and my purpose is bringing people together through food. Food is truly a love language. Read more>>
Mariah Burgos
Growing up I always had a passion for makeup! It was my creative outlet and a way to escape during my free time. I always had a thought to go to beauty school but I always thought “Eh that’s not good enough I need to do pursue something else”. Once I went to a college university I realized early on it wasn’t the right fit for me and I felt very out of place. I originally went to college for Criminal Justice and Child Psychology, subjects that intrigued me. However, as I began taking classes for it, I felt more like a chore than a passion. I wanted to love my future career. It wasn’t until my final semester of my first year of college that I wanted to finally pursue my true passion for beauty. I decided to just ride it out and finish my semester strong, passing every class, I then took a leap of faith to enroll in Cosmetology School at The Salon Professional Academy for the Esthetics program. Read more>>
Roksolana Lebid
Throughout my journey, I’ve dabbled in various professions: from serving tables as a waitress and mixing drinks as a bartender, to crafting fashion illustrations and assisting in dental offices. I’ve managed daycares, captured moments as a professional photographer, and expressed myself through writing. My creative spirit has always driven me to bring my ideas to life. With time, I’ve grown more self-assured, and my current role brings me immense fulfillment. Read more>>
Irina Pyleva
As the wise often say, life is a journey. This has certainly been my experience. I grew up with a strong interest in math and science. It came naturally to me. The certainty of solving say an equation was so comforting and rewarding. 1 + 1 = 2. Always. I succeeded in my career in law and business. At least succeeded by traditional indices. Promotions. Money, Status…. I should have been happy. But there was an emptiness. I tried to push through. Work harder. It didn’t work. Instead of finding happiness, I got sick. Read more>>
Melina Feijoo
In the process of looking for a career that suits me, I found the art of beauty and from the first moment I knew that I wanted to dedicate myself to that.
Why does it help me enhance women’s beauty, make them feel empowered and raise their self-esteem. I feel like that is my purpose and I am fulfilling it.Read more>>
Erica Tamburo
It’s so difficult to know where to start this story. Do I start with the little farm girl, her nose in a book and the rest of her dirty with sweat and the days work? Maybe I start with the engineering graduate student, with two Masters Degrees, yet exiting a PhD program early with absolutely no clue what to do with herself. I was always just trying to do what I was supposed to do, which my family said was to get a PhD. That was the first time I didn’t succeed and the first time that I realized that I didn’t know what I was passionate about. Read more>>
Brittnee Brinson
I started a non profit in 2018 to make a small difference in the world. I discovered my purpose in serving others and exploring all that life has to offer. Our mission was to help visually impaired people all around the world by providing free vision screenings and eyeglasses. Read more>>
Raquel Segura
I discovered my purpose through my pain. What was intended to break me became the catalyst for my healing and the strength I now offer to others who feel they cannot overcome their struggles. I strive to be a genuine example, understanding that life isn’t perfect and that we need real-life role models to inspire us. I am committed to demonstrating that, although we may face significant challenges, we have the power to rise above them. Read more>>
Kerri Honeywood
Honeywood’s dual roles as an author and a maternal mental health advocate exemplify her passion for nurturing both minds and lives. Her unique blend of literary excellence and dedication to maternal wellness sets her apart as a thought leader in both the literary and wellness communities. Read more>>
