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.
Janet Meinke-lau
Through the help of a mentor/dear friend, I realized that there are a lot of gifts in my basket to give out. I feel the best when I am sharing these gifts, whether it’s art, teaching/encouragement, or surf, etc. When I feel good, I want to spread the good – so it’s important that I find what makes me feel good and invest time in it. Life is difficult enough. Shouldn’t we create the world we want to see? ALOHA values and Nonviolent Communication are great tools and have shaped my “purpose” and how I give to my self, my family, my community. Read more>>
Amy Todisco
Growing up in New York City, I always felt like a fish out of water. While others adapted to the sirens, concrete sidewalks, and the occasional glimpse of nature in Central Park, I craved something more. I wanted to hear crickets chirping, watch fireflies dance, and roll in the green grass, not just endure the city’s hustle and grime. My mother, a follower of nutrition guru Adele Davis, tried to create a healthy bubble for us amidst the urban chaos. Our meals were always homemade, from real, unprocessed ingredients—no sodas, no fast food, except for the rare weekends with my dad and stepmother. We took our vitamins religiously and downed something my mom called “pep up,” a brewer’s yeast concoction that tasted awful but promised health. Read more>>
Bria Bland, Bernadette Jackson
Sisterhood is a principle that Bernadette has exemplified in her life and instilling into Bria’s life. So, Sisterhood Brunchin was founded with the purposeful vision of women uplifting and supporting one another. At its core, it is a space where women from all walks of life come together to foster genuine connections, share experiences, and build a strong community rooted in sisterhood. Read more>>
Sara Kakatsch
My Mom was the person who suggested I look in to making a career out of what I did for fun. I was kind of lost for awhile. Thankfully I have supportive parents who gave me the confidence I needed to spread my wings. With time in this career it developed in to my purpose. A haircut seems like a minor or trivial thing in life but if you think about it, it’s not. Before most special moments you get a haircut. Baby’s first, picture day, school dances, graduation, job interviews, marriage purposals, weddings, and the list goes on. I get to be part of the special, important moments. I love being able to help people feel beautiful, handsome, confident and all the good things in between. Read more>>
Julie Sanquist
When you are growing up, your values are hand-me-downs. Especially if you were a kid in a religious household like me, you learned an important lesson early on: obedience. Listen, learn, and submit to authority. My first purpose in life was to not sin and follow instructions. Read more>>
Matt Aldrich
I grew up surrounded by dogs, and my first job was at a pet supply store in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I took the job because of the excitement I saw in my own dog every time we entered the store. Working there became a joy, whether helping customers, engaging with fellow pet lovers, or meeting different pets daily. Read more>>
Shorn Marshall
After I came from a very dark place of depression and almost committed suicide, I had a dream from my late grandmother, who passed away in 2000. She spoke to me about that I have to go back singing again, because every time I sing, everything that was negative around me disappeared. It was like her and God was talking to me and helped found my calling in music which saved my life. Read more>>
Jurne Smith
Ever since I was young, I followed pursuits that made me happy and excited to live the next day. At such a young age, I never really knew exactly what it meant to have a purpose. For the time being I was doing what made me feel fulfilled. I remember like it was yesterday sitting in my living room watching TV, as my mother did my hair, and a Michael Jackson music video popped up on the screen. Just watching him dance made me feel excited, and in a moment of inspiration I thought, “That’s what I want to do. I want to dance and perform just like he is!” That day led me on a path that took many turns. Read more>>
Samuel Henneberg
Growing up my parents had always taught me about the importance of education, and more importantly following my dreams to become whatever I was passionate about. At 18 I left home 3,000 miles across the world to study and play soccer in the USA which was both challenging, and exciting! Throughout my college life and start of my professional working career, I was constantly in limbo about my career path and what I wanted to do, along with who I wanted to become. I wanted to be involved in soccer but wasn’t good enough to play professionally, and didn’t have motivation to be a coach. I started working in the corporate world and was feeling unfulfilled. Read more>>
Nour Eid
Behind the scenes of social media, the journey of content creation unfolds with a blend of excitement and challenges. One of the first things you’ll realize is that no one really tells you how to start. Instead, you’re left to navigate the unknown, experimenting with various content styles, formats, engagement strategies, and visual identity until you discover what resonates with your audience. This journey is crucial for uncovering your unique voice and style. Read more>>
Heidi Smith
Finding my purpose has been a journey shaped by many different experiences. Early in my life, I had a strong desire to explore art and design, but my path took a few detours. I left behind a career to follow my husband’s career opportunities, which required moving frequently. Each new place we lived gave me the chance to see how different styles, cultures, and spaces could inspire creativity. Eventually, we settled in Texas and soon after, my two children were old enough to be in school. That’s when I knew it was time to follow my own lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur Flamingo Rodeo Interiors was born. Read more>>
Carolyn Hancock
Coming from a family of four older brothers who left home early and didn’t complete their schooling, I wanted to be different. And I loved school, loved learning, loved being tops in the class. My drawings from art classes? Surely not the best, but they tucked into a box and I still have them. Read more>>
Allie Friedman Owner/artist Of House Of Savage
Working in both corporate finance and real estate upon graduation from the University of Colorado Boulder has made me realize that world is not for me whatsoever. The rigid schedule, limited creativity, and working under superiors was never something that made me truly happy. I worked in corporate for a collective three and a half years and was never truly happy with my days or my future path. Because of this, I decided to quit and make something new happen for myself – House of Savage. Read more>>
Michelle Erica
In the fall of 2023, I began going through bins of artwork my children had created over the years, from their younger days to the present. I never wanted to part with any of it, so I stored it all in bins—tons of it. One day, as I looked through the artwork, I decided it was finally time to sell it. This decision was encouraged by many who had seen the girls’ work and admired their creativity, especially considering they hadn’t taken any formal lessons. After consulting with them, we decided to sell copies of some pieces and the originals of others. I created a website for MMMoore Twins & Co. to list the artwork for sale and to upload any new pieces they would create. Read more>>
Paul Murphy
From an early age, I was dedicated to playing music. My parents highly encouraged me to get the right teachers to advance my skills. I was lucky that my 2 brothers also played guitar, and we instantly started a band playing cover songs and then writing our own songs. After playing and recording original music in the studio for many years, a good friend whom became a Program Director and a college recruited me to teach Music Technology. This was a paradigm shift in my life and career. This was truly a finding of my calling and purpose. Read more>>
Dr. Cristina Bosch, Nmd
As a person who was raised by physicians who focused on good food, fresh air, play, and time in nature, I was taught—and also instinctively drawn to—”healthy living.” I studied nutrition and dietetics and took many cooking classes in NYC, especially when “Spa Cuisine” was a trend, now simply known as healthy cooking. I worked with inner-city kids in Newark and New Brunswick, NJ and was saddened at the reality of the poor relationship they had with healthy eating. Additionally, as a resident physician at Yale University Integrative Medical Center, I worked with OB/GYN, pre-conception patients. Read more>>
Arda Aykut
Finding my purpose was obviously a very natural process. In other words, I did not make an extra effort to find it, on the contrary, it evolved over time as I loved my profession and its world on this journey. I think this has contributed a lot to me because in this way, I didn’t try to fit someone else’s purpose to myself, or I didn’t get lost in that search, on the contrary, I think I have a purpose that is completely my own, that suits me. That’s why every step, trial or goal I take with my instrument makes me excited and gives me hope. Read more>>
Mati Baran
To me, the idea of having a purpose in life is very elusive. In my life, the notion of purpose seems to keep changing every few years. The more you explore, learn, and grow, the more your idea of it will be redefined – but that’s exactly what will keep you motivated and interested in whatever you’re doing in the career you’ve embarked upon. If you consistently change, there will always be something exciting on the horizon. Perhaps you could could say that this path of growth and change could actually be the purpose of everyone’s life? Read more>>
Kaimana Lani
Through a lot of praying and surrendering. Through putting my health and family first and really giving over to God. I was able to step away from a job I had for over two decades and walk onto a road with no clear path. I have tried many things over the years.. I have followed my desire to want to learn. I’ve a lot of education and certification, but in the end my gift is making jewelry and that is what I am here to do for now. When God guides me to a new path, I will happily take those steps also. Read more>>
Tian Liu
We live in a world full of endless choices. It’s not just the freedom to move upward or downward, but even in the moments when we stay still, there are countless ways to spend that time. If you want to be a writer, you must first experience reading. If you want to do rock climbing, you’ll experience countless falls. If you want to be an artist, you need to wander through different mediums until you find your artistic voice. Read more>>
Maxine Catlin
First, I found my purpose through prayer. I prayed through the process, seeking clarity and guidance. Second, I always knew deep down that I was put here to help people to motivate and empower them, and to show them that they can achieve anything they set their mind to. Lastly, when you’re living in your purpose, you’re not only helping yourself, but also helping your family. I’m a big believer that what’s best for me is also what’s best for my family, and they are my greatest motivation. Read more>>
Susan Proctor
It definitely didn’t come in a straight line or clear path. Discovering my purpose came through a series of apparent road blocks that actually led me to where I needed to be. Early on I learned that I needed to work for more than a paycheck. I began volunteering in high school and after college my first job was in retail leadership. My volunteer work on the weekends was much more energizing than the work grind where the motivation was to earn money for the store. On paper the job seemed to fit my skills and education but the actual work was not a good fit. What felt like a better fit was my volunteer gig working with youth. Read more>>
Sophie French
After moving to Australia in 2015, I realised that there was a different way of living life to that which I’d been taught! The lifestyle was entirely different and I loved the sense of freedom I experienced. I was freelancing at the time for someone who taught me about neuro-linguistic programming – the art and science of reprogramming our brains and subconscious minds to align with the outcomes we want – I was absolutely fascinated and decided to follow the call to train in the modality once I arrived back to the UK! It completely transformed my life and way of seeing the world – realising that I had a chance at undoing all the years of self-hatred and negative self-talk felt like an incredible gift I’d been given, and from then it felt like my mission and purpose to share that with others – to support others, especially women, to understand their subconscious minds and the way they operate, so that they can move forward and pursue the things they most deeply want to do! Read more>>
Julie Malone
I found purpose in myself and the reason why I love making art by looking at the painting, “Interior with a Book” by Richard Diebenkorn at The Nelson Atkins Museum Of Fine Art in Kansas City Missouri
I was an adolescent about to enter 4th grade when I first encountered this painting. My dad would take me to the museum almost every Sunday in the mid 80’s. Back then the museum offered free entry on Sunday. By our second visit, I proclaimed that it was my favorite painting in the entire museum. There was something about it that shook my core. Read more>>
Liz Painter
It’s been said, “You’ve got to have a dream… or how you gonna have a dream come true?” Sometimes the journey becomes the most important part, even more fulfilling than the destination itself. Working toward a goal can help a person develop qualities in their day-to-day life, including grit, determination, joy, and connection. Read more>>
Jesse Gariepy
My wife and boys have always loved traveling and exploring wherever we find ourselves. I’ve always dreamed of exploring our world on a full-time basis, but never knew how we could do it. Then I started watching Kara and Nate on YouTube and realized that our love of travel and adventures could be something others might enjoy experiencing along with us. I didn’t have any illusions that we could survive off of a YouTube channel anytime soon, but I realized that video creation and sharing our experiences was something I felt called to do and felt passionate about it! Read more>>
Suneha Balasubramanya
Finding my purpose has been a deeply personal journey and it has often revolved around a combination of self-reflection, exploration and experiences by trying out various activities, roles and projects that has genuinely resonated with me since I was a kid
Currently finding my purpose as an Architect that transitioned to a Production Designer has been a fascinating journey that stemmed from a deep-seated love for creating spaces that tell a story. My Architectural background gave me a solid foundation in design principles and spatial awareness, but overtime I realized my true passion lay in how those principles could be applied to narrative. Read more>>
Gina Cavalier
It’s important to understand that everyone arrives in this world with a unique set of tasks, themes, and specific gifts to guide them through their primary life purpose. This purpose encompasses living, loving, experiencing, and growing. Every joy and heartbreak serves as a testament to your inner strength, leading you to become more compassionate towards yourself and, ultimately, others, and in the final stages of realization and healing, there will be deep forgiveness for those who have participated in wounding you intentionally or not. Read more>>
Sade’ Allen
This is funny because I remember in my 20s. I would always ask myself. What is my purpose? I experienced the death of friends at a very early age. As early as 15 years old, one of my classmates was gunned down, tragically. I remember going to the funeral, sad and confused, wondering what if this were me? Read more>>
Idil Ozturk
I found my purpose by going after the things that inspired and interested me the most and having really great mentors. I went into college with the goal of being pre-med and was neuroscience major. I found myself drawn to the classes and experiences that focused on human behavior and social systems. I felt strongly about social justice and empowering others in a way that valued who they are as an individual. I had a great professor who told me, “it sounds like you want to do social work”, after college I worked in inpatient psychiatry and went on to get my masters in social work at Columbia University. Read more>>
Amy Thurman
As an educator and social worker, I once believed my worth was defined by how well I could serve others. Helping people was my identity, my purpose. Until the day everything changed. One moment, I was working at a major university, carting my three children to and from their activities, and the next, I couldn’t even take myself to the restroom; I was completely incapacitated. Read more>>
Empress Pre
I found my purpose through a passion for sharing life’s journeys authentically, without fear, in a world dominated by social media pressures. In today’s society, there is often an expectation to present a perfect image, but I believe that if we embrace our true, imperfect selves, we can heal and grow. By doing so, we can alleviate the pressure on younger generations to strive for unrealistic ideals. My purpose is rooted in fostering a space where authenticity is celebrated and where individuals can be true to themselves without the fear of judgment. Read more>>
Mary Tave-ihenacho
Finding one’s purpose can seem complicated, but it is very simple. What is the one thing you would do whether you received payment or not? What is that one thing that you naturally gravitate to without anyone asking? The answer to these questions will lead you to your purpose. A lot of times, we overlook our purpose because we think our purpose is on an extravagant level. We think our purpose has to be big and stage-worthy. If we think this, our purpose is about us, not others, and glorifying God. Read more>>
Heston Cleveland
I think have a Beautiful Stories for tell. It’s a story of love and music. I was blessed to Have my mom and father in my life in the same house.. They loved each other and shared the common love of music. The story is 45 years in the making . I’m here to tell it. Read more>>
Alphonso Mayo
I believe we all are born with our purpose. Life has a way of helping our purpose discover us. Purpose is that activity or passion that makes your heart race and comes to you almost supernaturally. It’s something that moves your spirit. For me, that purpose is working with children and youth. Initially, I thought it was just a passion, but I realized it goes beyond that. I would do it even if no one ever recognized me for it. Read more>>
Neil Gallagher
Both of my grandfathers served in the Second World War. Like many of their generation, they never spoke of their time in the service, and when they passed away, their experiences were lost forever. When I was around 12, I began volunteering at local veterans organizations and begun asking the veterans if they would share their stories with me. Eventually, a veteran asked if I wanted to interview him. Since that first interview, I have been honored to interview over 150 WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans. This has become my purpose, and I am truly fortunate to record their stories for future generations. Read more>>
