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.
Oscar Rodriguez
I was born and raised in Venezuela. I lived there until I received my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Even though I went through college for five years to get that degree, I still was not sure what I wanted to do with my life at a long term. I moved to Costa Rica at the end of 2010, took my first dance class and that is when everything changed. I got more invested in dance, started taking every single class, signing up for every seminar I could and more and more my passion for it grew. Read More>>
Alexandria B.
I found my sense of purpose during my journey of healing my mental health. The stock market is not a place you can thrive, without knowing who you are. In 2018, I was transitioning out of the Army, due to mental health, and I knew that I did not want to work in the civilian world, so I threw all of the extra time and money I had into investing. During this time, I also started attending therapy and while learning to heal my inner child, I also learned to step into who I was as an adult. Read More>>
Luke Ervin
Purpose is something people have to define for themselves. Purpose can be found in your personal life, in your business, in small everyday things. I don’t believe people have one soul purpose. But for this article, I would like to focus on where I’ve found purpose in my business.
Although my team, Mission Family & Business Group (MFBG), is part of a larger organization, UBS, we run the team as any small business owner/entrepreneur would. I’ve found my purpose is to serve entrepreneurs, who are for the most part an underserved market. Read More>>
Breanna Mays
At a young age I was in a life changing car wreck. I lost my independence for a while and had many challenges and obstacles to overcome and re-learn. During my recovery time and the after math of symptoms that stay with a person, I realized that I am not the only individual who has these questions and a lack of resources. Read More>>
Emma Pine
From a very young age I have always had a very big love and admiration for visual arts and always dreamed of exploring my passion for filmmaking and photography. I think what really made want to pursue an artist career, was just how inspired I’ve always been by other artists. The feeling I would get looking at certain films and photographs is what has always pushed me to do more. I’ve always wanted to make others feel all the emotions other artists have made me feel through their work. Read More>>
Taylor McGuigan
I spent a lot of my life struggling, whether it be with mental health, physical health, or anything in between. I felt helpless and like I didn’t have someone to turn to that would be able to help the way I needed. So I decided to become that person for others. If I speak on my struggles and how I made it through, maybe someone else won’t feel the same way I did, and won’t feel like theyre in the struggle alone. Read More>>
Abbigail Staples
I found my purpose when my mom passed away from Alveolar Soft part Sarcoma when I was 8 years old. I had so much anger built up inside and needed a way to let it out; that is why I began training martial arts.
Martial Arts gave me an outlet and it was fun! The adrenaline rush from competing is like no other. I am pursuing my dreams and giving myself small goals as I go. I learned at a young age that life is not easy. We need to set goals in life and follow through with our dreams. My why, my drive, my habits are my mom and I am lucky enough to have lots of love and support on my journey, Read More>>
Marty Moss
Discovering my purpose was a journey marked by years of trial and error, ultimately leading me to a profound understanding. I’ve always had a deep desire to create something meaningful that would positively impact my community. Through the commitment to my craft, I gradually understood the true extent of my abilities. And as I immersed myself in this process of self-discovery, I realized that my purpose extended beyond personal growth. It encompassed the responsibility to share my knowledge and empower others through teaching and multiplying the impact I could make. Read More>>
Crystal Laramore
My purpose was actually passed down from one generation to the next until it fell on my heart. Funny thing about purpose… we do not all find ours at the same stage in life, and some never do. I cannot imagine the emptiness of not having a purpose and I thank God every day, several times a day, that I discovered what mine is…. even though I was in my 50’s. If you wanted to say that the overall purpose of my life is “service” then yes, I figured it out early… in High School actually. Read More>>
Elyssa Boyd
Like a lot of millennials, I got burnt out. I was working as a graphic designer and hopped through a few marketing agencies and just never really cared about what I was designing. It was tire ads and social media images for pool builders and vacuum graphics. I just wanted to create beautiful things that I didn’t have to justify or write a rational for. Read More>>
Lauren Richardson
A year and a half into my dream job, I realized the initial enthusiasm had gradually given way to a soul-eating routine of trying to squeeze my unconventional self into a conventional box. I realized that, truthfully, I was shrinking in the shadow of my fear and self-doubt. Read More>>
Deena King
My Children! When I became a mother in my early twenties, I didn’t even know who I was, what my purpose in life was going to be and I didn’t have much self-esteem with really no direction in life. Then I found myself in my mid-twenties as a single mom. I realized to support my children I would need to get a college education. I became a non-traditional college student and four years later graduated (as a single mom) with my BFA in graphic design which has led to a career as a graphic designer and fine artist. Read More>>
Beatriz / Joaquín Lahuerta / Casas
In our case, our purpose or goal was triggered by passion. We both share a passion for food, nature, and the origin of it all: agriculture.
But how could an agricultural engineer and an economist specializing in digital marketing find a joint point to pursue their passion and bring value? The answer was Nutketing, a digital marketing agency that brings together the main factors the industry needs: expertise, creativity and experience. Read More>>
Jenny Toth
Having turned 51 last year, I am trying to find peace with accepting that my life hasn’t had a singular, defined purpose. I have often wanted a bolt of lightning to come from the sky and knock me down with a clear path and calling. “You are supposed to be a wildlife vet!” a celestial voice would roar, or “you are meant to paint all the time like Picasso!” I thought life would be so much easier and happier with a singular focus, a clear understanding of what I wanted to do all the time. Then with enough devotion and effort, I would get really good at my purpose, and find success and maybe even fame. My parents had this kind of path. Read More>>
Michele Hamilton
Experiencing a lot of adversity throughout my life has enabled me to identify my purpose. The obstacles and difficulties I faced have taught me to be resilient and develop the courage and determination to embrace who I am as an individual. This helped unlock my personal potential, allowing me to use my skills and strengths in the pursuit of my goals. Learning to persevere through difficult times has been invaluable in discovering the type of person I want to be and how I can contribute positively to others and the world. Read More>>
Jolie Handfield
As I grew up in the United States and began to meet more people from the Caribbean like myself, I loved telling people about my small little country, Turks and Caicos Islands. I started attending local Caribbean events where I would always carry my flag proudly and it was always a conversation starter….”where are you from?” I began going to different countries to attend their Carnival and something that was always on my must buy list was a swimsuit. Read More>>
Bula Barua
I found my purpose when I was a very young child. I think I was born with it. It is a simple one: I love to make people happy. As a toddler, I used to sing and dance and loved to see people smile as a result. On the other hand, it made me sad to see others struggling or upset. I just wanted everyone around me to be happy and have hope. Read More>>
Cindy Liu
Drawing helps me express and release my thoughts. Exploring the human experience fascinates me, though it can also lead to overthinking. My goal is to be a thoughtful artist who inspires and helps people. I believe illustration is a tool that can either reflect expressions and inspired hope in this world, which is why I pursue artistic career. Read More>>
JP Cervantes
I found my purpose when I found myself really hitting rock bottom, being unemployed and struggling with mental health challenges made me vulnerable, I had the opportunity to work first as a caregiver taking care of people who were facing extreme mental health barriers, this made me realize how much I cared for others and how big of a positive impact I could be in their lives so after many years of working in this field I move forward into working with homeless youth where I was able trough my lived experience to inspire and show them that there is more in life that all the pain and suffering they had experience could be turn into hope and success!! Read More>>
Alex Jump
Growing up I often felt like the odd kid out in a lot of situations, especially through high school where I was very much so the black sheep in my community. In college I was studying Religion and Classics and needed a job to make some money while I was wrapping up my last semester and I eventually found myself serving at a newly opened restaurant in Chattanooga, TN. At that restaurant I became quick friends with a man who was consulting on the bar program and eventually convinced him to let me hop behind the bar as a bar back and to start my training. Read More>>
Yessenia Chavarria
I believe my purpose came gradually and evolved, and is continuing to evolve. I have always had a passion for the arts and beauty industry. When I initially joined the beauty industry doing lash extensions, it was just a job/hobby to bring in extra income not working for anyone else. About a year later I began to enjoy and really look into the possibilities of self-employment and the industry. I went to makeup school and then added Paramedical and Cosmetic Tattooing. Coming from a bartending background I love people and enjoy making them feel confident and beautiful. Read More>>
Claire Howell
From the time I was little, I have been very interested in anything environment-related. I started with a rock collection pretty much from when I could walk which has evolved to a much larger rock collection to this day and wider interest in the environment as an adult. My passion for gardening really blossomed out of a focus on sustainability and stewardship of our resources which I firmly believe is a duty that each of us has to our community because whether or not we do that determines if the present-day people who are marginalized, as well as future generations, will have a safe place to live. Read More>>
Karla Grzymala
Finding purpose is one of those things that takes time. It has been a journey to get to where I am today. Being an art teacher and photographer has played a vital role in helping me discover my true purpose as an artist and non-profit founder. Read More>>
Laurie Ann Davis
I am still under development, and I am still learning what my purpose is. However, I believe that my purpose is to help people. I want to use my knowledge and abilities to make the world a better place. I want to help people learn, grow, and connect with each other. I want to help people find their own purpose in life. Read More>>
Rubee Matos
I love this question, because in comes with so many layers, detours, reflections, pivots, introspection, and outlook towards a legacy in the journey. I found my purpose, in the journey, the path that inevitably came with learning experiences, risks, faith, dreams, positivity, grit and digging deeper into the soul. To shine some light on my purpose, I recall seeing snap shots in my journey, commercials in my thinking processing if you will, on what my creator has for me to do, what my soul needs for me to accomplish and when I’m done here on earth, what will I leave behind and have I fulfilled the visions I saw in my existence. Read More>>
Taylor Lewis
That is such a good question. I have been through a lot. And I am by myself most of the time. Being able to grow comfortable in my own solitude and listen to The Most High has changed me for the better. Experiencing all of these things is what has guided me to become rich in character. Since being a child I have always found myself trying new things and going about life without taking it so seriously. I have learned throughout life that you can’t blame anyone for anything you go through we all have choices. I find beauty in every situation. Read More>>
Leila Baroudi
My main goal with this business is to produce products that are safe, healthy, beneficial and not harmful to the environment. I do not believe in melt and pour products for soap making. Therefore, all my ingredients are certified organic and non-GMO plant-based oils. In the past, I suffered tremendously from allergies and unusual sensitivity to commercial soaps and skin care products. My sensitive skin would break out in unimaginable rashes and breakouts. My unique skin would instantly turn into a scaly itchy rash. Read More>>
Travis Tx3 Davidson
I found my purpose By truly following my heart. Ever since I was six years old I wanted to be a music artist superstar but I was always shy. I truly believe in the higher power and believe we are all Destined for something great. So growing up I chose the street life in hopes of using the money to fund my music career and get me and my people out of the street life. I would have never started rapping publicly if it wasn’t for a friend that asked me to get on a song with him and that help me get out of my comfort zone. Read More>>
Michael Chris
The funny thing about our purpose is that I believe we come into this world already knowing exactly what brings us joy and makes us feel fulfilled. If you observe small children, you will notice that they tend to gravitate toward activities that bring them joy. I believe that our purpose in life is tied to those beginning-of-life urges. As a child, I had a vivid imagination and would love to write little stories and share them with my parents, especially my mother. I also loved to learn and I always made it my business to be sure to share everything I learned in school with my parents, grandparents, and anybody else who would listen. Read More>>
Rosemary Sadlier
My purpose found me! As the only Black child in my neighbourhood, I was always representing my community whether I wanted to or not. However, after years heading the church youth organization for the entire Province of Ontario, then marrying and having my own family, I found myself heading the only Provincial Heritage Organization in the entire country [Canada] with a focus on Black History. My purpose was to tell, amplify and share and inspire so many aspects of Black History for the Black and the non-Black populations. In Canada in 1993 when I became president of that organization, there were no Black History course being taught, being required in any school in the country. People needed to know more. Read More>>
Kelly Lutz
It took me a long time to find my purpose. From a young age, I’ve felt a pull in two different directions: math and athletics.
Career wise, math always seemed like the practical choice (and I love it), so I pursued that. I never thought that my love of running and fitness could be anything more than what I do in my free time. Read More>>
Alice Trahant Phillips
I think I might have chosen the hardest question in the mix offered, but I think this is the most interesting and one I think about most from a personal standpoint. “Purpose” is such a hard concept to fully understand, and the older you age, the more relevant it becomes in your life. I think we all want to make our mark in our community and in the world in some way – spend our time here on earth the best way we know how and make ourselves useful in some way. I don’t know that I have or ever will fully achieve my intended purpose, but I sure do want to do my best in trying. Read More>>
Julia Perez
Like a lot of people, my earliest baking memories are making cookies with my mom. She taught me how to doctor the Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookies for a tastier outcome, about the structural elements required for a sturdy (while still delicious) gingerbread house, & to add sprinkles to our holiday cookies before baking them so they would stick. Both of my parents raised me with the confidence to try new things (& the perseverance to keep trying when the first attempt didn’t pan out) which led to baking experiments throughout my childhood & into today. I didn’t always know I wanted to be a baker, but once I figured it out & landed in the professional dessert world, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Read More>>
Jeff Joslin
Just like anyone that is born, you start questioning why I was born, why here, during this time of history, in a certain place, with a my family and things like that. Later you try to find what you are supposed to do here. Will it matter? I had great parents that encourage me and got me involved in my local church. Also played sports, mainly football. Early in life I wanted to be a professional football player. Early in life I was sexually abused my a neighbor and it took me off track but I continued to play football, probably as way to get out and get some confidence. Later, I ended up playing Quarterback for my local high school under Ken Sparks. Read More>>
Nicole DeCicco
Finding my purpose felt like piecing together a complex puzzle, where every piece represented a distinct passion, interest, and experience that, in isolation, seemed unrelated. I had always been a creative individual with a penchant for technical details, leading me to study Theatre Lighting Design in college. However, my love for drafting—a detail-oriented, specialized task—gradually began to eclipse my initial focus, and I transitioned into a role as a drafter for an events production company. Here, I first tasted the dynamic world of client-based work, navigating the intricate processes behind the final product, both onstage and offstage. Read More>>
