Finding Your Why

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.

Adriana Bushong

I found my purpose when I turned 18 and took a bus from my town to the capital of my country (Colombia). I wanted to build a better life for myself and create opportunities by working hard and studying my future profession as a Journalist. I started my own business while studying and that motivated me to do more. I worked myself through the ranks of the government and my determination let me work directly for the President of Colombia and other Ministers within the government. After 12 years of working for the government I wanted to travel the world to see and start my dream of having my own brand of swimwear. Read more>>

Anthony Yancey-Pollard

I found my purpose originally from seeing the low points of students and people in high school and some friends in college and had an idea to organize to whole “A.Y.P.” Idea Read more>>

Precious Ajayi-Olowo

“My purpose is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the values my parents instilled in me. After my father, Olowo, passed away, I felt a strong desire to honor his legacy. That’s when I realized my art could be more than a creative outlet—it could become a platform to celebrate African culture, beauty, and heritage. Naming my brand “Olowoart” was my way of keeping his name and memory alive in everything I create. Read more>>

Christopher Cochran

Purpose is a word we often hear but rarely pause to define for ourselves. For me, finding my purpose wasn’t a sudden realization—it was a process, born from the most challenging and transformative chapter of my life. It’s a story of love, loss, and the extraordinary wisdom of my son, Christian, who continues to inspire me and my family every day. Read more>>

Carlos Martin Pineyrua

“Purpose” has been a recurring word throughout my life—starting from my childhood, through my teenage years, and into adulthood. As someone who identifies as an introvert, I can say that my purpose emerged naturally, almost organically. To me, life without purpose would feel like existing in a state of inertia. Every night, I reflect on the work I’m doing, and every morning, I wake up with a renewed sense of energy. I can’t even imagine what life would be like without it. My personal definition of purpose is simple: it’s what makes you rise from bed with a smile on your face every morning. It’s an internal wellspring of energy—no magic formula, no expensive treatments, just a source that comes from within. For me, photography is that purpose. It’s a 24/7 flow of creative thought and exploration. Of course, life isn’t always easy. Read more>>

Sabrina Rocano

I feel like this has always been the path I’m meant to take, but the road to getting where I am now has been, unconventional at best. In my younger years I always knew I wanted to pursue something creative- from theatre to music, writing, fashion, dancing to art. Whatever I could create, I wanted to express myself and shine a light on our human experience, and bring joy and magic to those who’d see my creations. That was always meant to be my purpose, no matter the medium, or scale of the audience. But somewhere along the way, and many conversations about what a realistic life path should be, I lost that fire. Read more>>

Shereese Hameed-Muhammad

Finding your purpose can often feel like one of life’s most elusive pursuits, and I believe much of that struggle is shaped by the culture we live in—a culture that places immense value on financial success and social status. For a long time, I, like many others, tied my sense of purpose to external achievements, particularly those associated with money. However, my true purpose revealed itself when I shifted my mindset. Read more>>

Erica Eriksdotter

I grew up in Sweden, surrounded by the magic of nature and Viking history, where my love for art was encouraged from an early age. By seven, I was painting watercolor landscapes at the family table, and at 10, I sold my first painting—a moment that showed me how my art could bring joy to others. As a third-generation painter, creativity was a part of my heritage. My mother and grandfather were both artists, and their work now hangs in my studio, a daily reminder of the roots I draw upon every time I pick up a brush. Read more>>

Julia Prajza

I strongly believe that I found my purpose completely by accident. I didn’t actually go looking for it, it just happened. You see I spent 7 years of my career as a Graphic Designer and Art Director, which I thought was my forever career, until I lost my job in 2020 due to the pandemic. Now I can happily say that this was a blessing in disguise. Read more>>

Ruoyang’Jesse’ Ren

As a filmmaker, it’s easy to form goals, such as winning an Oscar, making a blockbuster, or becoming a storyteller whose work resonates with audiences. There are countless lofty ambitions waiting to be pursued. But for me, finding my purpose has been a long journey. Read more>>

Alan Mellinger

As a kid growing up, I was not part of the “cool Kids”. I lived in the country and most of my class lived in a suburban Neighborhood. They all played together when not at school so I was often considered an outsider and the one they all could pick on. No matter what I tried and how hard I worked it was not meant to be. So I had to learn how find strength and purpose from somewhere else. My family were Christians and very active in a local church most of my classmates were not Christians or active in a local church. I came to know Christ as my lord early and then felt the call to ministry in 8th grade. I saw myself from then on as one who was to work to reach and help all people for me it started right away. Read more>>

Ali Mehreganfar

It is really good question to ask, basically I want people not to give up no matter what is the reason. Let me paint you a picture, I graduated top to in my magnet program and I receive an award in in the research team, a place number one. I was studying at Georgia Tech, which is a little bit hard to school to get into while I was tutoring math and SAT and I was working at Costco and how did I find the time for motorcycling I don’t know. As my journal would say “ life on earth is truly heaven, and nobody could convince me otherwise” by me. I had everything, good job and good school and I enjoyed every moment of it. But it all crashed down on me. I was face with a traumatic brain injury due to motorcycle accident and I spend one month coma and suffered three strokes. And my brain was so damage I could not speak. and walk.  Read more>>

Josh Miller

I always had desires of things I wanted out of life. However, It wasn’t until I put my trust in God completely that I found that I now can do anything with a purpose. I definitely have things I have grown to love and certain things that specifically feel I am made for. But there’s something amazing in knowing that in all you do you can shine. Read more>>

Jamie Harris

I’ve always been someone who loves sharing meaningful experiences, with a deep-rooted love for music. Looking back, it all started in elementary school when I joined a handbell group. That was my first introduction to actually creating music, and it blew my mind. Songs I’d hear on the radio or on CDs, I was suddenly playing with my own hands. It was a magical feeling, like bringing the music to life. Read more>>

Erin Borkowski

Prior to having children, I always knew there was a greater meaning to my life. Certainly, having children gives incredible meaning and my greatest honor is to be their mom. It was when my husband and I received our daughter’s diagnosis that I realized her life no matter how long would touch so many people. It was through all this sadness and fear that I found my purpose. Read more>>

Marissa Bloedoorn

I believe my pursuit for purpose began when I was a little girl. Something inside of me was always telling me there was more to this life than what was in plain sight. As a little girl being the youngest of three siblings I was always alone. I learned how to play by myself, talk to and with myself, and most importantly I knew how to conversate with God. I’d ask God about everything. My number one love langauge is communication which equals quality of time. I would talk to God about me and the world around me. As a child I had no idea what I was doing, it was simply natural for me to speak with God about life, purpose and people. My mother wasn’t a church goer when I was a little girl. We attended church during the holidays. My Aunt Paulie on the other hand was a davout Christian. She served as an active member of St. John’s Baptist Church is Scotch Plains, New Jersey my entire young years. My mother would send us to church with my Auntie. Read more>>

Daphne Anderson

As a nurse who worked during the pandemic, I realized it was time to pursue a new career path that aligned with my personal passions. I returned to graduate school, earned an MBA, and made the bold decision to build a business rooted in what I love most: flowers. I love to grow, photograph, draw, cook, anything with flowers. But what did I want to do with flowers? Read more>>

Tom Thudiyanplackal

My journey toward purpose was deeply influenced by growing up in India, where despite my Catholic upbringing, I was immersed in a vibrant tapestry of faiths, cultures, and languages. This early exposure revealed a profound truth: while we express ourselves differently, we share common human experiences and the universal reality of impermanence. In today’s digital age, where connectivity often masks authentic human experience behind carefully curated facades, I recognized the critical need for genuine self-awareness. Read more>>

Yuna Blu

Ever since I was born, I felt like a seed from the sky; searching to find my root in the various places the universe took me. We are taught from a very young age our colors, numbers, alphabet / up & down / right from wrong. But as we grow, navigating the physical form within the emotional realm, starts to shape our reality in ways within & out of our control. With age comes wisdom, naturally it starts to feel more in alignment with our destiny. A learning experience for every unique individual throughout the butterfly effect of life. Read more>>

Ziruo Wang

I grew up in a rainy, near-sea city, nurtured by the stories told by my grandma. Once, she told me the story of her mother, a salt worker who raised my grandma and provided her with education by carrying baskets of salt on her shoulder and transporting them from the salt field to ships and trucks. When I was little, my grandma would take my sister and me back to her village to worship the graves of our ancestors. Read more>>

Maayan Voss De Bettancourt

As cliche as it sounds, my purpose found me. I knew I wanted to make some form of art from the time I was small, specifically as a performer. The only question was what medium, and how to get to where I could make a living off of it as well. I always wanted to connect and share the feelings that music, film, TV, and theater gave me with other people. Read more>>

Mona Garcia

I found my purpose through my upbringing, finding myself, and by working in other professions, before settling down with the current careers, that I have. You have a your trials and triumphs. I decided that, the best way I could make a difference in the world, was by helping people. Read more>>

Dr. Mariana Browne

I discovered my purpose through numerous health challenges, both minor and major, that spanned my childhood and adulthood. My experiences navigating the healthcare system as both a patient and, later, a doctor gave me clarity about my calling. As a child in Trinidad, I experienced recurrent abdominal pain that baffled local doctors. Eventually, my father decided to take me to the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where I underwent a series of invasive investigations. This was my first experience as a patient in large medical facility. After all that, the diagnosis was startlingly simple—lactose intolerance. I vividly remember questioning why something so straightforward required such a grueling process. That experience stayed with me. It wasn’t the only time I felt disillusioned with the standard of care I received as a patient. Read more>>

Jasmine Solei

Finding my purpose wasn’t an easy road. During my young adult years, I faced deeply challenging times marked by depression, trauma, and struggle. Even so, I’ve always taken pride in my resilience and my ability to find a silver lining, no matter how dark things seemed. But it wasn’t until the birth of my son that I began to truly follow my calling—what some might call a life’s purpose. I had always identified as an artist and knew I was destined to work in a creative field, but the clarity of that vision came later. As an adult re-entry student at California State University, Fullerton, everything began to click. Read more>>

Mason Risser

A clear sense of purpose has always felt elusive to me. In some way, I find myself not so much consumed by purpose itself – but by the search for the contentment it brings. Ever since I was young, my sense of identity was tied to temporary achievements. If I book this role, I will be happy. If I get into a good college, I will be happy. If I get this job, I will be happy. This mindset has forced me onto a seesaw of tension–teetering between striving for achievement and ultimately feeling unfulfilled once the goal is achieved. Read more>>

Wendy Umanoff

I found my purpose from the environment that I grew up in. We lived in a mid-century modern home constructed with post and beams and walls of glass, I was always surrounded by creativity. Having the opportunity to experience the changing of the seasons and the growing landscape design that my father passionately worked on, I came to understand that the ability to create comes from the ability to see. Also, both of my parents were creatives. My father being a furniture designer and mother a sculptor, taught me the importance of choosing a career path that I would love. Not by what they said, but by what they did. Read more>>

Acari

Becoming a mom completely shifted my perspective on purpose. I realized that everything I create—whether it’s music or the way I show up in the world—is a reflection of the love and care I want to give my son. When he was born it was as if a switch flipped and my purpose became very clear: to leave behind something meaningful and make the world he grows up in more beautiful, to inspire him, and to show him what it looks like to follow your passions with courage. Read more>>

Mike Parish

I found my purpose while in federal prison doing 11 years for armed bank robbery. I was never really a reader, but I became one after my incarceration. As I read I realized that I could come up with stories just as good, if not better. So I began to write and never stopped. I’ve always wanted to help others not make the same mistakes that I have in life. And I’ve also been the type to take up for others not as strong physically or mentally. I just never thought it would be through books. Read more>>

Yoav Daube

INSIPIDUS, a Denver-based progressive death metal band, combines raw, heavy sounds with introspective themes and layered, nuanced melodies. Guided by a deep sense of purpose, we view our music as more than just sound—it’s a meaningful force that drives us forward because the work matters and must endure. While the path isn’t always clear, the act of creating reminds us that we’re part of something bigger—for ourselves and for everyone who connects with our music. Read more>>

Doug Giesler

This is quite a long story, actually, and it is detailed in the book “Be The Instrument” that I am re-publishing in January to help more people. The essence of this story is that during my late 20’s and early 30’s I discovered something that changed my life. Instead of burying emotions, and being overwhelmed, limited by FEAR and the corresponding avoidance / resistance techniques we all know and love, I learned how to process emotion, capitalize on the inflow of energy and truly overcome these limits! In doing so, I turned over a stone that had a massive prize underneath it. I couldn’t keep this GEM to myself, I had to share it so that others could benefit from the pain and suffering I went through to release these shackles and create a sense of FREEDOM for myself. Read more>>

Peter Zepina

How did I find my purpose?, well that’s kind of an interesting question. There are so many layers to one’s “purpose”. Lately I’ve had a lot of friends and acquaintances that have been discussing this topic of “finding purpose” in their own lives. Speaking for myself (hopefully this sheds some light on the subject for others) is you don’t actually realize specific parts of your purpose in life until you’ve been through some layers of existence. For instance, at a young age I was all about “the music”, I loved it; I listened to it constantly; I loved the way it made me feel and I loved watching the way it made other people feel as well. Music is and was so powerful in my childhood that it became my passion. Finding passion is a great feeling to have, When your passionate it will start shaping your life; it will wake you up early and keep you up late at night, you’ll start prioritizing everything so that nothing and no-one will interfere with where you want to go. Sound simple? Sure, that part is, but next is identifying your “gifts”.  Read more>>

Joy Backlas-cruz

All my life, I had been preparing to be a physician. I attended a medical high school in Houston, and then an 8-year undergraduate to medical school program in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, being a doctor seemed to be everyone else’s dream for me, but it wasn’t my own. It seemed my only calling was to be an involved mother and the long, time and labor intensive road of undergrad, medical school, residency, fellowship, and practice seemed to leave little time in my young adult life to spend with my future children. By my sophomore year of college, this made me very depressed. When we are told our entire lives that our natural desires, like finding love and being mothers, should be put on hold until after we finish school and establish ourselves in our competitive careers, it is no wonder that young women are so anxious and depressed.  Read more>>

Jennifer Bressler

When I was about 11 years old I felt drawn to do my two sister’s hair, as well as my own. Back then there wasn’t any internet to show you set by step on the process. I would practice almost everyday how to do a braid and ever since became intrigued. I grew up thinking this is what I want to do and it made me incredibly happy to help people feel beautiful. As I grew older I have found myself realizing my purpose is far greater than just braiding, shampooing, coloring or blowdrying, it’s helping others and being there for them when they need it most. Read more>>

Dani Ke’lly

hrough dance, I discovered my true purpose. Each movement allowed me to connect deeply with others, creating a powerful, shared experience. When I danced, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment that resonated within my soul. It was as if the energy of the moment flowed through me, igniting a passion that was both exhilarating and rewarding. Read more>>

Angela Panek

I found my purpose at the age of 12. I was hospitalized with a virus that never really got diagnosed. This virus caused severe dehydration—so much so that the doctors said I might not have survived without immediate fluids. One of the potential procedures they discussed was a lumbar puncture, or “spinal tap,” to collect fluid from my spine to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Read more>>

Gina Iliopoulos

I became enamored with the natural world after having spent a lot of time in laboratories. I was exposed to plant/ biotechnology and was so enthralled by the miracles of the natural world I wanted to be immersed in the industry. I returned to school for a certificate program, worked in the landscape industry to really hone my horticulture skills, and then realized that everyone should have access to the natural world, every community. Every environment needs to be sound and nurturing, where we work, live, play, heal. I felt compelled to spread this message and advocate for a connection to nature so I created a nonprofit to do just that. Read more>>

Madelyn Scarpulla

I accidentally found my purpose when I opened my first ninja warrior obstacle training facility in New York City. My original intention was somewhat selfish. There were no ninja training gyms in New York City, I decided to open one to be my own source of enjoyment. I quickly realized that I got more enjoyment from helping our ninja students develop their skills, become stronger, and gain confidence. My purpose shifted to empowering our students. We’ve developed a tightly-knit community of new friends and relationships. Read more>>

Samantha Davison

I discovered my purpose as a pet stylist through a combination of personal experience and professional exposure. My journey started with my dog, who inspired me to learn more about pet care, grooming, and how important it is for pets to feel comfortable and look their best. As I gained more hands-on experience working at pet care facilities, I realized how much I loved helping pets feel confident and cared for. This made me realize that becoming a pet stylist wasn’t just a job for me—it was a passion. The combination of personal connection with my dog and the professional environment truly shaped my purpose in this field. Read more>>

Béla Kazimir

Finding my purpose has been an evolving journey for me, shaped by my experiences and passions. For over 10 years, I worked as an auto technician at Best Buy, where I developed a deep-seated passion for audio. Despite my enjoyment of the job, I always felt a yearning for something more fulfilling, though I wasn’t quite sure what that looked like at the time. Read more>>

John John Jesse

Strangely enough my career started as a way to keep sane between NA meetings when I very first got clean. There wasn’t a goal of a big career or anything. I was going quite mad and was very emotionally fragile and painting gave me a real sense of calm. A way to vent and possibly tell my darker story through a pretty painting.
Rewind years earlier in the mid 1980s and I was living in a punk squat and doing flyers and art for my newly formed punk band Nausea. I later did gig flyers for more punk and New York Hardcore shows that were happening in the Lower East Side of New York City. I never thought much about my abilities to paint and draw. It was just simply something that came easily. Read more>>

Emily Stone

I found my purpose by lived experience — trial and error at some points, and leaning into what ‘felt right’ or had me so excited I’d be up late on Pinterest or Instagram or YouTube to learn more. I started as a classroom teacher, where I learned how much I loved empowering people to discover their own potential. But it wasn’t until I became a mom that I truly began to understand my deeper purpose. The standard medical model for women’s health places power in the hands of medical providers and it felt like a struggle to advocate for myself and my best interest. Read more>>

Jillian Manning

At a young age, my mother introduced me to cameras and photography. She enjoyed taking pictures as a hobby and had gotten a professional camera as a wedding gift. As I grew and wanted to take pictures of my own, we would buy disposable film cameras and have fun taking photos with those. Eventually, she gave me an old film camera of hers and taught me how to load it and use it. I remember carrying that thing everywhere. I loved going with her to the film center and handing in our film to get developed. I still remember the excitement when she would tell me the pictures were ready to pick up. It was always fun to see how the photos had turned out. I had my own little albums of pictures over the years and it was fun building my own version of the bigger family photo albums my parents had. I always enjoyed looking through the images and imaginging what life was like at that point, or remebering the little snapshots in time. Read more>>

Jonathan Duff

I feel like I’ve always kind of known I’ve wanted to be on music. When I was 12 years old, I started leading worship for my youth group.

Played live 2 – 3 times a week since then lol. Just totally fell in love with playing and signing. Feel more alive on stage than anywhere else.

Started writing towards the end of Highschool. Had my first live EP come out when I was 19. Booked my first North America Church Tour a couple months after.

Instantly fell in love with traveling for music. Playing in different cities. Waking up everyday in a new place. Since then I’ve done 3 more tours, and am currently on my first Christmas Tour this month! Read more>>

Adjovi Koene

I’m pretty sure my purpose found me! I was born in Togo, West Africa, and later move to the U.S. with my family. Adapting to American culture and excelling in education were priorities for my parents. However, my passion for acting emerged in the most unexpected way. I still remember when my mother took my sister and me to a double feature of The Lion King and Angels in the Outfield. There was a scene where Danny Glover and Joseph Gordon-Levitt shared a heartfelt moment, and as the camera lingered on Joseph, something stirred within me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was the moment I fell in love with acting. While learning English and adjusting to a new life in the U.S. were our immediate focuses, that spark stayed with me. Read more>>

Lexi S.

About me: I’m an AKC Certified professional +Positive Reinforcement+ dog trainer based in SE Portland!
I started out by training Arabian horses in high school. I was a ranch hand in New Mexico, and from there, I went on to become a professional sled dog handler/musher, training a large sled dog team for the Iditarod and other qualifying races. Then, I went on to become one of Portland’s first ever district dog trainers for a major pet supply chain! Now I’ve started my own business!  Read more>>

Jen Sinconis

In our post-covid society, we have found that there is a lack of human connection and in-person experience. We were tired of paying high prices for restaurant experiences that consistently left us disappointed. After many lengthy conversations about what is lacking in our community, neighbors Laura Hernandez and Jen Sinconis agreed that it is all about connection. There are no local spots like “Cheers”, where everyone knows your name, where people meet, talk and connect, where there aren’t tv’s blaring from each wall and where everyone is accepted and welcomed. Read more>>

Vinicius Amaro

Throughout my life, I have been gathering my experiences and at a certain point I realized that all the repertoire I had acquired could actually benefit me professionally. I brought to my professional life everything I experienced in my adolescence and youth, such as my musical tastes, my lifestyle preferences, etc. The purpose is still built in my adult life, but in fact the past times had a great influence. Read more>>

Julia Brooks

I started making candy because I couldn’t stand the artificial ingredients in most sweets here in the U.S. Growing up in Europe, that wasn’t something we had to worry about. I wanted my kids to enjoy treats without the bad stuff, so I created my own. After perfecting the recipes, I knew I had to share them. Nothing makes me happier than seeing people enjoy something made with care and integrity. Read more>>

Leo Testoni

As a professional guitarist, I believe music chose me, not the other way around. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11 years old, and by the time I turned 16, I was already working as a professional musician. It’s been 20 years now, and I’ve never done anything outside of music—it’s been my entire life. Read more>>

Audrey Gallagher

Everyone in the world has a purpose. For the longest time, I thought I was the only person in the universe that didn’t have one.

In college, I felt completely lost—jumping from marine biology to accounting, only to finally graduate five years later with a degree in communications. It wasn’t until I started exploring storytelling and creativity through acting and social media that I felt like I’d found my purpose. Read more>>

Destynee Myhand

I discovered my mission through my passions, which include fashion, beauty, and lifestyle articles. A mentor/friend of mine made me realize that many individuals on the internet turn to females like me for advise, fashion choices, and an understanding of the lifestyle they lead. Being attractive in their own flesh has importance in and of itself. Read more>>

Courtney Dorsey

My entire life I have been an athlete, from a young competitive gymnast, college track & field athlete to now in my adult years competing in body building in the NPC. I have always focused on being the best version of myself, in whatever chapter of life I am in. Everything in my life, the good and the bad, led me to where I am today in creating a safe, motivational and inspiring community for my clients at my private training facility, Premier Athletics and Fitness. Having the life experiences I have had, I knew I had to create a space for individuals, especially women, to feel not only safe, but a big sense of community. We thrive when we have a supportive community, so that is what I did, and continue to strive to do.  Read more>>

Otis Johnson

I recovered from divorce by reinventing myself and learning new skills. I created a new identity as a cyberpunk DJ, and found love.

My former spouse left me right before pandemic. I was a filmmaker, and was now alone. As it was pandemic, I had no access to the people power it takes to make films.

I purchased a DJ deck and taught myself how to use it through YouTube videos, and took my act to Twitch

When events opened again, I met a woman at a rave. I had a live performance coming, and she joined me, and danced with me behind the turntables. Read more>>

Kelly Boyle

Growing up I thought finding my purpose would be a single, defining moment. I envisioned it as a light bulb going off that lit up the path ahead. However, for me, it wasn’t about discovering my purpose in a single moment. It was about gradually uncovering my creative side and embracing what I truly love, even when it didn’t align with what I was ‘supposed to do’ in my career. Read more>>