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.

Bella Logan

People often ask me, “How did you find your purpose?”

The truth is, I didn’t find it overnight. It took years of searching, trying, failing, and growing. As someone with many talents, I’ve always struggled with the question: What am I really here to do?

For a long time, I felt lost—even while appearing successful. I had followers, attention, a college path, and later a modeling career. But deep down, something was still missing. No matter how many likes I got or how much money I made, I never felt fully fulfilled. I realized I was chasing things that looked like purpose, but didn’t feel like purpose. Read More>>

Enkayia Parra

I didn’t. It found me. Like many young adults out there, I used to rack my brain and beat myself up over “needing” to find my career. If it weren’t for the series of events that transpired in my life, I would have never become a Tattoo Artist. Eventually, I would have never met artists that taught me to paint. I would have never ever been a Photographer. I believe that all the paths in life lead to where a person needs to be in that specific point in their life. Even the bitter moments build a better person. If I could talk to my younger self I’d tell him to start tattooing early. But more importantly, I would tell him to relax and let things flow. Read More>>

Matt Schalsey

I found my purpose at the intersection of pain and potential.

For years, I was chasing success by traditional standards—titles, revenue, recognition—but the further I got, the more I realized those milestones felt empty without meaning. What finally clicked wasn’t a lightbulb moment. It was a series of uncomfortable truths: burnout in corporate, seeing broken systems in hiring and youth development, and the recurring feeling that I could build something better—not just for myself, but for others. Read More>>

Dexter Humphrey

I discovered my purpose through my faith in God. It wasn’t an overnight moment—it came from spending time in prayer, being honest with myself, and recognizing the gifts He gave me. I realized I had a passion for creativity and a natural ability to communicate and connect with people. Once I saw that those gifts could be used to inspire, encourage, and empower others, everything started to make sense. My purpose became clear: to use what I’ve been given to make a difference, not just in what I create, but in the lives I impact. Read More>>

Rajinder Rai

Honestly, I didn’t go out chasing purpose—it found me when everything I was holding up started to crumble.

For years, I did everything “right.” I built a successful pharmacy business, juggled motherhood, and kept pushing forward. But around my late 40’s , I hit a wall. Physically, emotionally, spiritually—I felt off. Burnt out. Disconnected from the very life I had worked so hard to build. Read More>>

Katherine Collins

I picked up my first camera almost a year ago. It was the very first time I had ever even touched one. At the time, I was in the middle of an internship related to the field I was studying in college, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t what I was meant to do. It didn’t fulfill me. I didn’t have a passion for it. On the day that internship ended, I took a leap of faith and spent what little I had on a camera I didn’t even know how to use. I just knew I had to try. If this was part of God’s plan, I trusted that He would make a way. Read More>>

Robyn Ellis Kranz

I have always loved writing, and I attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, earning a degree in Journalism. Working in the field in local news, then in networks, and eventually starting my own production company has allowed me to write for a living. And with Brownieland Pictures, I’ve been able to share the stories and the voices of nonprofits. This work has given me so much purpose. I am lucky to be able to combine my skillset with my purpose to give back to the world. As a company, we make it our mission to put our money where our mouth is and volunteer every month with a different nonprofit.  Read More>>

Sue Ellen Bonilla

I didn’t necessarily ‘find’ my purpose overnight — I lived my way into it. I’ve spent over 15 years working in healthcare, in everything from front-line roles to leadership and business strategy. Along the way, I saw the cracks in the system — the frustration patients feel, the burnout providers experience, and the lack of real solutions that help people feel their best. Read More>>

Gleidson “PoneY” Cutis

For much of my life, I believed I had one mission: to become a professional athlete. From the age of five, I was driven by a deep desire to fight at the highest level and one day live in the United States. That dream became my reality. I trained relentlessly, competed around the world, and eventually achieved what many only imagine—becoming a professional fighter and building a life in America. Read More>>

Sara Whitman

I come from a family business that, deep down, I knew wasn’t part of my calling. As a Christian, I wrestled with the question of purpose — I knew I was called to live for the glory of God, but I didn’t yet know how. I tried different jobs, including lawn care, but they didn’t feel right in my spirit. It wasn’t until I stepped away from those paths that I discovered my true purpose: working with herbs.
God began opening my eyes to the beauty and power of His creation —Read More>> 

Isaac Crane

I have always been a dreamer. Especially as a kid, I truly believed that I could accomplish anything I wanted to if I gave it all that I had. In fact, I was convinced that I was going to be an NFL football player, but that clearly did not work out. Once that dream fell apart though, I struggled deeply with purpose. Sports (especially High School sports) taught me to place my value in my performance. If I sucked on the field, then I just sucked in general.  Read More>>

Avery Grace Payne

My purpose comes from Christ – and from the testimony He has entrusted me to bear. I lost a friend to cancer at a young age and witnessed firsthand the grief childhood cancer causes families. (Noah’s Story: https://youtu.be/fAVzev4zVDY?si=WGobUVbIS0X8iYiW)
I founded Stroke of Hope Foundation for Childhood Cancer at 17 years old, and obtained 501c3 status in April 2024. Noah loved receiving mail and, his last Christmas, was sent over 1.2 million cards from across the world.  Read More>>

Adebowale Oparinu

For a long time, I searched for purpose like it was a destination, something to arrive at, fully formed. But I’ve come to see it more as a path, discovered step by step, by acting with what’s already in your hands.

That mindset first took root during my time at university. I wasn’t studying my dream course, and I had no real exposure to successful professionals. But through my faith community, I began to challenge my assumptions. One Bible study session introduced the idea: “What do you have in your hands?” a reminder that purpose often begins with using whatever you already have, however small. Read More>>

Jim Wilson

Well it started in public school, I was always drawing and at one time the teacher had cork board in the hallway with all my drawings, they then proceeded to bring in an art teacher to teach my 3d, perspective , shading etc.. then off to high school, i didnt get the best marks in art class as i did what i wanted to draw and not the assignment but hey you cant tell an artist what to do lol. Adult life was mainly work like everyone else until a few years ago i went on disability and concentrated on making things, painting etc.  Read More>>

Mikayla “Miki” Chan

My name is Miki Chan, and I’m a high school student in the class of 2026. I like to think of myself as someone whose purpose is shaped by habits, passions, and the challenges I’ve faced. These parts of my life make up who I am, and I’m honored to share them. Some of my most defining challenges have come from the silence surrounding things that mattered most. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t find out until way after her treatment was complete.  Read More>>

Marjolyn Van Der Hart

I found my purpose by following what consistently inspired and energized me—creativity, connection, and storytelling. I realized that the ability to tell visual stories inspires others to be more connected to their own life. Using imagery from the past as inspiration, it becomes a lens into the viewers present life, As a result, my work brings joy, reflection and inspiration to those who interact with my art. Read More>>

Shane Holbein

I found my purpose by aligning my work with the life I want to lead—one where I set an example for my children and have the flexibility to be present for my family. Owning a pest control company and coaching college tennis have given me the opportunity to do meaningful work while still making time for the people who matter most. Read More>>

Lori Foster

I never knew I wanted to be an author until I stumbled on the books that truly resonated with me. Those happened to be romance inspired women’s fiction. I loved the character interactions and personal growth, how very real – sometimes seemingly insurmountable problems – would force the characters to find innovative and determined ways to overcome. In the end, human contact, understanding, empathy and love is shown to make an enormous difference. Read More>>

Diana Oquendo

Finding my purpose wasn’t a magical moment… it was a process filled with trials, silences, sacrifices, and inner awakening. I found it not when everything was going well, but in the most challenging moments of my life: as an immigrant in a new country, unable to validate my professional career, starting out with fear and without support, and often feeling invisible in business circles. Read More>>

Paige Messier

I truly believe purpose isn’t something you stumble upon, it’s something God reveals to you in pieces, through the people He places in your life and the experiences He allows you to go through.

For me, it started with my dad. He was a football coach, and from the time I was little, he introduced me to the world of sports. I fell in love with the energy, the teamwork, the discipline, and more than anything, the stories. I saw early on how sports could shape character, build community, and bring people together. That foundation stuck with me. Read More>>

Ashli Givens

I’ve always been drawn to children, not just caring for them, but really seeing them. As a kid myself, I was the one happily babysitting or playing “school” for hours. It was clear early on that my purpose would involve helping children thrive.

When I discovered speech therapy through a family friend who needed it, it felt like a perfect fit. For over 20 years, I worked in pediatric speech therapy, supporting children’s communication and development. But even then, something deeper kept pulling at me, a passion for child-led play. Read More>>

Jeff Dodd

I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid thanks to my father and grandfather. I was also introduced to coffee at a young age by my grandmother. I’ve always dreamed of founding my own business and decided to create something that married two of my passions in life – film and coffee. I pictured a clapperboard with a cup of coffee as our logo. My idea of owning my own coffee company has evolved but my vision for coffee has never changed: be simple, yet bold with a focus on the coffee bean above all else. Pair a cup with your favorite movie, and you are in for a thrilling experience. Read More>>

Violeta Gavrilovich

I found my purpose through loss and the decision to rebuild when everything felt impossible. When our store in Maui was destroyed by wildfire, and later when I lost my husband, I felt like my entire identity had been taken from me. For a while, I didn’t know who I was without those pieces of my life. Read More>>

Kirsten Fisher

I founded Imagine Home Organization 10 years ago when I felt overwhelmed. I was working full time, burnt out, had a newborn and a toddler at home and felt like it was all too much. I left my job thinking I would find a better fit, something, I enjoyed more, shorter commute etc. During my time off, I would “stress organize” as that is what I do to relieve anxiety or to procrastinate and realized I could be helping women just like me. As women, we take on the mental and usually physical load of running the family and the household.  Read More>>

Beth

I’ve always been a curious person, so over the years, I’ve found my sense of purpose by listening to those little whispers inside that paid attention to my experience, interests, abilities, and strengths, so I noticed when I felt enthusiastic about something. I knew that drawing came naturally to me, but I couldn’t imagine what to do with that, so art went on the back burner for most of my life. I took an aptitude test in my early 20’s, which noted that I would be well suited to a helping profession and I kept imagining two different directions. Read More>>

Megan Conner

I feel like my purpose is something I am constantly searching for – it is evolving and changing. I’m not a person who does just one thing – I want to do it all in this little life, but the main purpose above all else is to inspire others along the way and leave something meaningful behind. Read More>>

Madison Brown

I found my purpose in college when I realized I could combine my love for animals with my marketing degree by pursuing a career in animal welfare. It took some time to land a marketing role in the field, so in the meantime, I worked anywhere I could be around animals whether that was boarding facilities, vet offices, or pet stores just to gain hands-on experience. Through those jobs, I saw firsthand how much animals rely on us. I realized I didn’t just want to work with animals, I wanted to advocate for them. To be their voice. To help protect, care for, and love them. Read More>>

Yasmin

I found my life purpose because of all the obstacles and major challenges I had to go through and over come. I believe I have many life purposes not just one and that is to be in the creative industry and also to be a healer. I have healer and spiritual gifts in my lineage so when I was young child I knew I was very different. I could see things before they would occur. I could see entities on people and read peoples energy.  Read More>>

Briana Contreras

I didn’t go looking for my purpose — it found me in the middle of uncertainty, motherhood, and prayer. I started baking pan dulce during a season when we were relying daily on God to provide following a layoff. I had no savings, no storefront, not even a mixer, just my hands and a few ingredients, my kids underfoot, and a dream that maybe—just maybe—this could be something more. Read More>>

Kevin Valderrama-Garcia

I believe that I found my purpose by simply understanding where I come from. I do not think that we are on this earth to just work a job we hate for the rest of our lives. I know that we are supposed to find something that we truly love doing so that we can inspire others and have future generations looking up to us. I come from hardworking immigrant parents who gave up everything they had so I could have a better life.  Read More>>

Nick Flores

I found my purpose through failure. It’s quite funny before I pursued music I was studying to be a marine biologist but I was terrible at school and I couldn’t understand chemistry to save my life. However music was always a passion for me, even though I didn’t play an instrument at the time I knew that it was my path to give to the world my style of music that I was inspired with as a little boy. Read More>>

Tingting Wu

Growing up in an Asian family, my parents had high expectations for me — to achieve the best in everything I did: the highest scores, the best results, the most prestigious outcomes. That pressure shaped my discipline and ambition, but over time, I began to realize something deeper. Read More>>

Steven

As an active professional basketball player having played in some of the top leagues in Spain and England, working as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and having experience as a Certified Brain coach, I picked up a fair amount of knowledge on my journey. When I was 16 and ranked as one of the top High School players in Southern California, I came to a realization that I was meant for more, I had so much more potential than just being an athlete.  Read More>>

Juan Le Prince

I used to think my purpose was something I do, or my career. I now realize my purpose is just being, being here being present in the moment. My purpose is to find beauty in even the smallest things. Read More>>

Monika Spruch

I found my purpose by following the spark that lit up every time I stepped on stage or stood in front of a mirror as a little girl, pretending to sing opera in my grandmother’s dresses. Music, especially opera, has always stirred something deep in my soul—it’s where I feel most alive and connected to something greater than myself.  Read More>> 

Andrea Riccardi

Essentially, my purpose is to stimulate, inspire, and encourage people to travel. Over the years, I have realized how traveling makes me feel free, discovering new countries allows you to experience stimulating experiences and, above all, to know new realities. Read More>>

Samantha Cortez

I found my purpose early—at just 14 years old—when I first began my journey as a violin maker. What started as a fascination with the craftsmanship of instruments evolved into something much deeper over the years. Being immersed in the violin world, I came to understand that my true purpose wasn’t just about making or restoring instruments; it was about serving the musicians who bring them to life. Read More>>

Jéssica

I find my purpose by looking inward and really asking myself what inspires me and makes me feel fulfilled. When I think about the things I truly appreciate, I ask, “What can I do to make an impact on this?” Read More>>