You know those moments where you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, nothing feels lacking, and you’re completely at ease?

I know we both want more of those moments, and the way we get more is by aligning ourselves with the path of our purpose. 

AKA: The reason why you’re here, existing on this Earth! 

Intimidating to think about at times, I know. But it doesn’t have to be!

Whether or not you believe there’s a higher power or a method to the madness, the desire to feel fulfilled and “on purpose” is ingrained in your innate humanness.

And the GREAT news is, you get a say in it.

You know, the thing that becomes your purpose? 

IF you choose to step up and take control when it’s time to make a change, that is. 😉

This 3 minute read is designed to walk you through the 5 step method you can use to answer the question:

What’s my purpose in life?

Maybe you’re sitting in the office, examining the once perfectly pointed edges of your planner – now worn down by wear and tear – wondering:

Is this what “adulting” really is?

Questioning, (and quoting bestselling author Glennon Doyle), like:

“Wasn’t it supposed to be more beautiful than this?”

Maybe you’re even scared to admit you don’t currently feel like you’re living your purpose, out of fear of judgment. 

And trust me, I get it. 

If you’re anything like I was (before discovering and applying this blog’s 5-step method), you may feel like the idea of “living out your purpose” is a rare phenomena only to be read about in mythical storybooks. 

But the entire world is at your fingertips, and I know you don’t want to miss your one opportunity to truly LIVE in it.

So, here we go!

Below is the must-be-magic, 5-step-method to uncover if you’re aligned with the path of your purpose, beginning with: 

WHAT’S MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? STEP #1: UNCOVER YOUR PASSIONS 

The first step in my must-be-magical method is to uncover your passions, which is defined in the Merriam Webster a driving conviction; a strong liking, love, desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.

AKA: What do you love to see/hear/read about and interact with?

Travel? Fitness? Kids? Music? 

Mashed potatoes with whipped truffle butter?

Whatever it is you feel the warm, fuzzy, fulfilling feels about, make a note of those passions now! 

Pro Tip: Having a hard time identifying what you stand for? Try writing down what you stand against instead. It’s not uncommon that our pain transforms into a defining component of our purpose. 

Once you’ve listed out your passions, you’re all set to let them guide you through step two – defining your purpose.

But don’t forget your list!

As Tony Robbins says, “Passion is the genesis of genius.”

WHAT’S MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? STEP #2: DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE

You might be thinking:

WAIT, I HAVE TO DEFINE MY OWN PURPOSE? DOESN’T SOMEBODY, OR SOMETHING IN THE SKY DO THAT?

Before your all-caps questioning comes to a confuzzled head, let’s define what one’s purpose really is:

The reason in which something exists.

Which, when you really think about it, is a double-sided list.

You have the list of reasons in which YOU exist – point blank, in the first place. 

(Reasons which rely on faith, spirit connection & a certain sense of uncertainty.)

AND you have the list of reasons you persist to exist. 

(Also known as the passions that give you a reason to wake up in the A.M. and do this whole thing called LIFE all over again!)

See where I’m heading with this?

You have more than one singular purpose. 

(Which – don’t worry – we’ll get into in more detail just a few lines down!)

But for now, let’s see if we can uncover your “point blank” purpose, by examining the gifts you were equipped with.

Taking a look back at your passion list, in what areas do you have either the natural-born or learned skill to pair them with? 

Remembering the definition of purpose is “the reason in which something exists,” do any of the driving passions on your list stand out to you as areas your unique skills already align with?

Although it’s not necessary to have the skills to support your passion already streamlined in your system, it sure helps you start out on your journey with greater ease and opportunity.

For example, if you’re passionate about travel, but unable to step on a plane due to your acrophobia, it’s probably not something you want to pursue as your “purpose” – BUT you can still go on awesome road trips!

Makes sense, right?

Being able to apply your skills to support your passion is a vital step in securing that same passion as a part of your purpose.

And if you don’t have the skill yet, (no worries!) simply ask yourself whether you’re willing to put in the extra work – whatever it takes – to get there!

Once you’ve identified the sweet spot where your skills and passions overlap, perform a quick practicality check. Ask yourself:

Will this sweet spot serve me, in addition to what the world wants or needs, and thus empower me with the money I need to support the lifestyle I wish to live? 

If not, return to your list! 

If yes, way to go badass! You’re ready to move on to the step:

WHAT’S MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? STEP #3: TAP INTO YOUR INTUITION

After you’ve defined the passions that also align with your multifaceted purpose, the second-to-last step is a quick check in with your intuition.

According to Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart, intuition is: 

Intuition may come in the form of a “calling,” or it may come through connecting with your internal wisdom, and deepest, truest spirit. 

The easiest way I know how to connect with mine is through meditation. 

For me, intuitive meditation is almost like a very, VERY deep listening.

Want to try it out with me?

Sit comfortably somewhere, close your eyes, and try to connect to the place in your body where you can sense the presence of the wise, eternal energy source you hold safe inside.

(I feel mine in my lower belly, but you might feel yours in your heart, head or anywhere else!)

The eternal is non-judgemental..duh. 😉

Once you’ve located your eternal intuition, introduce your purpose-filled vision to it, and then listen closely, and breathe deeply, until you feel a response.

*Be warned – responses don’t always come in the form of words, but can also be uncovered in sensations you’re feeling.*

At the end of the day, I think we know when we know, you know?

You know when something just doesn’t sit right deep inside, because it often feels pretty damn close to indigestion itself.

And you also know when something gives you the butter-flutters SO HARD you can’t help yourself but make plans to help it grow and expand.

Oftentimes we’re too scared to admit it, and may even attempt to hide our purpose from ourselves as a protection mechanism…but we know.

Know what’s next?

Once you’ve checked in with your intuition, you’re onto the next step!

#4. ENVISION YOUR IDEAL

I don’t believe in perfect, but I DO believe in ideal.

Also known as: that which satisfies one’s conception of what is perfect. (*wink wink*)

Now, the method to uncover your ideals?

That’s the fun part. 😉

You ready?

Close your eyes, and open your intuitive vision.

Ask yourself:

What would my DREAM life look like if no one else had a say in it?

What would my ideal world look like if my only concern was taking care of me?

We’re often so worried about taking care of our family, friends, doggy-dates and dinner plates, but for just a moment, I want you solely focused on YOU.

Allow yourself to imagine the infinite possibilities as you answer, and envision the ways in which both your passions and your purpose could fit into each.

Feel a little too “Woo woo” for you?

Another useful vision tool you may want to try out is simply imagining yourself embodying the lead position of your current career (that’s right- all the way at the tippy top of the ladder!) and asking yourself:

Would I be fulfilled with that life?

Your goal here is to uncover your ideal and work backwards from there!

Remember, “What’s my purpose in life?,” is a complex question that often contains a multifaceted answer, which means there’s bound to be some trial and error.

But if you’re committed to doing what it takes, and truly trying out this 5-step-method at your fingertips, you’ll get there!

Which brings us to your fifth and final step to answering, “What’s my purpose in life?”:

WHAT’S MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? STEP #5:  ALIGN YOUR ENVIRONMENT WITH YOUR PURPOSE

Once you’ve discovered your purpose, it’s time to nurture it!

One of the best ways to do that is surrounding yourself with a community that values your path, honors your spirit and helps shine light on your vision. 

Like a lil baby tulip, your purpose needs to be fed to grow. Don’t forget to find a field of fellow flowers who will love and encourage you to adventure outside of your comfort zone. 

As Brené Brown shares in this short clip from her Atlas of The Heart tour, it’s important to surround yourself with people that protect and embolden your flame, rather than blow it out. 

LIVING OUT YOUR PURPOSE, AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

After you’ve uncovered, defined, tapped and envisioned, remember:

You won’t only have ONE purpose, but many, forever changing.

In one moment your purpose might look like being a devoted mother and wife, and – in the next – it might look like working with developing communities across the globe – while still being a (now widowed) kick-ass, cultured AF mom. 

Or maybe it will look nothing like that at all. 

No matter where the wind takes you, know that it’s never too late to expand onto a new path.

EVEN if you’re already retired!

And if I could leave you with one thing, it’s this:

You aren’t here on Earth to just “get by.”

You’re here to thrive, and that involves chasing any and ALL of the things that make you feel fulfilled, in-flow, and authentically on-purpose.

The whole wide WORLD is at your fingertips – don’t miss your opportunity to live with purpose on it!

XO,

Kendra

P.S. Now that you’ve identified the 5 essential elements to answer the question, “What’s my purpose?,” click here to solidify your purpose with the What Is My Purpose, 10-question quiz!