What’s the Point of Purpose?

(Is “purpose” just the latest buzzword, or is it worthy of consideration?)

Sled dogs are bred for pulling sleds and running – they’re happiest when they’re fulling their purpose and engaging in their natural behaviors. So, what about humans? What is the point of purpose for us?

Purpose is daunting.

Purpose can feel like a heavy word – as if it’s something that’s only given through some kind of divine intervention (and if you’re an atheist like me you’re shit out of luck) or reserved for the chosen few. But here’s the thing: you get to create purpose – for yourself, whenever you want.

What Does It Even Mean?

What exactly is purpose? And why does it feel like a New York Times headline – something important but, at the same time, so elusive? We often think we need to define it or have it neatly packaged, like some grand plan we can discover. But here's the thing: Purpose isn’t something you necessarily have to "figure out" right now. It’s something you can create or discover through experiences that bring you meaning. It doesn't need to be a one-size-fits-all definition. If it brings you joy or fulfillment, that’s what matters.

Life without purpose can feel like wandering – like a sluggish malaise. But wandering can be good. It allows for creativity, presence, and sometimes, even insight. So, how do we begin to figure it out?

Purpose is Subjective (Like SO Many Things in Life)

No one has the exact same wardrobe as someone else, or decorates their home in exactly the same way. Why? Because purpose, like our preferences for clothing or home décor, is unique to each of us. The things that bring us meaning are as personal as the T-shirt you bought at that unforgettable concert – it might be the same T-shirt someone else bought, but it means something completely different to you.

Purpose can look different for everyone. Let’s take Mother Teresa and Jane Goodall—two women who dedicated their lives to service. Mother Teresa gave her life to serving the poor, while Jane Goodall devoted her life to studying chimpanzees. Both are examples of a life of service, yet their purposes are deeply different, shaped by their own experiences and passions. This shows that purpose isn’t universal; it’s as diverse as the people living it.

Purpose Isn’t Static

What if we treated purpose as something fluid? Something that could shift and adapt as life changes? Repurposing our purpose for new chapters in life could open up exciting possibilities.

Do We Even Need to Define It?

What if we stop worrying about “purpose” and start focusing on what feels meaningful in the moment? I’m not sure we need to have a concrete, ironclad purpose. Sometimes, just figuring out what brings us joy – like cooking, knitting, reading, being with loved ones, or helping others – is enough.

Sure, it might be useful to understand why these things bring us purpose. But honestly, sometimes it’s more about recognizing those things as they are and leaning into them. And if we drive ourselves crazy trying to define it, well, that’s just frustrating, right?

Purpose vs. Meaning

Is purpose something you must fulfill in a certain way, or is it about finding meaning in what you do? For me, coaching gave me a sense of purpose I’d never experienced before. What brought me meaning was helping other women find their voices and feel good about themselves – physically and mentally. That sense of meaning has stuck with me, and it's a source of purpose I can keep coming back to.

Purpose often stems from the meaning we find in our actions. By focusing on the 'why' – the deeper reason behind what we do – we can experience purpose without feeling the need to label or define it. It’s about the sense of fulfillment we derive from our actions, big or small.

The Search for Meaning

No one really has the answer to life’s meaning. We’ve all asked ourselves, “What’s the point?” And while no one has figured it out, we do know that meaning is something we create. It’s different for each person, and figuring out what brings you meaning is where the magic happens.

The problem with following someone else’s meaning is that it can leave you miserable. You can look at someone else’s life and think, “I should be doing that,” but the only way to find fulfillment is by following what resonates with you. So, take time to think about what gives you meaning – and not just what feels important in someone else’s eyes.

Purpose or Presence?

Have you ever been in a moment where you felt completely grounded? No distractions, no mental chatter – just pure presence in the moment? When you’re not thinking about what you "should" be doing, but are simply there, alive, and aware.

That sense of presence can bring clarity and connection. Being present with others or with yourself can often bring more meaning than chasing an abstract idea of purpose. Whether it’s through exercise, mindfulness, or just being in the moment with someone you care about, presence is key.

Defining Purpose May Be Insignificant

Like “confidence,” I personally prefer not to even engage with defining “purpose.” I find it too overwhelming a concept. But it doesn’t mean I don’t feel a lack of purpose sometimes. I can feel a vast sense of being adrift or disoriented. When I’m feeling like I’m living my life with purpose it’s usually in being of service to others, or being extremely present when I’m with the people I care most about. My heart feels more open and I have an almost euphoric feeling in my body.

There’s nothing wrong with searching for purpose, as long as you don’t let it trip you up if you’re not finding any. The tricky part is sitting in the muck (unconditionally and without judgment).

Manifesting Meaning: Small Actions That Add Up

1. Focus on the present. Sometimes, instead of chasing some big idea of purpose, focus on the small joys in your day. Maybe it’s a cup of coffee outside or a meaningful conversation with a friend. When you’re present, you’re experiencing the richness of the moment – and that’s where purpose often lives.

2. Shift your mindset. Instead of thinking “I have to do this,” try “I get to do this.” Whether it’s working out, cooking, or taking care of yourself – remind yourself that you’re fortunate to have the ability to do these things. This shift grounds you in purpose by reminding you of what you can do.

3. What lights you up? Think about what you loved as a child. Writing, reading, creating – these things often give us clues to our deeper sense of purpose. Pay attention to what you enjoy doing now, and reflect on what drew you to it as a child. How can you bring that into your present life?

Gathering Momentum: When You’re Feeling Adrift

We all have those moments when we feel lost or stuck. If you’re feeling like you’re without purpose, or you’re struggling to find meaning in the day, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, move your body. Dance to energizing music, go for a hike, or even just have an interesting conversation. These “distractions” can sometimes bring clarity or spark a moment of insight.

At the end of the day, sometimes the best thing to do is simply show up, even when you don’t feel like it. Get out of bed. Do the thing. And be open to discovering meaning in the small moments. Sometimes, purpose shows up when we least expect it.

Final Thoughts

Finding purpose isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about recognizing the moments that feel meaningful, and allowing yourself to feel connected to them. Whether you’re serving others, enjoying a hobby, or simply being present in the moment, purpose often shows up when we least expect it – and that’s okay. The key is to embrace the journey, not just the destination.

Call to Action

I’d love to hear how you’ve found purpose (or meaning) in your life. Have you defined your purpose, or do you find fulfillment in smaller, more everyday moments? Let’s start a conversation about what purpose means to each of us!