How to Find Purpose in Life and Be Happy

Table of Contents What’s the Need to Find Purpose in LifeBenefits of Finding Purpose in LifeTips to Find…
girl beaming with happiness with purpose in life

At times, most of you must’ve asked yourself the so-called philosophical questions – how can I find purpose in life? What is the purpose of life? Why am I here? Is there any purpose in my life?

We’re also forced to wonder why do such questions arise and what is their relationship with happiness?

You must’ve observed that such questions about your existence do not come up when you are happy, inspired, or when you are giving. This is because at such times life is beautiful, natural, and so close to your real purpose.

You usually only tend to question and find purpose in life when you stray from the path, suffer, or undergo tough times.

“Purpose is what gives life a meaning.” ~ Charles H. Perkhurst

What’s the Need to Find Purpose in Life

By purpose of life we mean the desired aim, function, and use of our life. You need to remember that all life and its activities have purpose, whether it’s the flowering of buds, transformation of a butterfly, or even crying of a baby.

Sadly, most of us live our lives without having any conscious purpose in life, nor do we have the time to reflect on life and all that we’re required to do and be.

Lives of most people could be full of activities – they may become engineers or scientists, get married, have children, run a business, without ever understanding why they do such things.

The lives of such people have no purpose overall to give meaning to events, nor do they have any clear idea of their own identity or who they truly are.

It is observed that people are often depressed and unhappy because their lives lack direction and meaning.

But, it’s simple to give your life meaning and direction, which can be done by finding a purpose for your life.

Even for those who aren’t depressed or unhappy, it helps when you are able to define and find purpose in life.

There are others who are living a purposeful life because they have uncovered the secret to be happy.

Such people who have a purpose in life are generally energized, enthusiastic, and keen to get out of bed in the morning and do their tasks without fearing failures, and make themselves useful.

They have the inner strength and power to cross all hurdles, break through barriers, and push their way through till they achieve their purpose.

Once you know who you are, what you want, and how you can achieve your goals, you find purpose in life. You start living a purposeful life that helps you achieve more and more.

To be happy, you need to learn how to find your purpose and meaning in life.

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” ~ Robert Byrne

Benefits of Finding Purpose in Life

If you can find purpose in life, then there are a number of benefits you will experience, such as:

  • Added meaning to all that you do – All that you do becomes more meaningful when you have a purpose in life. You may be doing very well in your career, but if you don’t find any meaning in carrying on or doing what you are doing, you will feel empty within.

You will be satisfied because you know you’re giving your life to things that are most important to you.

  • Possess Clear viewpoint – You will have a clear viewpoint of life, and things that used to bother you would no longer do so.
  • Stay More focused – You will be more focused because with a purpose in your life you will be more drawn to it.
  • Achieve Inner peace – You will find inner peace as you no longer strive aimlessly, instead the turmoil within you will settle down.
  • Gain motivation – You and me, we all go through various ups and down in life. There are failures, rejections, denials, and tough times too.

In such cases, your life purpose can give you all the motivation you need to help you move ahead. You will be motivated because your inner drive will guide you to do something with purpose.

  • Get direction – Your purpose in life gives you meaning and clear direction of where you need to go in life. You are thus able to take larger decisions, which are missing in people who don’t have a strong base upon which they take decisions.

They tend to follow people with popular views. Your life will have more direction when you know why you’re here and where you need to head.

  • Receive Guidance – Your life purpose also guides you to make small decisions that we take in our daily lives. If you have two options in front of you, it will be easier to decide which one is better if you know what you purpose of life is.

You are able to see the purpose in life when you see beyond the horizon. Nevertheless, it’s not easy to find purpose in life and be happy.

This is because it doesn’t have a fixed formula, and as everyone has different purposes, they find various ways to find it.

Also, people want instant results. But finding purpose in life doesn’t work that way. It’s an on-going process, almost like a journey that takes time and patience.

“You only live once- but if you work it right, once is enough.” ~ Joe E. Lewis

Tips to Find Purpose in Life

Finding your purpose of life or what moves you is a personal experience for each one, but there are certain tips that can help you find it. They are:

1- Have patience

You need to understand that finding your purpose in life takes time, so have patience and don’t expect instant results. It’s a journey, so better sit back and enjoy it.

2- Recognize your passions, causes, and strengths

You need to identify the things you like doing because you love doing them, and not because of recognition or some external reward like money or gifts. Discover and work on your various passions.

Similarly, chalk out the causes that make a difference to you. Identify if there are situations that make you feel dissatisfied, or conditions that make you want to do something about it.

Your purpose of life is related to your inner strength. If you are strong in networking for example, it’s likely that your life’s purpose is related to networking.

3- Make a list

Note down all that you would like to see happen during your life. Or pen down what you feel you need to do to make you happier in life. Just write listening to your heart more than your mind.

If I had to list down, I would start with trying to find more time-managing techniques. Or I would list ways to spend more time with my family, yet be able to find the time to work.

Similarly, your thoughts could be focused on your career, relationships, family issues, or just about anything. So, for each one of you the list would be different that would lead you towards finding purpose in your life.

4- Seek answers

Once you make your list, ask yourself questions. Thereafter just write why you think each point listed will make your life happier.

Why did I list or choose time management techniques? That was because if I am able to strike a right balance between my work and family, I would manage both things more efficiently.

Similarly, chalk out the replies to your questions in the lists of whys.

5- Clear things

After listing and going through the whys, specify the similarities you find in each listed point. In my case it was obvious – that I value the time to bond with my family as well as manage my work more efficiently.

Thereafter, once your similarities are listed finding your ultimate goal becomes easy. You would then know your purpose of life and how you need to reach towards that goal.

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~ Christopher Columbus

Some Goodies

A nice post about discovering your life purpose, and how you can do it in 20 minutes! Also, there’s a nice hidden story within the ways to find purpose in life here. Some wonderful steps to access your life purpose can be read here.

I had to share this wonderful video I came across about how you can discover your purpose.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AxMvKjv7sA&w=620&h=360&rel=0]

Discovering Your Purpose ~ Allyson Lewis  ~ You Tube Video

“The main purpose of life is to live rightly, think rightly, act rightly. The soul must languish when we give all our thought to the body.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

When you want to find purpose in life, you’ll realize it’s a path of discovering who the real YOU is.

You’ll understand your life journey, interests, likes, dislikes, passions, and how you can use those to make the world a better place.

When you are able to understand who you are and not what you are, the purpose of your life becomes clear to you.

Remember, that the emotions you feel within are the true indicators of what you actually feel about your decisions, rather than the thoughts in your mind.

When you are able to find and clarify the real intention and purpose in life, it helps you move ahead with better focus and clarity each day of your life.

Navigating stormy waters become easier, especially in these challenging times if you have clear intentions, and are able to develop and improve you purpose of life.

Everyone wants to be happy by having a fulfilling life. However, most people spend many years of their life without knowing their life purpose, only to find at the end that they have been doing or done the wrong things.

There are many who do achieve happiness by becoming successful, famous, and rich, but they still feel empty within.

I hope you are not among such people, and if you are then don’t make similar mistakes. Remember, you are here for a limited time, so value that time which is too precious to waste. Find purpose in life – act now!

I believe that the very purpose of life is to seek happiness. ~ Dalai Lama

Finding Purpose in Life and Being Happy

I think the purpose of life is to achieve inner happiness at the end of the day. It is what makes you come alive – isn’t it?

I should make it clear that being happy by hurting others is not counted, rather such an act can never be the purpose of life.

Life is so short and we can never tell about the next moment, so what are you dreaming about? Get up and make things happen!

Fight your fears and forget about what others might think. Just go ahead and do what you want to, because it makes you happy.

Have any grudges…then go out and forgive them as soon as you can, which will set you free.

Want to visit some places or someone – then start planning today so that soon you can go and visit such places or people.

Feel the lack of time to spend with your loved ones? Then give them all the attention you can. Create that time to bond and connect, and put love foremost on your list.

Remember, life is very simple. But we tend to make it complicated. So, try to make life simple again by focusing on what really matters. That’s one sure way to find your purpose in life.

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

Over to you

What is your purpose in life? Do you feel we all need a purpose in our lives? Have you been able to find purpose in life? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Photo Credit: anitapatterson

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  1. Hi Harleena Ma’m! Ur all posts are mind-boggling. Specially, how to find purpose in life. It has put a new spirit and vigour how to live a life Meaningful. Before reading this post,I was disappointed because of continuous failures in life. Stay blesse and keep on writing such useful posts. Thankx

  2. Harleena, you asked such an important question here: What are we here for? You offer a plethora of wise suggestions for answering it. One of the key elements you mention is “what” and “who” we are. And here we often let the “what” define us: Our professions, our networks, our families, our partners. The “who” often sits quiet and watches from the sidelines feeling unfulfilled, creatively, spiritually, and emotionally. I like how you tie it together that “what” we are often gets input from our rational faculty, while “who” we are is revealed to us, when we check in with how we feel. In my life having open dialogue between my thoughts and my emotions is a strong guiding principle. Having this synthesis inform my actions allows me to connect to my life purpose most powerfully. My “what” often aligns with my ego, and that is usually not at all where I need to go. It is however where I get my ambition, and my drive to move forward. It is where a million details need to be sorted. My “who” often aligns more with my heart. And this is where I find peace, connect to others in compassion and find the greater picture: the whole that is infinitely greater than the sum of the parts. I could continue just on this one little angle – your post truly inspired me. Thank you.

  3. Very nice article you wrote Harleena. With curiosity, I read it. For several years I have found my purpose in life. There are issues related to work and daily life, but what will be after death. My goal is eternal life. I believe that after life on earth will enter into such an area, which we deserved. The purpose of my life is to love God and people of all without exception.

  4. Hi Harleena,

    Thanks for sharing your old posts on Social media. Otherwise I wouldn’t have found this awesome article.

    As you described in the article, having a purpose has many advantages. I’m experiencing it at the moment.

    I decided to devote time towards my hobby. Finally, I found a great purpose worth trying for. Every morning, I wake up, very enthusiastic. It seems like I have abundant energy in reserve!

  5. Hey Harleena, I’m following you on Twitter; popped into this amazing article through your tweet. You are a great writer, of course. You know how? Because I have been trying hard to understand and comprehend the purpose of life; but I couldn’t write a single suitable word, while you have crafted a complete article. Woah! Amazing. Thanks for giving some important points to make my life purposeful. ‘Make-a-List’ was my favorite. Thanks again.

    1. Welcome to the blog, Abdul!

      Thanks for the follow on Twitter and your words of appreciation.

      I’m glad I was able to help you in some way through my post. I’m sure you’ll find your purpose in life and be happy.

      Thank you for stopping by and hope to see you around. 🙂

      1. Thanks so much for responding to my comment immediately and positively.

        Helping; this is what self development writers do. Thanks for that. I have begun following you on Email as well.

        You are my source of inspiration from now and onwards. I am also a struggling self development writer because it creates to opportunity to ponder over life.

        1. Most welcome Abdul 🙂

          Yes indeed, I am always here to help anyone in the best possible way, and thanks for following on Email too. Thanks for stopping by, and wishing you the best in your new venture too. 🙂

  6. Hi Harleena,

    Finding a purpose of one’s life is very important as without it life will seem meaningless. It is also true, as you said, that the question about the purpose of life comes only when a person is dejected or in sorrow. Positive attitude always helps in such situations and one must think that there is definitely some reason for the existence and must wait till he/she finds one.

    Most of the topics you wrote are indeed very close to everyone’s life. I appreciate the way you touch upon these aspects of life.

    Great work!!! 🙂

  7. I loved this post!

    I don’t really know now if I have a purpose in life. I don’t even know if I ever had one. I thought I did. I used to think as a child that my role is to make others happy, to serve others, to sacrifice myself and my life. My idol was Mother Theresa, and I always wanted to be like her.

    I have failed. I have tried, but failed as it’s never easy to please everyone, never easy to do good to everyone. Realizing my weaknesses was very depressing until I understood that the reason I have failed is that I wasn’t happy, and that you can’t make anyone happy if you’re not happy yourself.

    1. Glad you liked the post Nikky!

      Most people are confused about whether they have or had a purpose in life, but when they sit to think about it, things clear up and they realize that no one on this Earth is without a purpose. We are all made for a specific purpose, and so are you. It’s just a matter of time before you find yours.

      Mother Teresa is one of my favorites too and finding a purpose in life like hers is wonderful, though as you mentioned that’s how you used to feel when you were younger. To help others, sacrifice, and serve them is indeed a noble deed. If you have been doing all these things earlier, then you should pat yourself on the back for that. 🙂

      It isn’t easy to please everyone, but it’s not difficult to please and make one person happy – isn’t it? If you have even made one person smile during your day, you have achieved something great. This is what will make you happy within – to see others happy and content.

      Thanks for stopping by and it’s nice to have you back. 🙂

  8. Hi Leena,

    It took me a little while to find my purpose in life, at age 40, but I was glad I did. I really knew what it was, but until I had to write it down, I didn’t internalize it. My purpose is to help others by sharing parts of myself. I do this by taking the negatives in my life and sharing how I’ve learned to turn them around into positive outcomes. I desire that those I meet will be better because I was able to touch them in some ways.

    Great post, Leena! Sally

    1. Glad you could relate to the post Sally!

      Yes indeed, most of us don’t really know what our purpose is till we reach a particular age and give things a serious thought. But what really matters is that we find a purpose in our lives and pursue it – isn’t it? I’m glad you found yours eventually.

      You have a wonderful purpose of helping others through by sharing your negative experiences, and your journey of how you turned them into positives. I guess when we try to reach people and connect with them by sharing our own experiences, they are able to relate to things in a much better way.

      Thanks for stopping by. Always nice to have you over. 🙂

  9. A very inspirational post Harleena !

    I don’t know why people cannot understand the importance of life, and end up wasting their most precious time in doing useless things. We need more thinkers like you to spread the good word !

    1. Glad you could relate to the post! (I wish you mention your real name next time, so that I know whom I am addressing!)

      I guess there is a time for everything and sooner of later, people who don’t value their time, learn to find the purpose in life and begin living a more meaningful life.

      Thanks for the warm and kind words, and for stopping by. 🙂

  10. At the end of the day, everyone wants to become happy. But most of us don’t have goal or mission. Sometimes we don’t know what we want properly. But life is short. We need a determined goal. You right – to achieve this patience is the key to success. Finally, I have to say we must search happiness with determined will that should be everyone’s motto

    1. Glad you could relate to the post Ahsan!

      We all seek happiness in our lives, though only few of us really know how we can find it. I guess it all depends on what our purpose in life actually is and whether we have a goal to follow. If we do, there is a will and determination to work towards that goal, and that purpose itself gives you happiness because you know you are giving things your best to reach that goal.

      Patience is required in everything we do – isn’t it? We need to give time to things to materialize, and even if we don’t have a purpose in our lives presently, it’s never too late to start looking out for one, because each one of us here has a purpose in life – we just need to discover it.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  11. Very well said!

    My number one motivation for reaching my purpose in life is ‘Patience and Faith’. I religiously believe that everything happens for a reason and that I just have to wait because the fact that it doesn’t happen today, doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen in the future. 🙂 Right?

    1. Welcome to the blog Lyra!

      Yes indeed, keeping faith and having patience are both required when we are looking for our purpose in life. You need to wait and take life as it comes, though recognize or find ways to find your purpose of life as well. It will show up sooner or later.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  12. Hi Harleena,

    Great job of helping others find their purpose and I did enjoy the video from Allyson Lewis. Thank you.

    What I have found is that our purpose or mission in life can change. When I was a little younger, I loved being a mother and raising my children. After they were adults, I thought wow what is my purpose now. I have found that it is helping others and sharing what life has taught me..

    We are all like a big oak tree and need each other. We have to come together to learn, share and love one another to make that beautiful oak tree.

    Happiness in life is to take each day and spread some joy and love with others. Whether we are in office work, at home working or digging a ditch for water to run through we are all part of the big picture of life.

    When someone can not figure out their purpose there are people like you Harleena to help them figure out and realize they most likely are already fulfilling their purpose they just don’t realize it.

    Thank you for sharing and blessings to you,
    Debbie

    1. Welcome to the blog Debbie – nice to have you over!

      Glad you liked the post and video. 🙂

      Yes indeed, our purpose in life can change and that’s absolutely alright too. I guess we should go with what actually makes us happy within and if you feel the purpose you have chosen for yourself isn’t giving you the happiness you desire, then finding a purpose that gives you satisfaction and contentment is what we should all do.

      Hmmm…I see a lot of similarity with my purpose in life too! Though my kids aren’t adults yet and I am a full time mom to my teenage daughters, but yes, the purpose is to help others in whatever little way I can. But yes, that comes after my main purpose of raising my kids into well groomed ladies and looking after my family. Guess that’s what every mother’s purpose would be till her kids grow up – isn’t it?

      That’s a beautiful example of an oak tree Debbie. Yes, we do need to help, share, learn, and love one another. I guess that is what life’s all about – sharing and caring for each other, which gives us eventual happiness.

      Thanks for those warm and kind words. I am just trying to make people a little aware that we all have a purpose in life, all we need to do is find it to make us truly happy within.

      Thanks for stopping by and adding more value to the post. 🙂

  13. Harleena,

    What a terrific article and once again so well thought out. Finding our purpose in life truly makes life more meaningful and worthwhile, especially because life can be challenging at times. When these challenges occur, that question, “What is the use of all of this?” often pops up in our head. I love the first suggestion that you offer for finding our purpose–patience. Sometimes we want to know the answer right this second! But, usually patience is the key. Slow down, breathe and listen within. They answer will come.

    I agree that this journey is about discovering our true selves. The clearer we know ourselves, the more we truly enjoy life and have deeper bonds with one another. We are all on this Earth together and the more we understand our purposes, the better we all will get along with one another. 🙂

    Thanks for such a thoughtful post. I truly enjoyed it!! Hugs!

    1. Glad you liked the post Joanne!

      Absolutely! Finding our purpose in life makes us content or satisfied within, which makes us happy overall. It gives life a new meaning and direction. And yes, just as you rightly mentioned – it makes life worthwhile especially if we have to face challenges and hardships in life.

      Ah…patience is required just in about anything and everything we do – isn’t it? Just as the saying goes that Rome wasn’t built in a day, we also need to remain patient and calm for sometime to recognize our purpose in life.

      None of us are here without a purpose in life – all we need is to discover it. Once that is done we can enjoy life and be happy, and yes, have deeper bonds with one another.

      Thanks for stopping by and adding more value to the post. Always a pleasure to have you over. 🙂

  14. Hi Harleena,

    My purpose in life didn’t become real clear to me until a few years back and then once it did everything got easier. It didn’t remove the challenges or prevent me from being upset but it provided some stability and a sense of strength that I didn’t recognize before.

    It made me remember during the good and the bad moments that there was something more that I was working towards and that has made all the difference.

    1. Glad you could resonate with the post Jack!

      Most of us aren’t clear about the purpose in our lives till we really sit back and think about it, which happens only when we grow up a little. Yes indeed, once we have our purpose in-front of us, life becomes a lot more easier as we are focused and content within.

      I’m glad you have eventually found your purpose after going through the various ups and downs of life that all of us experience.

      Thanks for stopping by. It’s always nice to have you over. 🙂

  15. Good post.

    I agree that finding our purpose is key. But I also find that we have a tendency to limit ourselves to a single driving purpose, instead of being all that we can be. I have done this in the past. I once was a police officer and I failed. Later, I was a manager in a call center. I was successful, but unsatisfied.

    However, when I began walking toward the fullness of my purpose (minister, comedian, writer, speaker, trainer, etc..), finding the things within each function that made me happiest, I found that the limitations were removed. My purpose is what makes me tick regardless of the hat I am wearing at the time. I was created to create. I was made to share thoughts and emotion. I was designed to cause others to laugh and think. When I look at my purpose, beyond my job function I am most happy (and most productive.)

    Finally, I believe that it is important to not allow others (or our own internal voice) dismiss our purpose.

    Thank you for your blog.

    1. Welcome to the blog Dwayne!

      You are absolutely right about setting limits to our purpose. I guess we do that shifting or limiting because we are not satisfied with what we have or haven’t really discovered our purpose at that time. Perhaps that was the reason you switched jobs and settled for the one you liked eventually.

      I am so glad you have now found your purpose, and I loved what you mentioned – ” I was created to create” – I think that is a beautiful purpose. And being a comedian and a speaker besides the other various hats you wear, you are helping people recognize their emotions and lighten their moods by making them laugh and think. If this is what is truly making you happy within, then it IS your purpose and yes, a most productive one too. 🙂

      Yes indeed, we shouldn’t allow others to influence or dismiss our purpose and should go in for what really makes you satisfied and happy.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  16. Hi Harleena,

    Oh gosh, I actually have that book. Well, it really is Randy’s, but I started reading it the beginning of the year and then got side-tracked, like it happens so often, and didn’t finish it or do any of the exercises. I think your post is a clear sign, that I need to pick it up again. It sure was a fun and easy read. I had even started to write a blog post about it.

    You’re right we have to find our purpose in life, because without finding out what truly makes us happy we’ll never really be happy.

    Thanks for the valuable tips you are sharing above on how to go about that!

    Be blessed,

    Ilka

    1. You too have the book Ilka!

      Seems like it surely needs to be read now that Adrienne and you, both have gone through it! Ah…yes, sometimes we aren’t really able to complete the books or follow what’s asked of us. But I’m glad that the post reminded you of going back to it and would be wonderful to see a blog post about all that you learnt from it thereafter. 🙂

      Yes indeed, finding purpose in life is something we all need to do and work towards it, which on it’s own will give us immense happiness and contentment I think.

      Thanks for stopping by and it’s always nice to have you over. 🙂

  17. Harleena – I always wonder how you come up with topics for your posts…they are really unique and applies to everyone in general. This is a great example of a million of such posts you have written.

    Every day, I get up in the morning, and think what I am supposed to do at work, at home, with friends and with family. But I think this is like “living one day at a time”…without really thinking of the broader picture in life.

    I think the points you have mentioned as to how to find a purpose and what we derive from it, is really very well explained and I have gotta learn and adapt a thing or two from this.

    Thanks for sharing.

    1. Glad you could relate to the post Praveen!

      Ah…that is a secret! Well not actually, it’s just that such thoughts when they come to my mind, I feel they must be coming to people’s mind too, so why not express myself and share what I know and learn from people about their experiences through their wonderful comments. I do try taking topics that apply to everyone in general with the hope that it helps them too in someways.

      Yes indeed, most of us do what you do – get up each morning and think about our routine tasks and how much of time what task is going to take, and we try to strike a balance so that nothing really suffers, whether it’s work or family. We do live one day at a time and I also prefer living in the moment as I always say.

      However, we all have a purpose in our lives, we just need to discover it and work towards it. Even if you sit back and think or follow the techniques to find your purpose in life, you will realize you have it right there from the things you are normally doing. Once that becomes clear, we are more focused in our day to day affairs I guess.

      Hope the post helps you in some ways Praveen. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and those warm and kind words. It’s always a pleasure to have you over. 🙂

  18. Oh I agree with everyone Harleena, what a wonderful post.

    Nine years ago my Mom and I were driving to Florida to go see my Uncle. It took us over a day to get there so we had plenty of time to visit. I had just finished reading the book, “How to Find Your Life’s Purpose” and Mom had read it as well. It was with that book that helped me understand how to go about this and what to look for. My Mom had no clue why she was even here. She didn’t feel that her life had any purpose at all.

    We got into a deep discussion about this and I also believe that a lot of that has to do with you just being happy. When you’re truly happy with yourself, everything else seems to just fall into place. My Mom is such a giving person so not only did she raise three kids practically all by herself because my Dad was traveling for work five days a week, but she also did a lot for the cancer society.

    She volunteers at her church and the thrift shop in town which is run by the church. She just has such a caring spirit about her that I helped remind her of all the good she’s done not only for her own family but for all of those people in need. To me, that’s what it’s all about.

    For me, I just love helping people so I know that’s why I’ve been put on this earth. No matter what the issue is, I’m here to help. Some things I have a whole lot more experience in then others but I just give good advice. I don’t claim to know about something that I don’t so people appreciate that.

    Thank you for this beautiful message Harleena. What a great post to start the week off right. You have a good one okay!

    ~Adrienne

    1. Glad you could resonate with the post Adrienne!

      Wonderful if you read the book, “How to Find Your Life’s Purpose”, as I’ve heard a lot about it. I guess that really helped you find your purpose in life and what direction to really take. Perhaps your Mom read the book rather late in life, and at that age when realization strikes us, we really don’t know where to start from or why we are here altogether.

      Yes indeed, even though your Mom didn’t have a specific goal or purpose, I think her purpose, just as most mothers or fathers is to look after their kids and families, which will always come first. They don’t tend to see anything beyond that at times, which speaks volumes for the love they have for their kids. And having raised five of you nearly single-handed is commendable and that was her purpose that time, so she never really had to look for anything else I guess.

      Happiness is what we all seek at the end of the day – anything that gives us contentment, satisfaction, peace, happiness, and yes a little money too. 🙂

      Absolutely! When we are happy with ourselves or with the situation we are in, everything else falls into place. Your Mom has done and will doing all she can for her kids, but as you are all into your own lives, her contribution to the Church and cancer society is what’s giving her happiness now. And yes, her giving and noble thoughts and deeds must be giving her immense satisfaction as well.

      Ah…don’t we all know about your helping nature! And yes, that is your life’s purpose according to me, which is a great one indeed! It could be through your helping nature, or all that you share to the best of your abilities on your blog, all that you learn and share with everyone – just about anything.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with all of us. Always a pleasure to have you over. 🙂

  19. Great post, Harleena!

    You’re right, we were on the same wavelength this week! Great minds, my friend! 😀

    For the longest time, I didn’t think I possessed a purpose. I thought my life – because of the circumstances surrounding my birth – was a mistake. I would hear loved ones (mostly my grandmother) tell me that there was a call over my life, but then they would also tell me what that call was – or what they thought was my calling.

    Many people have allowed that very thing to take place for them, as well. Purpose, in my opinion, isn’t something meant to be created by someone else’s expectations. It is something we must arrive in knowing on our own. I would uncover mine in a rough patch in my life. Shortly after my mother passed – it was the very thing that I would reach for to help me cope with that loss. I became passionate about writing my feelings down, and realized that in my times of despair, it’s what gave me comfort. It was also the very thing I would reach for in those times of triumph, as well.

    It’s so true that during those moments we find ourselves hopeless or depressed, we run smack dab, head on into our purpose. For me, it was just how I uncovered my purpose of helping others through self-discovery and self-transformations.

    We all have a purpose in life, and when we really begin seeking it out, we will find that it is nearer than we ever imagined it.

    Great insights, quotes, and video, shared here, my friend. 🙂

    1. Glad you liked the post Deeone!

      Ah…yes great minds think alike! 🙂

      Most of us sail in the same boat as you I think – not really knowing our purpose till later in life. And yes, in some cases as you mentioned, the circumstances are such that make you really wonder as to why you are alive or what wrong have you done to deserve this. When we are surrounded by such thoughts, our goal, aim, focus, or purpose – all take a back seat.

      Absolutely! No one can or should create a purpose or plan things for us. It’s a decision we need to make on our own and what we want to do with life ahead. Nor should we create a purpose based on someone else’s expectations, just as you mentioned. I know how close you were to your mother and her passing away must have awakened a new part of you, which is when you must have found your flair for writing. Yes, you must have started by writing your feelings down that helped you to express your emotions, which helped in your healing process. (This sounds so much like my story and how I started writing after my mom too, though after sometime.)

      I am so happy that you have finally found your purpose of helping others, which is evident from the wonderful posts you put up that inspire many and help them discover and transform themselves into better people. Yes indeed, our purpose just needs to be tapped, which I hope all of us can do sooner or later.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your own experiences with everyone. It’s always a pleasure to have you over. 🙂

  20. Excellent post Harleena,

    Having grown up in en environment where having a “real” purpose in life what not the dominant feature, I had sometimes many questions about life as I was growing up.

    It took me years to find a purpose and understand that there even was one. I agree with you that clear viewpoint, focus, inner peace and motivation are elements that are really needed in order to find your purpose in life.

    Thanks for his great post, Harleena 🙂

    1. Glad you could resonate with the post Sylviane!

      I can well understand the environment where living life itself is not easy, thus how can one ever think of a purpose in such circumstances. But those questions you must have had about life when you were growing up must have helped you find your purpose in life now – isn’t it?

      I’m glad you have finally found your purpose now that must be helping you lead a more focused life with your goals right in-front of you.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  21. Great post Harleena,

    I think we all need purpose in life and that it sometimes changes throughout our lives too. Live is not fully lived without any purpose. It’s sad to see people getting up each day with no purpose.

    1. Glad you liked the post Lisa!

      Absolutely! Without any purpose in life, our lives would really be aimless. Even if it changes it’s alright, as long as we have a purpose or goal to keep moving ahead – isn’t it? I guess those who live their lives without purpose realize it rather late in life, which is when they can really do nothing much about it. Nevertheless, it’s better late than never. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  22. I believe we all have a purpose in life. The trick is finding it, understanding it and believing in it.

    For myself, happiness is all about stopping and looking around me at the beauty of things. My three-year-old son has helped me to do this. As adults, we often forget the simple things in life such as the moon, trees or even a dripping water faucet.

    My son has helped me remind that when we first come into the world we have no preconceptions or negativity towards things. It is only because of life events we start to feel negative. He has let me see things through his eyes and given me a purpose far beyond what I understood before. I was a social worker that worked with children and I have always tried to take care of children. They are the future and worth protecting.

    He helped me realize my purpose is to live life to the fullest. Enjoy each and everyday like its my last. Never to look back at the past except to learn. Never stress over the future and only live for today. I will continue to love, laugh, learn and share. I believe in my purpose and hope others find inspiration from me.

    Thank you for sharing!

    1. Welcome to the blog Aaron – nice to have you over!

      Well said! We just need to recognize our purpose, because each one of us here was sent with a purpose in life.

      Appreciating what life puts forth and seeing the beauty all around us is what we often tend to forget. I’m glad your son has helped you find your purpose in life, which is wonderful indeed. And yes kids are the future and need to be well understood and handled with utmost care and love.

      Your little son surely seems to have taught you a great deal within a short time period! Living life to the fullest and living in the present or the NOW is what I’ve always believed in too. I guess if we keep regrets we really live in a negative mode all through. Life is for living, so live it to the best by making the best of what’s given to you.

      You surely seem to have found your purpose in life to be with your son and learn to live life to the fullest – great purposes indeed that are sure to inspire many.:)

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  23. Hi Harleena,

    I was very keen of helping people with what I know since I was a kid. I had no purpose of life actually, but always happy helping people who come at me asking my help on something. Always love it 🙂

    As I really addicted to computers, I really wanted to go through all of it and learn. After learning more technical stuff, I was able to help people with what I knew. There was some people who gifted computers but couldn’t spend lot of money on repairing ’em. Yeah, poor ones. (Don’t tell my parents, they will yell at me ;)) I did help ’em, I never needed anything from them. Just wanna help ’em. I bet no one can erase those smiles from my heart 🙂 Still I had no purpose but love to help and it was really made me happy.

    You are right dear 🙂 We can be happy still without having purpose of our life.

    I started learning more about computers officially in school and enjoyed stuff I couldn’t learn myself at home. Started developing Windows applications and was very happy about what I’ve learned. Then I determined being a Software Engineer someday. Especially a freelancer. ‘Cause I really value being able to spend lot of time with my family. But Software Engineering isn’t a time saving job.

    Then I stepped into Blogging with above thought in my mind too 🙂 Started learning stuff on blogging and familiarizing with web technologies. I really love it, enjoy interacting and helping with what I know online. Passionate about it. Also I started getting income out of it and handling first project on creating a blog.

    Still I wanna be a Software Engineer (Windows + Web), but who can stay at home. You know I love to be with my family. More closer. Don’t need my kids, wife and parents waiting me home until I come home late night by being a typical Software Engineer.

    So now I’m feeling what you are meaning dear. But I never think my life was wasted without having a purpose as I was able to help more people but now I have goals on my way. Even more well formed life. I can think of milestones. I can draw my plan myself. I can build my future upon it. I know my value. I just wanna serve others and bring happiness to my loved ones. My life is for ’em. If you have no purpose in life, there’s no responsibility. No responsibility means dreams stays as dreams, isn’t it? 🙂

    Anyway my first purpose would be “Helping people with what I have” 😉 Then wanna be loving “Son, Husband, Father and Grandfather”. Also wanna be rich, ’cause I wanna treat my parents, wife and kids more than they deserved but in right way. And others come after ’em. Also wanna end my life donating my organs for someone who can make use of 🙂 So I can happy after the death too. I don’t know, lot of things actually. Seems I’m writing all here 😉

    Wow… I’ve never thought of this before 😉 I mean this much. yeah, I have’em on my mind, but having them on paper and going through them at the age of 85 or something like that. How wonderful idea. I like doing it dear. Really thanks for that suggestion 🙂 Would be very effective and I believe a simple thing can change our lives lot more better than complex stuff, as I experienced.

    You are very inspired and happy about writing this one. Aren’t you? 🙂 I feel it in your words. And I’m inspired too 🙂

    Really a nice and inspiring post dear 🙂 I see now you are most concentrate about your audience by seeing latest topics… A quality of a great writer 🙂

    Have a happy and successful week ahead !

    Cheers…

    1. Glad you could resonate with the post Mayura!

      Helping others is a great purpose indeed, and if you had that ever since you were a kid I’m sure you must be going out of your way to help those in need now. That’s something most of us don’t do nowadays – so give yourself a pat on the back for it. 🙂

      We all know that you’re great at computers, and if you are able to help the needy when they need your help without wanting anything in return, nothing could be better. This must be giving you so much of happiness and pleasure. And I’m sure their blessings will do you good in your life ahead.

      Your helping nature shows well through the wonderful and informative posts you put on your blog Mayura, which show that you are trying to teach people things they don’t really know. So, this is sharing your knowledge with everyone and it seems like you have found your purpose in life through helping people. 🙂

      Yes indeed, the advantage of being a freelancer is that you can work from home and be close to your family as well. So, even that purpose of staying near your family is solved – dual purpose!

      With a noble intention of helping others, you won’t have to worry about becoming rich, as the money would flow in on its own. And yes, to be able to donate your organs is being generous and giving, which again is a way to ensure that you help others even after your death.

      It’s indeed nice that you penned down your thoughts here so that you can go back to them when you grow old, though I’m sure you would have achieved most of these by then.

      Just like you, I love helping people in whatever way I can. And yes by sharing my own experiences or what I’ve learned along the way I do try to inspire or motivate them, wishing it helps someone – somewhere. But I am not as helpful as you are, nor as generous I think, so I’ve still got a lot to learn from people like you. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and adding more value to the post. It’s always a pleasure to have you over. 🙂

  24. It’s great to see your blog back up, Leena. I recently did an article on my build confidence blog which talked in detail about recognising your inner beauty and talent.

    I think this is one of the first and major steps to achieving happiness. Many of us are blessed beyond our dreams. Yet, we don’t know this because we haven’t really examined the things that make us who we are – the plus points in our lives that make us like the people we’ve become.

    Happiness is not really a state of being. It’s more of a decision. When we decide that we’re on the path to being happy (after making the list, finding answers and examining our talents – like you said) we’ll find happiness.

    My purpose is to leave a positive impact on the places I’ve been and on the people who’s lives I’ve touched.

    1. Yes Anne – I’m glad the problem is resolved now and thanks for asking!

      We are indeed blessed but most of us don’t look at all that life’s given us. Instead we prefer looking at what we don’t have and forget the small moments that can bring us so much of joy and happiness.

      Happiness is what all of us seek at the end of the day as I keep saying, it’s just that our ways of finding purpose in life to be happy are different. You mentioned well that happiness is more of a decision, which we can take once we make up our minds and remain positive.

      That’s a beautiful purpose to leave a positive impact and touch the lives of people. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by. It’s always nice to have you over. 🙂

  25. Great post Harleena.

    I know that finding a purpose helped me deal with my depression of 18 years, so I can definitively say that it helps, and recommend to do some good old ‘soul searching’ by looking on the inside, but also getting out and doing some work with others. I did a 6 months young womens leadership course in 2012 which forced me to mix with others, but it was comforting as together we searched for our purposes, and most of us found it – and have never looked back.

    1. Welcome to the blog Janine – nice to have you over!

      Glad you could resonate with the post, and yes, finding purpose in life does help us a great deal – externally as well as internally. Nice to know that you overcame that phase of your life once you found your purpose. I guess once you make efforts to bring about a change in your life and are willing to reach out and connect with like minded people – it makes all the difference in giving you a direction in your life.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  26. If you were to ask me I don’t need to find a purpose if I want to be happy. Our lives were give by God to serve him and not to have any other purpose for humankind. If there were, it is to help them save themselves from the gates of hell.

    1. Welcome to the blog John!

      I totally agree with you and that is an ideal answer. God comes first. This itself is a primal purpose without saying – to give back what is due to Him, and serve other fellow human beings as they too are children of God.

      I resonate with the fact that this would give the highest form of inner happiness, which is pure and selfless. However, not everybody can understand and accept such an ideology or philosophy. They need to define a purpose in life, which is under the realm of social or moral good, even if it is personal to them.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  27. Hi Harleena

    A very nice topic once again. Without purpose most of us just go through life without knowing what really makes us happy and what might lead to a fulfilling life. The initial step is realizing that purpose and then gaining the courage to fulfilling it.

    I love how you mention ways to realizing your potential. They key is to work on things that make you happy. No matter what the world does and what everybody says, what makes you happy will help you in finding the purpose.

    1. Glad you liked the topic Hajra!

      Yes indeed, a life without purpose is of no use I think because we really never get to know what direction we are headed, and thus, we can never really be happy within. Once we have our purpose of life clear in our mind, the next step of finding ways of achieving those purposes becomes easy.

      Happiness is the key, and just as you rightly mentioned, no matter what the world says or does, you need to do and follow your heart and do things that make you happy, which is the main purpose of life – isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by. It’s always nice to have you over. 🙂

      1. Following your heart is something I would agree with. But more practically I think a good balance of heart and head works…for me! 🙂

        1. Yes indeed, it’s always my heart first Hajra!

          I remember in an earlier post we did discuss about the heart and mind too! And yes, you are right – ideally a good balance between the heart and mind is required. For me it’s more of an heart issues I guess, though I think we should go with our hearts more but listen to our mind too (I know it should ideally be the other way round) – but this works best for me. 🙂

  28. “I think the purpose of life is to achieve inner happiness at the end of the day.” The Dalai Lama would agree, and said something to this effect. We all share this universal purpose. On the more individual level, I think my purpose is to teach. A Course in Miracles says that we are all teachers. We teach what we want to learn. It seems like I have been a teacher in one way or another most of my life.
    Lovely post.

    1. Glad you could relate to the post Galen!

      I’m sure The Dalai Lama would agree with those lines too because happiness is ultimately what all of us seek. )His exact quote as mentioned in the post is – “I believe that the very purpose of life is to seek happiness.”)

      Sharing your knowledge and wisdom by way of teaching is a wonderful purpose Galen, and I can relate to that because I’ve been a teacher too. The Course of Miracles sounds interesting and what it says does have a lot of meaning too. I guess most people have a little hidden teacher within them, which is how they learn too – isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by. It’s always nice to have you over. 🙂

      1. Oh, yes, that’s the quote! My eyes skipped right over that when I read your post the first time. That’s odd since I usually love quotes, but I was focused on what you were saying!

        1. Happens with the best of us Galen!

          I’m another one who loves quotes and love putting them in all my posts too. I understood when you mentioned The Dalai Lama, though unlike you, I can never really remember them that well. 🙂

          Ah…that’s sweet of you to say that – I appreciate it a great deal indeed. 🙂

  29. Hi Harleena,

    Very interesting thoughts. I have sort of been looking for a purpose in life for a long time, but I’m at peace and I am having a wonderful time even though I haven’t really found a single purpose (at least not yet).

    After reading a book called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff- and it’s all small stuff” I have discovered that sometimes life is about having fun and making others smile 🙂

    1. Glad you could resonate with the post Jens!

      We all undergo that phase when we don’t know our purpose or are looking around for one. But if you are able to find your purpose in life and try to follow that – you are on the right path.

      It’s good that you are at peace, and even if you feel you don’t have a single purpose yet, it might be there and you may not know it. It could be the time you spend with your kids, the help you generate to your readers via your blog, or just about anything that you are presently doing. I guess once you recognize it you would be able to focus more on it.

      Ah..yes…making people smile and spreading joy, just as Kaarina mentioned is a wonderful purpose too. Guess you could try out some exercises to find your purpose in life if you aren’t satisfied with the present ones or looking for a real purpose – mentioned in the ‘Some Goodies’ section, or you can find many online too.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

    2. That’s a great little book Jens.

      We spend far too much time worrying about things that might never happen, and commiserating over things that are past and gone. I use this little question to keep perspective: Will it matter 5 years, 5 months, 5 days or 5 minutes from now? It helps to frame things:)

  30. Lovely post Harleena, and one packed with so many good points and suggestions.

    I have a 3-word Mission in life: To Spread Joy

    That’s my purpose. I live it every day. Cheers! Kaarina

    1. Welcome to the blog Kaarina – nice to have you over!

      Glad you liked the post and suggestions. Ah…love your 3-word mission of spreading joy, which can be one of the best purposes to have in one’s life. And if you are able to live it through everyday and make people happy – it’s truly commendable.

      I agree with Carolyn there then that – you do that very well 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      1. And thank you Harleena. When I keep my Mission foremost and top of mind, all else comes easily:)

        1. That’s really the way to go Kaarina! I think you found your purpose in life and your missions is absolutely crystal clear – great going. 🙂

          1. Thanks:) I look forward to our continued connection. And I see that my brevity might be a problem on this site. I started with “thanks”, added the next sentence…still not long enough, haha! So let’s hope this comment is…long enough, that is:)

            1. Likewise Kaarina!

              And don’t worry about your brevity being a problem. You are a lot like me there, as I love to carry forward the conversation as well. Guess it’s always nice to know another persons views. 🙂

              Oh yes! Thanks for your wonderful contribution and for adding more value to the post. Would stop by your blog soon too. 🙂

  31. Hi Harleena, What an important post and so well written!

    It’s so important for people to find their purpose in life because then they can find direction and feel more at peace with their lives. When you find your life purpose, you can direct your activities towards the pursuit of that direction.

    You are so right about the patience part. People who think their life’s mission is to earn the most money or to be the most famous are usually left feeling empty, as you point out.

    I also think people need patience to find the right direction for their life’s purpose. I like to help people but I have had volunteering experiences that have left me more depressed than energized. Now I help people by raising my girls, volunteering and writing my blog. I’m not solving world hunger but I do like to feel as if I make a difference.

    Thank you for your inspiration, Harleena!

    1. Glad you liked it Carolyn!

      Absolutely! I think without a purpose in our lives we can’t really move in any direction, which leads to dissatisfaction and lack of inner peace. However, there are many people who don’t even have a purpose and just carry on living with no aim, no goal, and nothing to look forward to. It’s almost like passing one day into another aimlessly. Makes me wonder how can they really do that.

      Everything takes time and just as they say – Rome wasn’t built in a day – so we too need to be patient to find the right purpose in life. Money can never bring complete internal satisfaction I think, or else the richest would be the happiest. There always seems to be like something is lacking from their lives too – isn’t it?

      You surely do help a great deal through your wonderful blog Carolyn, which is full of information. And bringing up your daughters and volunteering are wonderful purposes of life, besides the blog that help people like me. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and your surely DO make a difference by your helping and supportive nature, and the wonderful friend that you are. It’s always a pleasure to have you over. 🙂

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