What Should I do With My Life: How to Find Purpose?

It's been said that the purpose of life is to find something that gives you a purpose. But finding a life purpose is a subjective goal. 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to finding a purpose in life.

And purpose can be a fleeting goal if you don't know what you want out of life. For example, the average American changes their job over 12 times during a working lifetime. 

Is a purpose a unilateral, singular, and unchanging goal? Or can a purpose change? 

Are people so wrapped into exemplifying a chosen identity and sticking with a preconceived purpose that they can't accept that a life purpose can change?

It is an interesting question because it's hard for people to accept change in their lives, especially when it comes to a life purpose that may define them.

And the problem of finding a purpose in life can be a lot worse for aimless people with no discernable purpose in life.

Or it could be worse for people with well-established career identities who realize that their chosen purpose is not making them happy.

For example, many doctors lose a sense of purpose when it comes to their profession.

Up to 30% of doctors and medical professionals are considering quitting and changing their profession in 2021. Many people may blame the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic or government bureaucracy, but the truth is that many doctors are unhappy.

In 2018, there were doctor shortages because so many were quitting due to dissatisfaction or pursuing other careers.

Many doctors wonder what to do with their lives and careers because they have lost a purpose in life.

So, how does one, especially a doctor, find a purpose in life? 

Firstly, what exactly is a life purpose?

Are you a doctor in need of life coaching services? Contact Deanna Larson M. D., physician life coach, today for a consultation. 

Related: People Pleasing: How Do I Stop Putting Myself Last?

What is a Life Purpose?

Having a purpose in life can define how happy, satisfied, and fulfilled you will feel in life.

A life purpose is the motivating and central goal of your life. A purpose in life can be an action, a career, or a goal that defines you but still feels more significant than yourself.

Having a purpose in life can define who you are as a person, the people you associate with and influence your behavior.

Having a purpose in life can be the reason that you get out of bed in the morning. And having a life purpose can create a direction in life and meaning for living it.

So, it can be highly devastating when one has no life purpose.

However, it can be just as devastating to be established in a career and realize later that you lack a life purpose.

When people focus on a purpose in life, they may be unable to change that purpose. It is hard for people to admit they are wrong or made a mistake about something as important as a life purpose.

But the truth is that a purpose in life can change. However, it can be emotional turmoil not to have one or admit to choosing the wrong one.

How do I Find My Sense of Purpose?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how to find a sense of purpose in life. It is OK not to have one. 

And that it is better to take your time carefully considering what truly motivates you in life than rushing into the wrong career.

Here are professional tips on how to find a sense of purpose.

Accept That You Will Fail

There is nothing bad with failing. What matters is learning from the experience. And it could take a long time for you to understand the motivating driver of your life, a sense of purpose.

It might take several attempts and failures before you learn your purpose in life. And even then, you may have to attain higher education, learn new skills, or acquire certifications.

Your sense of purpose will not appear to you like a dream-like epiphany. You will know it when you know it. 

Accept that it will take time to learn your life purpose and fail a few times before you understand it.

Make a List

What is it that makes you happy? What do you think will motivate you to get out of bed as a life purpose?

It is OK if the answer is not apparent.

Think about your aspirations and goals in life. Make a list of things that you want to do. Keep a journal of your feeling related to a life goal.

You are not going to trip over your meaning in life. Take the time to think about what you want to do.

Make Professional Connections

You will never realize your purpose in life by sitting at home and wallowing in despair. Make professional connections with a former and current colleague and keep those connections fresh.

Maintain a professional pipeline of connections so that you will be apprised of new opportunities coming your way. And be open-minded about considering what might make you happy.

Associate With Positive People

Not having a purpose in life can be depressing. Help the situation by surrounding yourself with positive thinking people. 

Positivity attracts positivity.

Talk to a Life Coach

Consult a life coach to help you to identify what you need to do in your life to accomplish the goals you seek.

What is my Life's Purpose?

Only you can discern your purpose in life. Take time to learn it, and don't rush into a career for its own sake.

Why is it so Hard to Find your Purpose in Life?

Finding a purpose in life is a subjective thing. Finding a purpose in life won't happen on a timetable or when you want.

Find happiness in your efforts to live life to the fullest while searching for a life purpose. 

How do I decide what to do with my life?

You could be focusing on finding a purpose in life so hard; you might miss it or unwittingly be blind to it. Focus on work that makes you happy, and you may find your life purpose.

How Can I Regain my Life Purpose?

Reassess what makes you happy. Think about what you want to do in life. Don't associate your occupation with identity, especially if it is making you feel unfulfilled.

Think about the efforts you need to undertake to find a life purpose instead of the goal itself. 

Is There no Meaning to Life?

Every life is precious. And the meaning of life is whatever you project onto it. 

And be positive you will find a life purpose. People with a purpose in life are 15% more likely not to die early in life compared to those without one.

Be positive. There is no future in despair.

Can You Live Without Purpose?

People live without purpose every day. People work jobs they are not satisfied with to pay bills and take care of their families.

Sometimes a life purpose may find you instead of the other way around. The efforts in finding a life purpose may make you happier than attaining.

After all, finding your purpose in life means you have a lot of work to do to manifest it.

How do you Overcome a Lack of Purpose?

By being open to failure and willing to try different vocations until you find what makes you happy.

You could consider finding a different career focus in your current vocation to find a life purpose.

How do I Find a Career I Love?

Accept that it will take time to find it. Personal enlightenment is never attained on a schedule.

Are you a doctor in need of life coach services? Contact Deanna Larson M.D. today.

Related: Gratitude: How Gratitude Makes You Happier