How to Find Your Purpose: It’s Not What You Do, But Why You Do It

Let’s get one thing straight: purpose isn’t something you have to chase, earn, or prove.

It’s not a trophy waiting for you at the finish line of some imaginary race. It’s not a badge you get for saving the world, climbing the corporate ladder, or ticking off society’s checklist of “meaningful” achievements. Purpose is simpler than that. It’s quieter. It’s already inside you, waiting to be acknowledged.

But here’s the problem: we’ve been sold a lie about purpose. We’ve been told it has to look a certain way—big, bold, and tied to some grand cause or career. We’ve been told that if we’re not out there changing the world in a visible, measurable way, we’re not living with purpose.

And that’s just not true.

The Myth of the “Perfect” Purpose

I’ve spent years talking about purpose—what it means, how to find it, and why it matters. And here’s what I’ve learned: purpose isn’t about what you do. It’s about why you do it.

It’s not about the title on your business card, the size of your paycheck, or the number of people you impact. It’s about the fire that fuels you, the thing that makes you feel alive, and the reason you get out of bed in the morning.

And guess what? That reason doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Unburden Yourself from the “Shoulds”

One of the most liberating things you can do is let go of the “shoulds” around purpose. You know the ones I’m talking about:

• You should be doing something bigger.

• You should be making a difference in the world.

• You should be more selfless, more ambitious, more… whatever.

  
  

Here’s the truth: purpose isn’t about what you should do. It’s about what you want to do. It’s about what feels true to you.

The dictionary defines purpose as “the reason for which something is done.” That’s it. No qualifiers, no judgments, no expectations. Purpose doesn’t have to be tied to a cause, a job, or even other people. It can be as simple as wanting to create something, solve a problem, or nurture the people you love.

Purpose Isn’t Just Found Outside of Work

Here’s another myth we need to bust: the idea that purpose has to be separate from your job. We’ve been told to “do your job, make your money, and find your purpose outside of work.”

Joy comes when you find purpose and live intentionally.

But why? Why can’t purpose be woven into the fabric of what you do every day? According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 95% of workers want to derive purpose from their work. I can't imagine what I would have felt like if I wasn't feeling purpose in any of my corporate roles.

The truth is, purpose can be found in any job, any role, any task—if you’re intentional about it. Whether you’re a teacher, a nurse, an entrepreneur, or a freelancer, your work can be a source of purpose if it aligns with your values and motivations. It’s not about the title or the industry; it’s about the why behind what you do.

How to Connect with Your Purpose

So, how do you connect with your purpose? Start by asking yourself one simple question: What lights you up?

Your purpose doesn’t have to be a grand cause or a lofty goal. It can be as simple as wanting to create something, solve a problem, or make someone’s day a little brighter. It can be about building a business, nurturing a family, or pursuing a passion. The key is to identify what matters most to you and let that guide your actions.

For me, my purpose is about connection. It’s about helping others feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about creating spaces where people can show up as their authentic selves and pursue their own versions of purpose. And that’s what gets me out of bed every morning.

Rewrite the Rules on Purpose

This week, I challenge you to rewrite the rules on purpose. Forget the outdated notion that it has to be tied to a grand cause or a specific job. Ask yourself: What lights me up? What makes me feel alive? What gets me out of bed in the morning?

And then, do more of that.

Purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you uncover within yourself. It’s not about what you do, but why you do it. So, let go of the societal expectations, unburden yourself from the pressure to “save the world,” and define purpose on your own terms.

Because at the end of the day, your purpose is yours—and it’s already within you. You just have to give yourself permission to embrace it.