"How Do I Find My Purpose in Life?" The Truth You Need to Hear

Purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you create.

Why It Matters

We’ve been told that purpose is like buried treasure, waiting to be uncovered. That’s a lie.

Purpose isn’t a sudden revelation—it’s the result of meaningful actions, aligned decisions, and following what energizes you. You don’t sit around waiting for it to appear. You build it step by step.

So, instead of chasing an “aha” moment, let’s explore how you can design your purpose with intention.

Stop Asking “How Do I Find My Purpose in Life?” and Start Chasing Meaning

Fulfillment isn’t about what you do; it’s about how it makes you feel.

One of the most powerful moments in my journey was when I coached someone who felt completely lost. After a few sessions, they had a breakthrough—their shoulders relaxed, their voice lifted, and they had clarity about what was next.

They didn’t “find” their purpose. They found meaning in their next step—and that made all the difference.

👉 The key isn’t what you do—it’s whether it moves you.

💡 Ask Yourself:

• What’s one thing you’ve done recently that left you feeling deeply fulfilled?

• Where in your life do you feel engaged rather than just competent?

Your Purpose is a Prototype—Keep Iterating

You don’t think your way into purpose. You act your way into clarity.

The only way I learned what I truly valued was by testing and refining my experiences. Every decision I made came down to one simple filter:

✔️ Does this align with what excites and energizes me?

✔️ Or does it drain me, leaving me feeling out of sync?

That’s exactly how I ended up founding Next Generation Leaders—a nonprofit dedicated to coaching veterans, military spouses, and young adults. I didn’t have all the answers. But I trusted the process, followed what gave me energy, and let my purpose emerge through action.

💡 Ask Yourself:

• What projects or experiences have energized you the most?

• What do you keep coming back to, even when life gets busy?

Your Body Knows Before Your Mind Does—Listen to It

Your emotions are a compass. Pay attention to how different choices feel in your body:

❌ Do you feel resistance, dread, or fatigue? That’s a sign you’re moving away from alignment.

✅ Do you feel expansion, excitement, or freedom? That’s a sign you’re stepping into something meaningful.

I knew I was on the right path when I lost track of time building the Next Generation Leaders website, seeking volunteers, and connecting with mission-driven organizations. It wasn’t work—it was flow.

💡 Ask Yourself:

• When was the last time you lost track of time doing something you love?

• What decisions have made you feel the most alive lately?

Don’t Confuse External Success with Internal Fulfillment

Just because something looks good on paper doesn’t mean it will feel good in your soul.

I once earned a prestigious certification simply because it was “the next big step.” But after achieving it, I felt… nothing. No joy. No deeper connection to my work.

That moment forced me to shift my mindset. Now, everything I do is aligned with my North Star—helping others through the power of coaching. Instead of chasing external recognition, I focus on internal alignment.

💡 Ask Yourself:

• Have you ever achieved something that looked impressive but felt empty?

• What would success look like if nobody else was watching?

Purpose Reveals Itself Through Action—Not Overthinking

I never thought I’d run a nonprofit while also running a business and working full-time. It started as a passion projectand turned into something bigger than I ever imagined.

The key? I took action first. If I had waited until I felt “ready,” I never would have started.

👉 Purpose doesn’t come from sitting in deep thought.

👉 Purpose emerges when you engage with the world and see what resonates.

💡 Ask Yourself:

• Is there something you started for fun that turned into a bigger passion?

• What’s one small step you can take today to explore something new?

Where to Go From Here

Forget the idea of one singular life purpose. The real magic happens when you:

✅ Follow what feels right today

✅ Align with your values and energy

✅ Take small steps that build into something greater

You don’t have to know the full picture—just take the next step. Purpose will meet you there.

💬 What’s one step you can take this week to move toward a more meaningful life?

Go Deeper

If this resonated with you, here are three game-changing resources to take your journey further:

 If this resonated with you, here are three game-changing resources to take your journey further:

📖 Book: “The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life” by David Brooks

This book explores the shift from chasing success to living with meaning and purpose. If you’re at a crossroads, this is a must-read.

🎙️ Podcast: The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

This podcast is packed with insights on decision-making, personal growth, and defining success on your own terms.

🎥 Video: Simon Sinek’s TED Talk: “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”

This is a masterclass in finding your “Why”—one of the most viewed TED Talks of all time for a reason.

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Need help with your purpose?

If you or your team struggle with focus, productivity, or leadership clarity, I can help. Cognitus Leadership and Executive Coaching specializes in helping leaders cut through the noise, build smarter systems, and maximize their impact—without burnout.

🔹 Let’s talk: Schedule a free discovery session today