Beyond Passion: How to Find Purpose Even When You’re Stuck.

We’ve all heard the buzz about passion. Follow your passion! Find your passion project! But what if you don’t have a burning desire for any one thing? What if you’re stuck, adrift in a sea of “What am I doing with my life😔” when it comes to your purpose?

This is where the concept of purpose goes beyond passion. Passion is great, it can be a powerful motivator, but it’s not the only path to a meaningful life. Purpose is the deeper wellspring that feeds our drive and gives our lives direction, even when passion feels like a flickering candle.

Why We Get Stuck

Feeling stuck when searching for purpose is a common experience. Here are some reasons why:

• The Pressure to Find “The One”: In our modern world, the pressure to find a fulfilling career, a romantic partner, or a life purpose can be overwhelming. This pressure often leads to overlooking opportunities for personal growth. It’s crucial to embrace purpose as a journey that evolves with us, not a singular grand calling. 
• Focusing on Outcomes: People often focus on getting approval from others and meeting society’s expectations. They ask questions like, “What job do I have?” or “What do I own?” or “What have I achieved?” But when people ignore the deeper questions about their values, beliefs, and purpose, they end up living a shallow life. By exploring the reasons behind their actions, people can align with their values, decide how to spend their time and energy, and find a sense of purpose and satisfaction. This allows them to unlock their true potential.
• Fear of Failure: Stepping outside of our comfort zone and exploring new possibilities can be an intimidating endeavour. It requires us to confront our fears and venture into the unknown. The fear of failure looms over us, threatening to extinguish our spark of curiosity and hold us back from discovering what truly ignites our passion. This fear can manifest in various ways, from self-doubt and insecurity to the apprehension of judgement or criticism from others. It can paralyse us, preventing us from taking that leap of faith that could lead us to extraordinary experiences and personal growth.

Finding Purpose Beyond the Stall

In the pursuit of personal fulfilment, individuals may encounter periods of stagnation and uncertainty, leading to feelings of being stuck. To overcome this challenge and find purpose, it is essential to rekindle one’s internal compass. Here are some strategies for reigniting your sense of direction and purpose:

• Values First: Instead of chasing passion, start with your values. What matters most to you? Is it creativity, helping others, or making a difference in the world? Aligning your actions with your values creates a sense of purpose that transcends momentary passions.
• Small Steps, Big Impact: Don’t wait for a lightning bolt to strike. Start small. Volunteer for a cause you care about, learn a new skill or take on a side project. These small steps can snowball into a path filled with purpose.
• Gratitude Attitude: Shifting your focus to what you’re grateful for can open doors to purpose. Appreciating your talents, resources, and connections can lead you to unexpected opportunities to contribute and make a difference.
• Embrace the Journey: The search for purpose is a lifelong process. There will be twists, turns, and dead ends. Enjoy the exploration, learn from your experiences, and trust that your purpose will unfold as you keep moving forward.

Remember, purpose isn’t a fixed destination, it’s a guiding light. By focusing on your values, taking action, and embracing the journey, you can find your unique purpose, even when passion feels out of reach.

So in the spirit of this new month, prioritise values, embrace the journey, and let purpose guide actions.