Self help books
how to find your purpose: a step by step guide using self help
By Eleanor Vance
Published: 01 Mar 2025
Finding Your Path: It Starts With You
Let's be honest, figuring out your life's purpose can feel like searching for a needle in a cosmic haystack. It's a big, often overwhelming question, right? I remember a time when I felt utterly lost – a real, what-am-I-doing-with-my-life moment. It was scary and honestly, kinda depressing. I was working a job I hated, surrounded by people who seemed to know exactly what they wanted, while I felt like a ship without a sail. But that's where the journey begins, isn't it? With that feeling of being lost, that moment of 'uh oh'. That's what inspired me to embark on this self-discovery process, and now I'm here to share what I've learned with you. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's dive in!
Person looking lost and confused | Image: Supplied
Step 1: Unearthing Your Values
Before we even THINK about a 'purpose', we need to understand what truly matters to you. What are your core values? What principles guide your decisions, even the tiny, everyday ones? Are you driven by creativity? Do you crave helping others? Is financial security paramount? Make a list. Seriously, grab a pen and paper (or open a note on your phone). Write down everything that comes to mind. Don't overthink it; just let the ideas flow. This isn't about finding the perfect list; it's about getting honest with yourself. For me, it was a mix of creativity, personal growth, and making a positive impact on the world. Your list will be unique, and that's exactly how it should be!
Person writing in a journal | Image: Supplied
Step 2: Exploring Your Passions
Now, let's talk passions. What activities make you lose track of time? What do you find yourself naturally drawn to? Is it painting, hiking, coding, volunteering, playing guitar, baking sourdough bread? (I'm personally a sucker for sourdough, if anyone's taking notes.) Maybe it's a combination of things. Don't limit yourself! Think about the things that make your heart sing, the ones that fill you with energy and enthusiasm. This isn't about what's 'practical' or 'lucrative' right now; it's about connecting with what ignites your soul. For me, I found that my passions all involved using my creativity to impact others' lives.
Person engaging in a hobby | Image: Supplied
Step 3: Identifying Your Skills and Talents
You've got a list of values and passions – excellent! Now, let's connect those to your skills and talents. What are you naturally good at? What do people compliment you on? Are you a great communicator? Are you detail-oriented? Do you have a knack for problem-solving? Again, write it all down! This is where you start seeing the links between your inner world (values and passions) and your outer capabilities. For me, I realized my writing and communication skills aligned perfectly with my passion for helping people and my value of making a positive impact.
Person brainstorming ideas on a whiteboard | Image: Supplied
Step 4: Bridging the Gap
Okay, so you've got your values, passions, and skills. Now it's time to see where they intersect. Where do they overlap? This is where you start to get a glimpse of your purpose. Maybe you're passionate about animals and you're skilled at fundraising – perhaps working for an animal shelter is your path! Or maybe you're passionate about cooking, skilled at marketing, and value financial independence; starting your own food blog could be it! Look for those connections. Don't force it; let the insights emerge naturally. For me, the intersection was clear: my love of writing, coupled with my communication skills, pointed me toward creating content that inspires positive change.
Network graph showing connections between skills, values, and passions | Image: Supplied
Step 5: Taking Action (Yes, Really!)
This is the part where many people get stuck. They spend so much time thinking about their purpose that they never actually do anything about it. Don't be one of them! Start small. Take a baby step. Volunteer for an organization aligned with your values. Take an online course related to your passion. Network with people in your field. The key is to start moving. It's like learning to ride a bike – you'll probably wobble at first, but you'll get there eventually. For me, my first action step was creating a personal blog. It was scary, but it was also the beginning of everything.
Person taking a first step | Image: Supplied
The Ongoing Journey (Because It's Not a Destination)
Finding your purpose isn't a one-time event. It's an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. It will evolve and change as you grow and learn. Embrace the uncertainty, the twists, and turns. Celebrate the small wins, and don't beat yourself up about the setbacks. Your purpose isn't a fixed destination; it's a compass guiding you on an exciting adventure. And remember, it's okay if it takes time! What's your next step going to be?
Person hiking a mountain trail | Image: Supplied
