Many times, we lose the sense of purpose amid the hustle and bustle of life. It seems like each one of us is running after something. Whether it is success or wealth, fame or simply survival, the constant rush to achieve the next milestone often overshadows the very basic question of why we started in the first place. The connection between ‘What we are doing’ and ‘Why We Are Doing’ can become blurred.
Life without a purpose is just like a ship without a rudder. If there is no clear sense of purpose in life, then life becomes meaningless. This loss of purpose affects your mental and physical health. The moment you feel that there is nothing in life that makes sense, it is essential to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you. Shivani Misri Sadhoo, India’s top marriage counsellor and relationship expert, shares a few strategies that might help you find your real purpose in life. Let’s begin our journey with a positive frame of mind.
How would you define a purpose?
So, how do you define purpose? In simple words, a purpose is a belief that your life is important- you have a role to play here. It holds a significant meaning for others. A purpose could be as small as doing well in your next exam or as big as bringing change to the world. No matter what it is, purpose gives a reason to wake up every morning, stay focused on what you are doing, and add new meaning to your life. Your purpose may change over time. It is natural for it to evolve as you grow older.
Introspect
The first and foremost thing you can do is delve deep within yourself. Ask yourself: What do you truly want in life? What is it that makes you feel happy at the end of the day? It could be something as simple as painting—so make it your purpose. It may not be your professional goal, and it may not help you meet your financial needs. But who said your purpose has to be tied to money? Sit with yourself and introspect. Once you find your true passion, motivation will come naturally, and that motivation will drive you forward.
Discover Your Strengths
Find out what comes naturally to you—those abilities or traits that feel effortless but make a real difference. These are your innate strengths, the quiet gifts that shape how you interact with the world. Recognising them is not just about building confidence; it’s about discovering where your energy flows most freely.
When you engage in work or pursuits that align with your natural talents, you tend to thrive, not only in performance but in fulfilment. So, take the time to reflect: What do others consistently praise you for? What tasks leave you feeling energised rather than drained? Honouring and developing these strengths is a powerful step toward uncovering a sense of purpose that feels both authentic and deeply satisfying.
Step Outside the Comfort Zone
Sometimes, exploring or trying out new things can help define your purpose in life. When you feel that you are stuck or uncertain about a particular direction to take, then experimenting with new things or engaging in activities that you have never done before may help you understand your real purpose.
It may simply reveal a new aspect of your personality or uncover your dormant interests that reignite your motivation. Who knows, you will be surprised to discover a completely ‘new you’. It could be a simple volunteering task or even joining a community group. The more you interact with others, the more you will learn about your preferences, values, and potential goals. This exposure can help you refine your sense of purpose and direction in life.
Talk to your friends
Sit with your friends and talk about your life goals. These discussions will allow you to reflect on your aspirations, gain new perspectives and may even help you figure out your purpose in life. When you see your friends talking about their aspirations or goals in life with passion and excitement, it can inspire you to action, too. Sometimes, these conversations spark new ideas or help you refine your own path.
To Sum It Up Life is a journey and finding your purpose is an ongoing process that evolves over time. It begins with introspection–taking a moment to truly understand what makes you happy and fulfilled. You discover your innate strengths and passions which help you align your efforts with what feels most authentic to you.
Pushing beyond your comfort zone opens doors to new experiences and insights, while conversations with friends and loved ones offer fresh perspectives that can help refine your sense of direction. At the end of the day, your purpose has to make you feel happy. You must remember that it is your life, and you should not be really bothered by what others say or tell you to do!
Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship counsellor by the world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained in specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also certified in emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy.
Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialized training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counselors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practices independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India, but also is listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital Panel – Institute of Brain and Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
Call Counselor: +91-8860875040
Email: saarthiforlife@gmail.com
