How to decide what to do with your life — 7 questions that’ll help you find your life purpose

✍️Kamal O. Touhami

NOTE: 
I want to reward you, dear reader.
So, if you spent more than 40 seconds reading this story, please leave me a 
note with this text, "good stuff". I will then come to your page and read 
two of your stories and leave two comments (+bonus). Thank you for your 
encouragement and engagement, dear readers.

In this time of personal growth and a quest for deeper meaning, the concepts of passion and purpose dominate our thoughts. Many of us grapple with the burning question: What should I do with my life? Perhaps you’re tired of feeling adrift, seeking a sense of direction.

The array of options available can be overwhelming — so many paths to take, each with its own promises and uncertainties.

You desire to make a decision, yet the fear of making the wrong choice looms large.

The thought of investing time in the wrong direction is daunting.

Ironically, the act of continually contemplating what to do without taking action also consumes valuable time. It’s a paradox — a dilemma stuck between indecision and the fear of making a mistake.

It’s no wonder that many of us feel constantly stressed.

I count myself fortunate enough to have, more or less, found a direction for the near future. I have (still am to some extent grappling with…) navigated through this maze of uncertainty, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about discovering your path.

Here are the most burning questions we all tend to avoid, either directly or indirectly.

1: So, what brings you joy?

I’ve found that joy often sneaks up on me in the simplest of moments. It’s those instances where I feel a burst of happiness that I can’t help but embrace. For me, joy comes from various places. It’s the feeling of accomplishment after completing a challenging task, the warmth of spending quality time with loved ones, or even the serenity found in a quiet moment with a good book and a cup of tea.

I remember one particular moment vividly; I was taking a walk in the park, and the sight of colorful flowers in full bloom caught my attention. The beauty and tranquility of nature filled me with an immense sense of joy. It made me realize how much I cherish being surrounded by nature’s wonders.

2: What do you truly value?

Understanding my values has been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve come to realize that integrity, compassion, and continuous learning hold significant importance in my life. Integrity guides my actions and decisions, ensuring that I stay true to myself and others. Compassion allows me to empathize and connect with people, fostering meaningful relationships.

Moreover, the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth is something I deeply value. I find fulfillment in learning new things, exploring diverse perspectives, and expanding my horizons.

So, my dear friend:

Have you ever experienced a moment that filled you with pure joy?

It could be something as simple as the sound of laughter or the satisfaction of achieving a personal goal. Take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you happiness. It might be in the small, everyday moments that we often overlook.

As for values, what principles guide your life? Is it honesty, kindness, ambition, or something else? Understanding these values can provide a roadmap for living a more purposeful life. So, I encourage you to explore these questions for yourself. Dive into your own experiences and find what truly brings you joy and what you genuinely value. It might just lead you closer to discovering your life’s purpose.

3: Where do you find purpose?

Discovering purpose is like finding the missing piece of a puzzle. For me, it’s in those moments when I feel like I’m contributing to something greater than myself. Whether it’s volunteering for a cause I deeply believe in or using my skills to help others, those instances give me a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

I remember a time when I volunteered at a local rehab center, spending time with addicts and homeless individuals. The gratitude and smiles on their faces made me realize the impact of simple acts of kindness. It was then that I understood how much purpose lies in making a positive difference in someone else’s life.

4: What are your needs?

Getting a good understanding of my needs has been crucial in maintaining balance and fulfillment in my life. Beyond the basic necessities like food and shelter, I’ve realized the importance of emotional connections, mental stimulation, and personal growth.

I’ve discovered that having meaningful relationships and a supportive community fulfills my emotional needs. Similarly, engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate my mind helps me grow and feel content.

Here we are again, my dear friend:

Do you ever feel a sense of fulfillment from the activities you engage in?

Perhaps it’s when you’re doing something that aligns with your values or when you’re helping others. These moments often hold the key to our sense of purpose.

Moreover, recognizing and fulfilling our needs is essential for overall well-being. It’s not just about the basics; it’s about emotional connections, intellectual growth, and personal development. Take a moment to reflect on what truly fulfills your emotional and mental needs. Understanding these aspects can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

5: What engages you completely?

Finding activities that put us in a state of “flow” can be incredibly rewarding. For me, these are the moments when I’m completely absorbed in what I’m doing, losing track of time because I’m so immersed in the task.

Writing has always been one of those activities for me. When I’m in the zone, crafting stories or expressing my thoughts, hours pass by without me even noticing.

I also discovered that taking long walks in the forests and parks nearby has a similar effect to unleashing my imagination in writing what I love. It’s as if the world fades away, and I’m wholly captivated by the rhythm and melody of writing and nature — combined.

6: If limitations weren’t an issue…

Imagine a world without barriers. What dreams or aspirations would you chase? For me, it’s about exploring new places, experiencing and immersing myself in different cultures, and contributing to meaningful causes where and when possible. I often think about how incredible it would be to travel the world — to places that scare me the most, immerse myself in diverse communities, and make a positive impact by helping those in need.

So, here we meet again, my dear chap. Yes, we are chaps, indeed. So, tell me. Pour your heart out; I am all ears.

Have you ever been so engrossed in an activity that time seemed to slip away?

It’s those moments of complete absorption that signify being in a state of “flow.” What activities or passions make you lose track of time? Exploring these can reveal hidden passions and potential paths to fulfillment.

Furthermore, imagine a life without limitations. What dreams or goals would you pursue? Sometimes, envisioning a world without constraints can unlock our true desires and aspirations. Take a moment to imagine your ideal scenario — what would you be doing if nothing held you back? This exercise might unveil exciting possibilities and aspirations you hadn’t considered before.

7: If Time Were Limited…

Contemplating the finite nature of time can be a powerful motivator. If I had only a year left to live, I would strive to spend quality time with my loved ones, cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories. I’d also focus on pursuing my passions wholeheartedly, making a positive impact wherever possible.

Also, I’d want to leave a legacy of kindness and inspiration. I’d aim to touch as many lives as I could, spreading positivity and encouragement to those around me.

Final thoughts

As we ponder these questions together, I encourage you to consider the impact they might have on your life. What would you prioritize if you had limited time? How do your passions align with making a difference in the world?

Reflecting on these unconventional questions might feel daunting at first, but they hold the potential to unlock profound insights about your life’s purpose. Confront these questions head-on as they will open the doors for you to explore the new you and get to know yourself more deeply. Your journey to discovering your life’s purpose might just begin with these unexpected inquiries.

Remember, finding your purpose is not an endpoint but a continuous journey — a journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and embracing the things that truly matter to you. So, take these questions as companions on your quest toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Thank you, my dear friend, for reading this post. If you enjoyed it, which I know you did, please consider clapping and commenting with your questions, answers, and experiences. Follow the page if you are know, and leave me a comment with your name and thoughts on this piece. Let us be chaps. 😇