How to Find Your Purpose & Bring it to Life?

May 21, 2025

Overview

At some point, many of us find ourselves asking the question: “Why am I here?” or “What is my purpose?” Maybe this question has lingered in your heart for years without a clear answer. Or maybe you’ve recently reached a point in your life where everything feels… unfulfilling, and you know deep down there must be more.

If that’s you, take a deep breath, you are not alone. I’ve been there, too.

Like so many others, I didn’t know where to begin. I devoured books, binge-listened to podcasts, and fell down countless YouTube rabbit holes searching for purpose. I was determined to figure it out, whatever “it” was, lol.

But what I learned through it all was this: while gaining knowledge is a beautiful first step, the real answers don’t come from outside of you. They come from within.

The journey to discovering your purpose starts by reconnecting with yourself. It’s about slowing down, getting quiet, and tuning into the voice within, the one that’s been trying to guide you all along.

So, in this article, I’ll walk you through how to begin that journey. We’ll explore five powerful steps to finding your purpose using the Japanese Ikigai model, a beautiful framework that helps you align your passions, gifts, and impact with the life you’re meant to live.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means a ‘reason for being,’ having a direction or purpose in life. It is a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual with the practical. This balance is found at the intersection where your passions and talents converge with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for.

Ikigai Model

Find your purpose with the IKIGAI model

Ikigai is the convergence of these four primary elements:

  • What you love (your passion)
  • What you are good at (your vocation)
  • What the world needs (your mission)
  • What you can get paid for (your profession)

To help you find your purpose and bring it to life, we will explore these four areas in the form of questions below. As we reflect on these questions, trust your intuition; it will guide you to the path you should take. 

Here are 5 Ways to Find Your Purpose & Bring it to Life

#1. What Do You Love?

One of the most powerful ways to find your purpose is to follow the path of joy. Your deepest passions and pleasures, those things that make you feel alive, are not random. They are clues, gently pointing you toward your soul’s unique calling.

To start, make a list of your passions, interests, and the little things that spark your excitement, even if they don’t seem “purposeful” at first glance.

Ask yourself:

  • What sets my soul on fire?
  • What lights me up from the inside out?
  • What activities make me lose track of time?
  • If money were no object, how would I spend my days?

Even your smallest joys matter. Maybe you love experimenting with new recipes or capturing beautiful moments with your camera. That passion could lead to something more: a food blog, a creative business, a travel series.

One of my favorite YouTube channels is run by a guy who simply travels the world trying local food. He shares his journey, spreads joy, and gets paid to do it. That’s purpose in action, and it all started with passion.

Be Open to Trying New Things

If you’re not sure what you’re passionate about yet, that’s okay. Purpose often begins with exploration. Try new things. Say yes to what piques your interest. Step outside your comfort zone. Notice what makes you feel energized, connected, and free.

Your purpose often begins as a whisper, one that gets louder the more you listen.

— Author Unknown
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#2. What Are You Good At?

Another key to unlocking your purpose is recognizing what comes naturally to you: your God-given gifts, strengths, and skills. These aren’t accidents. They’re part of the unique design you were born with, meant to be used in a way that brings light to others and fulfillment to you.

Begin by reflecting on the things that feel effortless, what you do with ease that others often struggle with. These are strengths worth paying attention to.

Ask yourself:

  • What natural gifts and talents do I have?
  • What do others often compliment me on or come to me for?
  • What do I do well without even trying?

Some of these may be skills you were born with, and others you may have developed over time, but all of them are meaningful. Whether you’re an amazing listener, a creative problem solver, a powerful storyteller, or someone who can organize chaos in minutes, these are purposeful abilities.

Take a moment to write them down. Even if they seem small or ordinary to you, they could be extraordinary in someone else’s life. Your strengths are part of your purpose puzzle, and when you align them with what you love, things begin to shift.

#3. What Does the World Need?

A vital part of your soul’s purpose is to be of service to others, to the planet, and to something greater than yourself. Purpose isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it’s about impact. When you begin to see life through the lens of service, everything shifts. Suddenly, everyday moments become opportunities to love, uplift, and inspire.

To begin aligning your purpose with service, reflect on where your heart feels called to help.

Ask yourself:

  • What social, environmental, or community issues tug on my heart?
  • What problems do I feel drawn to help solve?
  • In what ways do I naturally uplift or support those around me?
  • How would I love to be of service?
  • Where am I already making a difference, even in small ways?
  • How can I spread more kindness, love, and light within my family, work, or community?

Your purpose doesn’t have to look like a global movement. You don’t need to have a massive platform. It can begin with a conversation, a helping hand, a story you share, or a heart you lift.

There are no “small” missions. Every act of love echoes. Every act of service matters.

Your desire to serve is a sacred clue. Follow it and you’ll find yourself walking the path of purpose.

#4. What Can You Be Paid For?

Let’s talk about something that often feels a little tricky: money and purpose. For many of us, the idea of getting paid to do meaningful work can feel… off. But here’s the truth: there’s nothing wrong with earning an income from something that lights you up and serves others. In fact, that’s the sweet spot where passion, purpose, and freedom meet.

Imagine waking up each morning feeling fulfilled and excited because you get to do what you love, and you’re rewarded for it in a way that supports your life.

To explore this, ask yourself:

  • What services or products could I offer that would genuinely help someone?
  • What problems can I solve for others in a way that feels aligned and joyful?
  • What needs can I meet with my skills, experience, or passion?

Then, look around at the world we live in. What trends or opportunities are emerging right now? The rise of online learning, coaching, digital products, content creation, remote work, and conscious businesses has opened up more doors than ever before.

Write down what ideas come up, even if they feel big or bold. That’s where the magic lives.

Your purpose is worthy of being supported. You are allowed to thrive.

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#5. Find Your Sweet Spot: Your Ikigai

Now that you’ve explored what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and how you can be paid for it, it’s time to bring it all together. That place where your passion, gifts, service, and profession align? That’s your Ikigai, your sweet spot. And it’s where your most profound joy meets the world’s deepest need.

This is where clarity begins to form. When you connect the dots between your heart’s desires and your ability to make a difference, you begin to uncover a path that feels authentic, fulfilling, and truly your own.

Free “Find Your Purpose” Workbook

To help you work through these steps and map out your unique path to purpose, be sure to download our free “How to Bring Your Purpose to Life” workbook using the form below. It’s a powerful guide filled with journaling prompts and space to reflect.

Closing thoughts on how to find your purpose

At the heart of it all, the purpose of life is to live fully and freely. It’s a sacred journey of self-exploration: of learning, loving, growing, and becoming the fullest expression of who you truly are. You are here to experience life deeply, to evolve, and to share your light with the world.

Your purpose isn’t something outside of you; it’s within you. It’s the alignment of your gifts, your truth, and your desire to make a difference. And when you begin to live in harmony with your authentic self, that is your purpose in action.

But know this: the path to purpose isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s the beliefs we hold, the “I’m not ready,” “I’m not enough,” or “Who am I to do this?” that keep us from stepping into our calling. Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back from the life you were born to live.

And if you’re ready for deeper support on your journey, I’d love to walk alongside you. Learn more about my life purpose coaching program and how we can bring your purpose to life, together.

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About Author

Valene Lindsay

As the founder of the Unfolding Rose and certified life purpose coach, I am passionate about helping women reconnect to their higher self, discover their purpose & create a life they truly desire.