To decide and to declare, to create and to express, to experience and to fulfill, Who You Really Are; To re-create yourself anew in every moment in the grandest version of the greatest vision ever you had about Who You Really Are – That is your purpose in becoming human, and that is the purpose of all life.
Excerpt: Conversations with God. Book 3. Neale Donald Walsh.
Readiness to grasp your life purpose isn’t measured by external achievements, moral character, or even your philosophical insights. It’s determined by a unique combination of factors that create the right time and space for this understanding to emerge.
All around you are signs pointing to what your soul intended to do and why you are here. These signs aren’t hard to decipher, but you need to allow yourself the clarity to see them by clearing out anything that hinders your perception. Beyond the obvious clues, there are also subtle areas of your life where you naturally fulfill your life purpose without even realizing it.
Consider the soul groups in your life—romantic partners, family, friends, acquaintances, and yes, even enemies. Each of these relationships plays a role in serving your life purpose. These soul groups help set the stage for your personal growth and purpose. They reflect your inner self back to you, providing opportunities for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of who you are.
By engaging with these relationships and paying attention to the signs around you, you can uncover the intentions of your soul and embrace your unique purpose in life.
Of course, there are many other factors that might be hindering you from discovering your life purpose, but the ones listed here are a good starting point to get you thinking. Here are some reasons why finding or fulfilling your life purpose can be challenging:
- You are not doing what you love to do.
- You once had goals you planned for yourself but somehow got sidetracked and didn’t follow through.
- Often, your intuition signals that you’re on the wrong path, but you push those thoughts aside because they don’t align with what is typically deemed the “right” course of action.
- You may be following society’s standard for what is considered acceptable vs. your own plan for success:
- The conventional path involves education, landing a job, getting married, buying a house, having kids, watching popular TV shows, paying taxes, growing old, and eventually passing away. Occasionally, you get to enjoy some fun during your limited annual holidays or vacations.
- The conventional path involves education, landing a job, getting married, buying a house, having kids, watching popular TV shows, paying taxes, growing old, and eventually passing away. Occasionally, you get to enjoy some fun during your limited annual holidays or vacations.
- You enter a relationship where cultural norms dictate that you must provide for your partner in specific ways, even if those ways make you uncomfortable, and these expectations vary depending on who you are with.
- You become overly invested in someone else’s life goals, sidelining your own dreams. For instance, fulfilling your parents’ unachieved aspirations, continuing a family business, or adhering to something accepted by your family or significant other.
- In romantic relationships, there’s often the notion that you must do, like, and enjoy the same activities as your partner for both of you to be happy. If your partner is passionate about something, you are expected to share that same level of interest.
- Jealousy. Feeling jealous of successful people can hinder you from fulfilling your own life’s purpose. This jealousy often leads to a competitive mindset, focusing on who has the biggest house, the most attractive spouse, the fanciest car, the highest income, the most friends, the most prestigious job, or the highest education. You might even dislike someone simply because you perceive them as doing things better than you.
- Comparison:
- “If only I were like him or her, my life would be better. If only I had achieved what they have, my life would be better.”
- “I am too young to do this, I will do it later.”
- “I am too old to do this now, it’s too late.”
- Fear of your success and the new responsibilities it brings. This one is more common than most people realize. It is the fear of success that causes you to focus on everywhere/everyone else except on yourself.
- “Am I making the right choice by trying something new? Is my current partner the best option, or could there be someone better for me?” (leading to staying in an unhealthy relationship out of fear there isn’t a better option).
- “If I get a promotion, will I perform well, or should I stick with my current, easier job?” If others have succeeded, chances are you can too if you truly desire it.
- You are hesitant to take risks, preferring the comfort of predictability.
- You’re trapped in old patterns of behavior that bring only temporary gains and don’t lead to long-term success. This prevents you from building a solid foundation for yourself with your current approach. It’s crucial to recognize when something no longer works for you and to have the courage to let go of what no longer serves your best interest. Trying something new requires bravery, and once you do, you need the determination to give it a fair chance to succeed.
- When you are living your life in the past vs. the NOW.
- When you are dependent on stimulants or co-dependent on others for your livelihood.
- Other fears of failure include believing that achieving your true goals is too difficult or preferring to take the easy way out. However, consider whether the easy way is truly easier or if it’s an illusion you’ve created. What do you sacrifice by choosing the easy path? What do you gain? Is the hard way really as difficult as it seems? Weigh your options and consider the consequences of your decisions. Few things in life come easily; we always earn what we put forth.
- Assuming you can only have one main focus in life. Many people switch between professions and become authorities in multiple fields. A year of dedicated study and interest can take you far. This approach allows you to pursue numerous serious careers. Eventually, you may reach a point where you no longer progress, merely repeating past efforts. This is when you have the opportunity to create something new. The instinct to create is inherently human.
If you’re struggling to discover your life purpose, here are some helpful questions to reflect on, meditate on, and ask yourself.
- What are your biggest struggles and challenges in life? These obstacles are what you’re here to overcome.
- What are your fondest wishes in life? These are the goals and dreams you may aspire to achieve.
- Are you aligning your goals with others’ expectations instead of your own? If so, how can you change this, and are you willing to make that change? It can be challenging, especially if you’ve buried your own dreams to please others. In this case, consider doing something for yourself to give yourself a chance at happiness.
- What fears do you have about failing? Are you aware that these fears are often self-created? If you haven’t truly attempted to succeed without giving up, how can you be certain your fears will come true? Most of the time, fear is simply your imagination creating false evidence that appears real. When you have a legitimate reason to fear something, assess your options to eliminate that fear and take the necessary steps to do so. No excuses. It’s easier said than done, but to live the life you deserve, you must take responsibility for making it happen.
- What do you think about yourself and your ability to achieve your goals? Do you believe in yourself, or do you struggle with self-esteem? Can you change any negative perspectives you have about your capacity to pursue your dreams? Can you embrace the belief that you are more than you seem—a spiritual being having a physical experience?
- How is what you’re doing now serving you? Are you becoming a happier, healthier person? Are you progressing in life, or do you feel stuck? What choices could you make to move forward toward your goals?
- Are you satisfied with the decisions you’ve made regarding your goals? Ultimately, your happiness is what truly matters.
- Are you willing to meditate and engage in self-discovery or self-realization exercises? Are you ready to be true to yourself and ask, “Why am I here? Who am I? What is my purpose?” Recognizing your strengths is easy, but confronting your weaknesses is challenging. Meditating on these questions can allow answers to flow freely into your mind, as long as you remain open.
We enter this world to create and re-create ourselves, and are master creators in our own right. Reflect on the many times your life has transformed or evolved naturally into something new. Not all of these changes were entirely predictable, yet each one has forever altered you. Change is a constant, happening whether you embrace it or resist it. Evolution is an ongoing process, regardless of your discouragement or doubt.
Grant yourself the freedom to be in a perpetual state of becoming. Embrace the self-discovery that is inherently yours. Difficult times are part of your growth plan; they teach valuable lessons. Accept what you’ve learned through struggles and challenges, and don’t let past wounds keep you anchored in the past. Go with the flow of change and invite positive experiences into your life. Manifest what you wish to receive and take proactive steps to become a happier person, always ensuring you harm no one in the process.
For those who have lived a full life yet still seek answers about the Self, I recommend meditating on life’s toughest questions concerning your existence. This practice may open new doorways to self-awareness and spiritual progression, honoring your journey and continuous growth.
See the links below:
Also see my spiritual mentor, J.J. Michael’s post: Following Your Path at any Any Age and Time