Finding purpose can be so important. One day, after my wife and I had been shopping in London, we returned to London Victoria station ( see location on google maps ) and looked for an empty seat. Usually, when I am free, I would tend to look down at my phone and take in ridiculous amounts of information. But this time, like my wife often does, I began to observe other people going by.

Friends shaking hands, businessmen rushing about. Weaving in and out of the masses of crowds. Others reading newspapers intently with their legs folded. People sitting high above the open square in the Weatherspoons pub. Relaxing with a pint of the finest beer, also observing the world go by. Teenagers in large groups, all focused upon their smart devices, smiling and seeking approval amongst their peers.

What became evident to me on observation was that each person was going about their life with a goal. A purpose or ambition in mind. Not one person was just wandering aimlessly and pointlessly.

We can become so focused on our own lives, struggles, strains (and goals) that we forget that every single person around us is also experiencing similar lives. Acting on human impulses to not only survive but, to live our lives with a purpose. In this blog post, I intend to discuss the importance of finding purpose. What purpose might mean for different people, and how to go about discovering yours.


Why finding purpose is so important

It probably seems quite obvious to most. Without importance, our life can feel pointless and the onset of depression can set in. It can sometimes seem almost impossible to know our purpose, it sometimes seems as though all roads are blocked, or there is no solution to this conundrum. Humanity has always questioned the ‘purpose of life’ but really, we need to be asking the really important question…’ what is the purpose of my life?’.

But why is it important to find purpose? Purpose drives us to live more fulfilling lives. With purpose, it is like the coals stoaking our hearts to pursue great dreams or ambitions and I am not talking only career goals or ambitions. We are discussing the ambition of all varieties. Once we have that drive in us we meet amazing people. We discover and experience amazing places. We also have reason to wake up with vigor and a smile every morning.

But you may have just read this and thought…my god, I don’t have a clue what my purpose is, I feel so low! The founder of Seek A Therapy was also once a lost soul and can tell you, He knows how it feels to feel confused, blocked, and lost. Reaching a purposeful life is achievable,  it is possible. If you are struggling to find your route in life here are some suggestions to help you find your purpose that might help you to lift your life into a new direction.

Finding purpose can be so important to people. Noticing what other people find purpose in

When speaking to people on life’s journey you begin to notice the varying purposes of people. When you pay great attention to what people say to you, you notice their passions. What they enjoy, what they speak about often, and what makes their lives feel fulfilled. This is just a small list of the things that help people find purpose in their lives and maybe, one or two may also resonate with you.

finding purpose can be so important. A picture of a child playing with a football character

Family and children

Many people put a large emphasis on family. It is many people’s purpose in life that they are able to see their family as much as possible. Enjoy as many family occasions as possible. Several work colleagues John, the founder of Seek A Therapy had in his career took great pride in raising his children. They found great purpose in this, it drives him to work hard on his job and provide a stable environment to raise his children.

These two different types of purpose can give us all a lift. To either know there are others that care about us unconditionally and/or rely on us can be comforting and give us the purpose to strive for something better.

Career

Mastering and practicing a skill gives many a person a sense of great achievement. Moving up the career ladder is often of great importance to many. Being recognized for a great skill or talent can give a great sense of purpose to everyone. Many people want to be a manager with a great income but that takes time. This realisation that hard work will eventually result in a good career could be something that gives your life more purpose. Be prepared though, if your career is really what you want to give you purpose be careful not to neglect your family and friends, try to find balance. Also, be prepared to move anywhere in the world, wherever the opportunity for a better vocation needs you to. The founder of Seek A Therapy moved 200 miles away from his hometown in order to start his career. This was his purpose on his road to recovery. If you are career-minded you really need to be prepared to sacrifice some parts of your life.

Friends

finding purpose can be so important. Having friends can be beneficial

Having friends around you that understand you and the way you think can be very rewarding. When you bounce off each other with funny jokes and interests in the same things is a great feeling. Someone to listen to you when you have a problem, it can give you a sense of purpose knowing that there are a group of people who you can depend on. There are now apps where you can meet new friends one of which is called MeetUp ( I will be looking into and discuss in the near future).

Helping others

it could be said that there is nothing more fulfilling than being in the service of others. There is little to lose in this regard. I would suggest that if this is your purpose just be careful not to give too much. Some people can take advantage of your good nature so learn to sometimes be able to say no. You must put yourself first otherwise you will not be in a position to help those who need your care.

Travel

finding purpose can be so important. Setting goals to travel can be good to build purpose and expand the mind. A pic of seek a therapy founder in Thailand

Being able to see the world and all its wonders brings many people riches of the mind. Travel can help improve your mental health and the way you think. The founder of Seek A Therapy once traveled alone to Colombia when he was in a deep depression. On return, he had gained new perspectives on his world. The only problem with traveling is that sometimes when returning from the adventure, reality sets in. You need to get back to your day job, so learning to reflect and keeping reality in mind is important. Or taking many pictures and recording your experiences can bring back your experience to mind on viewing or reading your articles.




Running your own business

Being your own boss is the dream of many. Being at home, paying your rent or mortgage, and growing a self-sustainable income. Saying goodbye to having a boss and only having to answer to yourself and your clients can be liberating. It can only run into problems if you feel you need colleagues for a social life. You keep most of your work at your home. You neglect your personal life and become a workaholic. If you are serious about running your own business, then there is plenty of professionals offering business advice for whatever it is you need help with. Maybe your business could be your ultimate purpose in life.

Health

Becoming extremely health-conscious can give a person purpose, again. A physically perfect body is desirable to many. T the effort it takes to achieve a really great body can be very time consuming and a lot of hard work. Health comes more than just in bodily terms though. You can improve your diet, cook good food, get out more, and spend less time on computers. Developing a healthier way of living could become your purpose. The greatest wealth is health after all!

Love

Finding love, real true love can make life much more fulfilling. Having someone who loves you and supports you can give you so much energy to pursue your dreams harder. Love can help you enjoy the world more brightly and to see new perspectives that otherwise wouldn’t have existed otherwise. A partner to share life with really is fulfilling to most people. There are many different ways to meet new people these days. Single doesn’t have to be your status quo. Make love your purpose.

Money and the pursuit of it

People I have met who are very wealthy find happiness in affording nice things. They get some small enjoyment from those brand new things but it is often short-lived. The pursuit of money is not wrong. It is a tool in order to be able to give you more time. It gives you the ability to afford a more comfortable living standard.  Pursuing money as your purpose can be fulfilling for some. If this is yours then consider how to gain it. Do you need to up-skill? Do you need to start a business? This can then become your goal and purpose.

Pursuing a hobby and mastering it

The founder of Seek A Therapy has always enjoyed the arts. he trained as an architect, practiced fine art, and has self-taught himself a lot of web coding languages. This pursuit of new skills has given him purpose and drive. It is rewarding to see things you design and create come into fruition. Whatever you enjoy, take the time to practice it. It is often rewarding and can make an otherwise dull or boring life feel like it has a purpose again. Even if you are struggling, attempt to enjoy your hobby more.

Finding Purpose Can Be So Important For Good Wellbeing

Finding a purpose may sometimes not feel very easy but we hope this article may help. Consider what it is you really enjoy and value in life and then discover what your purpose might be. I once remember someone telling me, “what was it you enjoyed doing as a child of about 7 years old?”. How were you as a youngster before the reality of adulthood struck? This is often a great basis for helping you discover your life’s purpose. The thing that will give your life enjoyment and may help you feel life is rewarding and fulfilling once again. Finding purpose can be so important for your mental health, I hope this article helps you find yours.

 

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