A purpose in life can make all the difference

Your purpose relates to the core motivations in your life, the reason(s) why you choose to get up every day. One’s purpose often influences your decisions, behaviours and goals and can offer you a sense of direction and meaning in your life. For many, their life purpose is related to their profession or career, and having rewarding and meaningful work. For others, it can revolve more around their family, friends, religion or spirituality. Everyone will have their own unique purpose in life and often this will change throughout life and life’s experiences.

At times you may find reason to question your life purpose. This can often occur at times of big change or transition in life, such as an education or career change, personal loss, accident or financial change. These changes can open up vulnerabilities, possibilities, personal growth and questions, which can result in a changed outlook on both life and its purpose.

A purpose in life is linked to a longer lifespan

Research has suggested that not only is a meaningful life more satisfying, it’s also linked to a longer life. A 2010 study, published in Applied Psychology, found that people with high levels of well-being (which involves having a sense of purpose, a sense of control and a feeling that what you do is worthwhile) tend to live longer.

There is also research that links a sense of purpose in life to more positive health outcomes, such as fewer strokes and heart attacks, better sleep, and a lower risk of dementia and disabilities.

Another study done by researchers from Princeton University, Stony Brook University and University College London examined how a sense of purpose and wellbeing can affect a person’s longevity. The results established a link between high levels of wellbeing and life expectancy. Participants in the highest wellbeing group were 30% less likely to die over the study period (8.5 years) living two years longer, on average, than those in the lowest wellbeing category.

Find your life purpose

It may sound simple enough, but finding a purpose in life isn’t something that everyone finds easily. Even those with a career, loving family and friends may find that they lack a sense of purpose and direction. To find your purpose in life there are many soul seeking questions and activities that can help you. We have listed some of these are below:

Who am I? – asking yourself who you are can identify your key values, traits, and talents, that can help toward your goals in life.
Where do I belong? – knowing where you belong can help point you in the right direction.
When do I feel fulfilled? – realising the things that make you fulfilled can directly link you to the things that are meaningful in your life.
Volunteer your time, talent or money – helping others can often lead to your intention.
Listen to what others appreciate about you – you can find greater purpose in what people thank you for.
Start conversations with new people – talk to and learn from new people, they may open your eyes to a new cause, company or opportunity.
Explore your interests – the things that you talk about and share may be the key to your purpose.
Consider injustices that bother you – many people find purpose by seeking to resolve the injustices that exist around us.
Discover what you love to do – what you love to do can lead to your purpose.
Turn hurts into healing for others – sometimes what has hurt you can lead you to your purpose.
Tell your story – writing your story can identify what is important to you, what you have been through and more, all relating to your life goals.