Have you ever wondered why you get up every day?
Some of us spend our days searching for what’s our “why”—the reason for our life. Some people fail to find what they are looking for, while others are successful.
There are also those who have successfully identified their purpose but tend to veer away from it due to other pursuits.
Perhaps you’ve come across the same article because, like many others, you’re looking for your own life’s purpose.
This is a valid question to ask yourself. And this post will guide you through the process of finding out what’s your why in life. We hope that these tips make you recognize your purpose and, as a result, benefit your career and personal life.
The Importance Of Knowing What’s Your Why
According to Simon Sinek, understanding what’s your why (or your purpose) will enable you to do the things that give you fulfillment. It will serve as your point of reference for all of your actions and decisions from now on, helping you to monitor your progress and determine when you have reached your goals.
The Japanese have a term called “”ikigai”,” which translates to a reason for being. This is something that gives a person’s life a deep sense of meaning and makes it worthwhile. It is what motivates you to get out of bed every morning.
The infographic below shows how “”ikigai”” can be used to discover your life’s purpose. There are five questions you must answer, as well as ten rules to remember when applying “ikigai” in your own life.
For an elderly woman, her “ikigai” may be a granddaughter whom she takes care of after while her parents are at work. Another person’s “ikigai” may be friends or members of their community.
How To Find Out What’s Your Why?
These activities require you to be introspective and answer some questions about you. In order to discover your life’s meaning, you must be introspective and answer some questions about your personal experiences. When doing these activities, it is a good idea to keep a journal and write down your thoughts.
- Identify The Things That You Can Do To Improve The Lives Of Others
It’s wonderful to be self-aware. Doing something that benefits someone more than yourself is amazing. According to a study, people who have a sense of purpose and are thankful for their lives also contribute more to the world outside themselves than those who do not have this sense of gratitude. This may be because if anyone can see how others benefit their lives, that person would be more motivated to help others.
Altruistic people report having a good sense of purpose. The feeling of making a difference in the world or in the life of someone else is actually the most important thing for your own joy and fulfillment.
- Think Back To The Activities That Made You Forget About The Passage Of Time
You’ve already heard the phrase; time flies when you’re having fun! Moments like this are what psychologists refer to as the “flow,” and spirituals refer to as connecting with the divine. Whatever the case may be, these activities are where your passions are.
When you do something that energizes you rather than something that drains your energy and leaves you exhausted, you are fulfilling your purpose. You are not left asking, “Is it 5:00 yet?” when you are living your purpose.
- Recall What You Liked To Do As A Kid
You can see glimpses of your purpose by recalling things you did as a kid just for the sake of having fun. When you look back on your life, it’s easy to see those patterns that tend to repeat themselves or trends in the events you participated in. These patterns may hold clues as to what you’re looking for. What has given you pleasure in your life?
As adults, we often feel that we can only do things for which we are rewarded. Our society’s transactional nature often disconnects us from doing the things we really enjoy.
- Think About The Things What You Are Willing To Do Even If It Makes You Look Like A Fool
Before you can do something well, you must first do it without any competence or understanding of what you are doing. And, in order to keep working on something after you’ve made some mistakes and embarrassed yourself, you must be passionate about it. These things are important to you enough that you do them regardless of what people think.
When you are on the road to accomplishing something important or significant, feeling foolish is unavoidable. The more apprehensive you are about making a big life decision, the more probable it is that you should do it.
- Pay Attention To What People Ask Of You As They Come To You For Help
Is it a special skill that you possess? Are you a sounding board for your friends’ problems? What do people appreciate you for? Other people’s appreciation can help drive your work.
Because your abilities come naturally to you, you may not be able to see your strengths as others do. Look for common themes in the reasons why people contact you in times of need.
- List The Things For Which You Are Willing To Go The Extra Mile
These are the things that, after failure or setbacks, you can make an effort to do—and then get back up and learn from your mistakes. Many people fail to understand that passion is a result of action rather than the source of it. You can not find your passion if you are complacent. It is a method of trial and error. If you’re not willing to go out of your way to do something, you’re not truly committed to it.
- What Job Task Would You Do For Free If You Didn’t Need The Paycheck?
Will you work to make a living, or do you make a living to work? It will not feel like work if you are doing something you are passionate about. There will never be a Sunday night where you are looking forward to Monday morning.
What part of your job comes naturally to you because you enjoy doing it? Aligning your professional life with your meaning is an important part of living your why.
- What Is The Most Common Reason For People To Thank You?
Similar to observing why people want your help, how do people value you or your contributions? Do you have good advice? Are you willing to sacrifice any of your time to support your friends with a particular task? Think properly about what you do with people that are unique.
- What Would You Do If You Could Do Something You Enjoy Without Having To Worry About A Paycheck?
Thinking about this question is a perfect way to find your passion. What would you do with all of your free time if money is an issue? If money isn’t motivating you, the only thing that will is time, and how you spend your time would almost certainly be on something you love.
In conclusion
Find out what’s your why is important not just for professional and personal growth but also for your well-being and longevity.
Hopefully, the above tips on what’s your why can help you in identifying your own purpose and implementing it in all areas of life.
