Is It Bad That I Don’t Know My Purpose in Life?

It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your purpose in life, a sentiment many people experience at various stages. Here are a few points to help guide you through this exploration:

Exploration is Part of Life

Discovering your purpose can be a journey that involves exploration, self-reflection, and growth. There's no rush, and it's perfectly okay to take your time. This journey will help you find your unique path.

Purpose Can Evolve

Your purpose may change over time as you gain new experiences, interests, and insights. What feels meaningful to you now might shift as you grow. Be open to this evolution and embrace it as part of your personal growth.

Focusing on Values

Instead of seeking a singular purpose, it might be more beneficial to consider what values and passions resonate with you. Engaging in activities aligned with these values can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Seek Support

Talking to friends, family, or a counselor about your feelings can provide support and new perspectives. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see things from a different angle, leading to clarity and new insights.

Embrace Uncertainty

Sometimes, embracing the uncertainty can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Trust the process and be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Youth

Helping teens and young adults create a peaceful and safe environment is crucial for their well-being. Here are some suggestions to assist them:

Protecting from Abusive Environments

Help teens and young adults get out of abusive parental environments and seek therapy if needed. Remember, you are not your parents, and if something does not feel right, it isn't. Many young adults in their 20s marry as a way to get out of their home situation. Another option is to move out with the help of government programs, get your college degree, and focus on your own goals.

Finding Passion and Purpose

Encourage them to find a passion that resonates with them. Whether it's pursuing a career in math and science or exploring other fields, let them follow their interests and dreams. It's essential to align their education and career choices with what truly excites and fulfills them.

Personal Story: A Reflection of Life's Journey

Here is a personal story that highlights the journey of discovering one's purpose:

The Journey Begins

In 1978, just as the narrator was 24, she had spent 3.5 years studying pre-med to be a doctor. While working in the lab, her eye caught a little window on a fire escape door. Through it, she saw a tree branch shimmering in the sun, and a voice said, "If you're not careful, you could spend your life in here and not out there." This moment of clarity sparked her interest in considering her future outside the medical field.

Inspiration from Joseph Campbell

At that time, she was listening to Joseph Campbell's lectures on PBS about "Following your bliss." The narrator thought back to the deliriously happy moments of her past, such as when she and her brother sold hats to Elvis fans at Graceland. This memory brought a sense of joy and purpose.

The Turning Point

A significant turning point occurred one day while she was getting a Coke at the machine between MBA graduate school classes. A man approached her and asked what she planned to do after graduation. An old man like the narrator, he asked if she would consider a job at Schering-Plough in Memphis, where he worked as Senior VP for Finance and Operations. Looking up "Brand Manager" in the library, she realized the opportunity to solve problems for millions of people across the nation. This moment was a bolt of lightning, as she could now see how her interests and skills could contribute to building solutions with a team of diverse experts.

That was 40 years ago, and the journey of finding one's purpose continues. The key takeaway is to explore, reflect, embrace uncertainty, and seek support along the way.