Think you know your purpose in life? Which one?

When I tell people I teach a course about discovering purpose in life, many respond, sometimes almost defensively, that they already have a purpose.

My response is, “Which one?” 

That often generates a perplexed look. 

So I ask them, “What’s your purpose in life?”

Surprisingly, their answer is often rather involved. 

If they’re married or have kids, they tell me their purpose in life is to take care of their family. Or they might say they have to pay off their mortgage, or look after their aging parents.

But they seldom stop there. They often mention a purpose relating to their work or career.  That usually takes a while as they go on to describe their aspirations for promotion or to make more money.

Then, they might add a purpose to live a healthy life, or inspire others through their art. And, should they continue, their increasingly tangled response often includes a future component, something like their purpose is to retire early and enjoy the good life, or to leave a legacy of some kind. 

So that one question, “What’s your purpose in life?” seems to generate multiple responses. 

It seems some of us have lots of purposes in life! 

Dimensions of purpose

How can that be? How can people have more than one purpose in life?

Because there are actually six dimensions to purpose. Family and career are aspects of two of those dimensions, while health and hobbies are aspects of two other dimensions of purpose.

If I continue and ask, “Tell me, what is your purpose in life that is unique to you? A purpose that reflects your true self? Something that is special and uniquely yours?”, I often get a befuddled look, and a “I’m not sure.” 

What I’m really asking about is their intrinsic purpose. This is the dimension of purpose that uniquely expresses who they are, a summation of their self-identity, abilities, values, and concerns. 

The key to a meaningful life

Knowing your intrinsic purpose is what can truly make sense of your life.

It’s that dimension of purpose that lights you up, gets you excited about being alive. It’s the special purpose that you, and only you, have. 

It’s sometimes known as your life’s calling, because it reveals the direction for your personal growth and development, and opens the door to new possibilities. It can be the key to the adventure of being alive. 

It’s the best guidepost to living a meaningful life – a life where you’re fully self-expressed, confident, actualizing your potential, and making the difference in the world you want to make. 

Do you know your intrinsic purpose?

Your intrinsic purpose provides an overarching theme for your life, a compass by which to navigate the choices and decisions you make, from your relationships, to your career, and so much more. 

This kind of clarity means you know who you are, why you’re here, and what you’re meant to be doing with your life. 

That’s not to say the other five dimensions of purpose are not important.  There are many aspects of life that need your attention and having purpose in all areas will help guide you through the ups and downs of life.

Knowing your intrinsic purpose is like having your own True North - a guiding light that provides clarity, keeps you on track, makes sense of who you are and how to show up in the world. Discovering your intrinsic purpose can transform your life.

An intrinsic purpose can be as inspiring to others also, as there is something uplifting and zesty being around someone who really knows why they’re here and engaged in the game of living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

If you think you already know your intrinsic purpose, or know someone else who is clear about why they’re here, do share it with us and join the conversation in our Greater Meaning Facebook Group.

And sign-up to receive our weekly Insights on Purpose in your inbox for some ideas and inspirations about the role and impact of purpose in our lives.