Finding one's purpose in life is a fundamental human need. It gives a sense of direction and meaning to one's existence. 

However, discovering one's purpose can be challenging. It is a process that requires self-reflection, introspection, and a willingness to explore different options. 

This article will explore various ways to decide life's purpose, listed below.

Reflect on your values.

Values are the principles and beliefs that guide your behaviour and decision-making. They are the foundation of your identity and shape your perspective on the world. Therefore, reflecting on your values can help you understand what matters most and what you stand for. 

To identify your values, start by asking yourself the following questions:

• What makes me happy?
• What do I care about the most?
• What are the principles that guide my decisions?
• What would I stand for, no matter what?

Once you have identified your values, you can use them as a compass to navigate life and make choices that align with your beliefs.

Identify your strengths

Your strengths are the skills and abilities that come naturally to you. They are the things that you are good at and enjoy doing. Identifying your strengths can help you find your purpose by providing clues about what you are meant to do. 

To identify your strengths, ask yourself:

• What tasks do I enjoy doing the most?
• What comes naturally to me?
• What do people often compliment me on?
• What do I find easy that others find difficult?

Once you have identified your strengths, you can use them as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that utilises your strengths.

Consider your passions

Your passions are the things that excite and motivate you. They are the activities that you enjoy doing and look forward to. Identifying your passions can help you find your purpose by providing clues about what you are meant to do. 

To identify your passions, ask yourself:

• What activities do I enjoy doing the most?
• What makes me lose track of time?
• What activities do I look forward to?
• What hobbies do I want?

Once you have identified your passions, you can use them as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your interests.

Seek inspiration

Inspiration can come from many sources, including books, movies, podcasts, and people. Seeking inspiration can help you find your purpose by exposing you to different ideas and perspectives. 

To seek inspiration, try the following:

• Read books about people who have found their purpose.
• Watch movies that inspire you.
• Listen to podcasts about people who have found their purpose.
• Talk to people who have found their purpose and ask them how they did it.

Once you have found inspiration, you can use it as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your motivation.

Take risks

Taking risks can help you discover your purpose by exposing you to new experiences and opportunities. It can also help you overcome fear and self-doubt. 

To take risks, try the following:

• Try new activities that you have never done before.
• Take on new challenges at work.
• Travel to new places.
• Meet new people and make new friends.

Once you have taken risks, you can use your experiences as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your experiences.

Volunteer

Volunteering can help you find your purpose by giving back to the community and helping others. It can also expose you to different experiences and perspectives. To volunteer, try the following:

• Find a cause that you are passionate about.
• Research organisations that support that cause.
• Contact the organisations and ask if they need volunteers.

Once you have volunteered, you can use your experiences as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your passion for helping others.

Set goals

Setting goals can help you find your purpose by providing direction and motivation. It can also help you measure your progress and celebrate your achievements. To set goals, try the following:

• Identify what you want to achieve.
• Write down your goals.
• Break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps.
• Set deadlines for your purposes.

Once you have set goals, you can use them as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your goals.

Practice self-care

Practising self-care can help you find your purpose by reducing stress and anxiety, improving your mood, and increasing your energy levels. To practice self-care, try the following:

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation.

Once you have practised self-care, you can use your improved well-being as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your values and interests.

Get feedback

Getting feedback can help you find your purpose by providing an objective perspective on your strengths and weaknesses. It can also help you identify areas for improvement and build self-awareness.

To get feedback, try the following:

• Ask friends or family members for feedback.
• Seek out a mentor or coach.
• Take personality assessments or career tests.

Once you have received feedback, you can use it as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your strengths and interests.

Embrace Failure

Many people avoid taking risks and trying new things because they fear failure. However, failure can be a valuable learning experience that helps you discover your purpose. By embracing failure and learning from your mistakes, you can gain new insights into what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. 

To embrace failure, try the following:

• Reframe failure as a learning opportunity.
• Reflect on your failures and identify what you learned from them. Experiment with new things, even if you are still determining the outcome.

Once you have embraced failure, you can use your newfound knowledge as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your purpose.

Follow Your Curiosity

Sometimes, your purpose in life may be obscure. Instead of waiting for a lightning bolt of inspiration, follow your curiosity and explore different topics that interest you. By following your curiosity, you can discover new passions, skills, and opportunities that can lead you to your purpose. 

To follow your curiosity, try the following:

• Ask questions and seek out information about topics that interest you.
• Attend events, conferences, or workshops related to your interests.
• Experiment with new hobbies or activities.

Once you have followed your curiosity, you can use your newfound interests as a starting point to explore different career options and find a job that aligns with your passions and values.

Discovering one's purpose in life is a lifelong process that requires self-reflection, exploration, and a willingness to take risks. 

By reflecting on your values, identifying your strengths and passions, seeking inspiration, taking risks, volunteering, setting goals, practising self-care, and getting feedback, you can find your purpose and live a fulfilling life. 

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding your purpose. It is a personal journey that requires patience, persistence, and an open mind.