How to Find Your Reason for Being: A Journey to Fulfillment
Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, stuck in a job that doesn’t bring you joy? You’re not alone. Many of us are told to pick a path, stick with it, and everything will fall into place. But then, why are so many people unhappy with their careers? Statistics show that around 70% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs. If the traditional path truly led to fulfillment, why are so many people unhappy?
If you’re waking up dreading the day ahead, questioning your choices, or feeling disconnected from your work, it might be time to reconsider your path. Finding true purpose isn’t always straightforward, and the traditional route doesn’t work for everyone.
If you’re searching for something more meaningful and fulfilling, keep reading. This guide will help you explore new ways to discover your purpose and create a life filled with passion and satisfaction.
My Journey to Finding Purpose
First, let me introduce myself – I’m Stephanie Cully, a Career Coach passionate about helping people find their dream jobs. My career journey began at eight, inspired by my uncle who effortlessly fixed our computer problems. Watching him, I was fascinated by how effortlessly he could diagnose and fix issues, whether it was a virus or a hardware problem. This led me to pursue a degree in computer science, but I struggled with programming. My enthusiasm for tech and problem-solving remained, though.
Fortunately, my internship had a rotational program that exposed me to various IT roles. It was here that I discovered my love for being a Scrum Master. This role allowed me to lead teams, solve problems, and deliver great products. Realizing how many people struggle to find their purpose, I created a program to help others transition into fulfilling careers. One year ago, I quit my full-time job to focus on my business full-time, and it has been a journey of ups and downs but incredibly rewarding.
Discovering Ikigai
Have you heard of Ikigai? It’s a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being.” It’s about finding your purpose by asking yourself four key questions:
What am I good at?
What do I enjoy doing?
What does the world need more of?
What could I get paid to do?
Reflect on these questions to identify themes and discover your Ikigai. The concept of Ikigai is tied to the idea of the Blue Zones, areas in the world where people live longer, happier lives due to their strong sense of community, purpose, and healthy lifestyles. People in these zones don’t retire in the traditional sense; they continue to work and contribute to their communities well into their 90s and beyond. This is because they are already living their purpose. Finding your Ikigai means aligning your career and life with what truly makes you happy and fulfilled.
For a deeper dive into Ikigai, check out this Ikigai Guide.
My High School Struggles
Finding purpose isn’t always straightforward. When I started high school, I felt like an outsider, transitioning from a public to a private school where everyone seemed to know each other. It was a challenging time, filled with feelings of isolation and confusion. I tried joining sports teams like cheerleading, basketball, and volleyball but faced numerous rejections – these experiences were disheartening, especially when I practiced hard but didn’t make the team.
It wasn’t until my dad asked me what I enjoyed and was good at that I found my place on the tennis team. He helped me reflect on my strengths and interests, which led me to tennis. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and finding a sense of community. I made great friends on the team and found a new sense of belonging. This journey was more about finding my tribe and less about the actual sport.
Finding Your Tribe
Have you ever struggled to find your sense of belonging? Whether it’s trying to fit in at school, finding friends in a new city, or connecting with a romantic partner, finding your tribe can be challenging. It’s like birds finding their flock – once you find your community, everything feels more purposeful.
Reflect on times in your life when you felt out of place and how finding the right group or activity made a difference. Maybe you were an only child seeking companionship, or perhaps you were in a big family but felt left out. The struggle to find a sense of belonging can happen at any stage of life, from school to adulthood to romantic relationships. The key is to keep searching and trying new things until you find where you fit in.
Putting in the Work
To find your true purpose, you need to put in the work. Reflect on those four Ikigai questions and take your time. This isn’t a quick exercise; it’s a process that requires deep reflection and honesty. For example, Amanda, a software engineer, felt lost in her job. After doing the Ikigai exercise, she discovered her passion for business analysis and started a side business building websites. This transformation brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Amanda’s journey shows that finding your purpose can lead to exciting new opportunities and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for life. It’s about taking the time to understand what you love, what you’re good at, and how you can make a meaningful contribution to the world.
Reflect and Transform
Take a moment to reflect on your life. How would it change if you lived in your purpose every day? How would your mental health, relationships, and even physical health improve? Finding your Ikigai is like training for a race – you need to prepare, put in the effort, and seek guidance when needed. Think about how your life would look if you woke up every day excited about your work and felt a deep sense of satisfaction from what you do. Reflect on how this would impact not just your career but all areas of your life, including your personal relationships and overall well-being. The effort you put into finding your purpose will pay off in countless ways, bringing you closer to a fulfilling and balanced life.
Recap and Next Steps
To recap, finding fulfillment involves following your Ikigai. Ask yourself: What do you love doing? What are you good at? What does the world need more of? What can you get paid to do? Spend time reflecting on these questions, gaining experience, and connecting with others who can help you reach your goals. Remember, this process takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Good luck!
