Purpose has been a recurring theme. It’s something I’ve been seeking to find my entire young adult life.
To answer the big life question of why I am here, and why we are all here. What is the purpose of it all?
I have many ideas, hypotheses, thoughts, and insights on purpose. Some of which I’ve previously shared, whether on the pod, in this email newsletter, and/or on social.
A New Lens on Purpose
My most recent insight on purpose is this…
Is our purpose, or at least part of it, found in what we feel most connected to, and in living there? And is the quest of life to find what that is for each of us?
Maybe it’s more of a question than an insight. But I think there’s something in it.
The First Question to Ask Yourself
And we can all start that quest by asking the first question…
What do I feel most connected to, and why?
Whatever the answer is for each of us, we start there. Then, through exploration, or, for want of a better phrase, seeing “what makes our heart sing”, we further discover what we feel connected to, and develop the courage to pursue it. This is where purpose stops being abstract and becomes a direction, much like rethinking how we set our goals in the first place.
How Connection Becomes Contribution and Meaning
When we think about it, looking at purpose through the lens of what we feel most connected to is often the thing we want to share with others, which is a form of contribution, which gives life meaning, which produces the feeling that we’re living with purpose. Essentially, it connects many of the other insights around purpose into a better overall picture! It’s also why helping others tends to feel good rather than drain us when it flows from what we genuinely care about.
Ancient Wisdom: The Ikigai Connection
Interestingly, this isn’t a new idea. The Japanese concept of ikigai, “a reason for being,” weaves together exactly this: what makes your heart sing and the contribution you make to others. And research links a strong sense of purpose to a longer, healthier, happier life.
This insight is a different way of looking at it. And I’m curious about what will come up for me, and for you, when we start to ask the question of what we feel most connected to, and why.
Key Takeaways on Finding Your Purpose
- Look Through a New Lens: Consider if your life purpose rests in what you feel most connected with, rather than searching for an abstract idea.
- Ask the Right Question: Start your search by asking yourself what you feel most connected to and why, then follow what makes your heart sing.
- Turn Connection into Contribution: Sharing what you care about with others turns personal connection into meaningful action that enriches your daily existence.
- Embrace Ancient Wisdom: Aligning personal connection with contribution mirrors the Japanese concept of ikigai, which supports a longer, happier life.
FAQs for Finding Purpose: What Do You Feel Most Connected To?
How do you start finding your purpose?
You can start by asking yourself what you feel most connected to and exploring why that connection exists. Follow what genuinely interests you.
What is the link between connection and life purpose?
When you focus on what you feel deeply connected to, purpose naturally shifts from an abstract goal into a practical direction for your life.
How does connecting with your passion help others?
Sharing the things you care about turns personal passion into meaningful contribution, which brings fulfilment to both you and those around you.
What is ikigai and how does it relate to purpose?
Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning a reason for being. It combines what you love with how you contribute to others, helping you lead a happier life.
