Purpose: The Cause and Effect for Wellbeing
Let's talk... Purpose
Purpose definition: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
When it comes to living a fulfilling life, having a sense of purpose is crucial. Purpose gives us direction, motivation, and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It is the driving force behind our actions, and it can have a profound effect on our overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the cause-and-effect relationship between purpose and well-being and why having a sense of purpose is so important.
What is Purpose?
Purpose is the reason why we do what we do. It is our “why” – the underlying motivation behind our goals and actions. Purpose gives us a sense of direction and meaning, and it can be a powerful source of motivation when we’re facing challenges or setbacks.
However, finding your purpose is not always easy. It requires a deep understanding of who you are, what you value, and what you want to achieve in life. It also requires a clear sense of direction – a roadmap that helps you navigate your way towards your goals. Purpose is a fundamental human need that helps us navigate the world and find our place in it.
Purpose can take many forms. It can be a career, a hobby, a cause, or a relationship. It can be something we create or something we discover. Whatever its form, purpose gives us a reason to strive, overcome obstacles, and grow as individuals.
The Benefits of having Purpose
Having a sense of purpose is essential for our overall well-being. The following are some of the benefits:
- Increases Happiness – Studies have shown that people with a strong sense of purpose are happier and more satisfied with their lives. Purpose gives us a reason to wake up in the morning and a sense of accomplishment when we achieve our goals.
- Reduces Stress – Purpose can help us manage stress by providing a sense of control over our lives. When we have a purpose, we’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
- Improves Physical Health – Research has shown that people with a sense of purpose are more likely to take care of their physical health. They’re more likely to exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.
- Increases Resilience – Having a sense of purpose can help us bounce back from setbacks and overcome adversity. Purpose gives us the strength and motivation to keep going, even when things get tough.
- Enhances Relationships – Purpose can help us connect with others who share our values and goals. It can give us a sense of belonging and community, which is essential for our wellbeing.
Leading Causes for Losing Purpose
What are the steps to overcome these challenges?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a lack of purpose in life. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Lack of Direction:
Direction and purpose are closely linked. Purpose gives us the why, while direction provides us with the how. Without direction, it can be difficult to know how to pursue our purpose, and without purpose, we can lose sight of why direction matters in the first place.
Losing purpose as a result of having a lack of direction can be a challenging experience. When we lack direction in life, it can be difficult to know what our goals are, and this can lead to feelings of confusion, frustration, and even hopelessness. Many people don’t have a clear sense of what they want to achieve in life. They may feel like they’re just going through the motions.
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Steps to Regain Direction
a) Take time to reflect:
Spend some time thinking about what matters most to you. Reflect on your values, your passions, and your strengths. What are you good at? What brings you joy? What makes you feel fulfilled?
b) Set goals:
Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, set some goals. These goals should be aligned with your values and aspirations. Write them down and create a plan for how you’ll achieve them.
c) Break it down:
Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make the goals feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
d) Take action:
Start taking action towards your goals, one step at a time. This can help you build momentum and stay motivated.
e) Stay flexible:
Remember that your goals and aspirations may change over time. Be open to new opportunities and experiences, and don’t be afraid to pivot if your goals or direction need to shift.
2. Lack of Guidance:
When we lack guidance, we may find ourselves feeling uncertain about what we want to achieve and how to achieve it. Some people may not have had a positive role model or mentor to help guide them. Without guidance, it can be difficult to know where to start. This can lead to a loss of purpose, as we struggle to find a clear direction in life. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness.
Lack of guidance can come in many forms. It may be that we don’t have a mentor or role model to guide us, or we may lack the necessary resources to achieve our goals. We may also lack the skills and knowledge needed to pursue our passions, which can make it difficult to find a sense of purpose in life.
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Steps to Find Guidance
a) Seek out a mentor or role model who can guide you and offer advice.
b) Take courses or attend workshops to develop the skills and knowledge you need to pursue your passions.
c) Set achievable goals and create a plan to achieve them. This can help you to stay focused and motivated.
d) Join a community or group of like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. This can help you to stay motivated and inspired.
e) Keep an open mind and be willing to explore new opportunities and experiences. This can help you to discover new passions and interests.
3. Fear of Failure:
Fear of failure is a common phenomenon that affects many people. It is the fear of not achieving our goals or living up to our own or others’ expectations. Fear of failure can be paralyzing, making us feel stuck and unable to move forward. It can cause us to doubt ourselves and our abilities, and it can make it challenging to pursue our passions and live a fulfilling life.
When we have a fear of failure, it can be easy to lose sight of our purpose. We may become so focused on avoiding failure that we forget why we set our goals in the first place. This can lead to a sense of aimlessness and uncertainty about what we want to achieve in life. We may also become less willing to take risks and try new things, which can limit our potential and prevent us from discovering new passions and interests.
Fear of failure can also make it challenging to stay motivated and focused on our goals. We may become discouraged and lose confidence in ourselves, which can make it difficult to persevere through setbacks and challenges. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and a feeling that our dreams are unattainable.
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Steps to Overcome Fear of Failure
a) Recognize that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Everyone fails at some point, and it is essential to view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
b) Reframe your mindset to focus on the process rather than the outcome. Instead of focusing on the end goal, focus on the steps you need to take to achieve it.
c) Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that failure does not define you as a person.
4. Social pressure:
Social pressure refers to the influence that society, culture, and individuals can have on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This pressure can come from various sources, such as family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Social pressure can be positive, such as when we are encouraged to pursue our passions and live up to our potential. However, it can also be negative, leading us to conform to societal expectations and neglect our own goals and desires.
When we are constantly bombarded with social pressure, it can be easy to lose sight of our own sense of purpose. We may become so focused on pleasing others and conforming to societal expectations that we forget about our own dreams and aspirations. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment, as we are not living our own lives but rather the lives that others want us to live.
Social pressure can also limit our potential and prevent us from pursuing our passions. We may feel that certain career paths or hobbies are not acceptable because they do not fit into societal norms or expectations. This can lead to a sense of frustration and a feeling that our talents and interests are being stifled.
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Steps to Overcome Social Pressure
a) Identify your own goals and desires. Take some time to reflect on what you truly want in life, regardless of societal expectations.
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b) Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to pursue your passions and live up to your potential.
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c) Challenge societal norms and expectations. Recognize that they are not always accurate or fair and that it is okay to deviate from them.
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d) Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself. Remember that you are a unique individual with your own strengths and weaknesses.
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e) Seek professional help if necessary. If social pressure is significantly impacting your mental health, consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor.
5. Trauma or adversity:
When we experience trauma or adversity, our sense of purpose can be significantly impacted. We may feel as though our life has been uprooted and that our future is uncertain. We may also experience a sense of hopelessness or despair, leading us to question whether life has any meaning or purpose at all.
Trauma or adversity can also leave us feeling disconnected from our passions and goals. We may find that activities or pursuits that once brought us joy and fulfilment now seem unimportant or insignificant. This can leave us feeling adrift and uncertain about our place in the world.
Steps to overcome trauma or adversity.
a) Seek support:
Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. Talking to others about your experiences can help you process your emotions and gain perspective on your situation.
b) Practice self-care:
Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, therapy, or engaging in hobbies and interests that bring you joy.
c) Reconnect with your passions and goals:
Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you and what you want to achieve in life. Focus on small, achievable goals and work towards them gradually.
d) Find purpose through helping others:
Volunteering or giving back to your community can help you find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Helping others can also provide a sense of connection and fulfilment.
e) Remember that healing is a process:
Recovery from trauma or adversity is not always linear, and it can take time to find a sense of direction and purpose in life. Be patient with yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.
Have you ever lost your purpose? If yes, in which way? how did you find it? or are you still on your journey to finding it? We would love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email @ [email protected] or contact us via our Facebook page Dear-Donna.Â
Next Wednesday on Let’s Talk… we will be posting an article titled The Power of Journaling. The article will be a continuation of this.Â
