10 Questions to Help Find Your Life Purpose
Because we all need to find our way.
One day, my friend Katie and I were lounging on the worn leather couches in the lobby of our university campus, sipping coffee and dodging our midterm study sessions. (We were basically getting the full college experience). With her mouth full, and half eaten croissant in her hand, she turned to me, wide-eyed, and said, “I think I want to drop out and become a photographer.” Now, if you knew Katie, you’d understand just how wild this sounded. She was studying finance, interning at a bank, and basically prepping for the big corporate climb. But sitting there, croissant crumbs on her face, staring at the posters of past alumni who’d "made it," she suddenly realized that she’d spent her entire life chasing something she didn’t even really want. And, well, it shook me up too. If Katie didn’t want her dream corporate job, then what did I want? We stayed on those couches for hours that afternoon, throwing out questions, dreams, and plans, trying to map out how to go from where we were to where we wanted to go. And while we didn’t get all the answers, that day changed how we looked at our lives forever. That’s the funny thing about purpose—it doesn’t just pop into your life with a grand announcement. It’s something you stumble upon, often in the strangest of ways, by asking questions that make you rethink everything. So, if you’re like us, lounging on the couch with coffee in one hand, and pastry in the other, wondering what you’re really here to do, I’ve got ten questions to help you start figuring it out. These questions might sound a bit silly, or maybe seem a little out there, but they are designed to shake something loose and get you closer to discovering what really matters to you. So get cozy, and let’s dive in.
1. What Would Your Dream Legacy Look Like?
Yup this is a good way to start: death. We tend to avoid thinking about death, but sometimes it’s the best way to figure out what’s most important to us. If you had just one year left to live, how would you want people to remember you? What would you want your “legacy” to look like?For some, it’s about leaving behind a business or a body of work. For others, it’s about making memories with loved ones or living a life of kindness and generosity. Whatever it is, knowing how you want to be remembered can clarify what you value most—and show you where to start putting your energy today.
This Question Will Tell You:
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What truly matters to you
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The values that should guide your actions
2. What Would Make Your Inner Child Cheer (or Cringe)?
Remember when you were a kid, and you’d spend hours doing something just because you loved it? Before all the grown-up responsibilities took over, what made you happy?I used to fill notebooks with stories and drawings of imaginary places—just for fun. (Ya, the journaling thing started young with me). Then, somewhere along the way, life (ahem *parents*) told me that creativity didn’t pay the bills, and I let it fall to the side. Years later, as I found myself in a well paying career that I didn’t 100% love, I started wondering why I ever stopped with the creativity that inspired me.So ask yourself, what did you give up that you once adored? Would your younger self be disappointed with grown up you? Sometimes, reconnecting with that childhood joy is the first step to rediscovering a passion that got lost in the shuffle.
This Question Will Tell You:
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What childhood passion you lost along the way into adulthood
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What activity you might want to try again just for the fun of it
3. What’s Your Favourite Sh*t Sandwich?
Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows—even for those who love what they do. At some point, we all have to eat a “sh*t sandwich” to get where we want to go. The key is finding the kind of sandwich you won’t mind eating from time to time.
For instance, maybe you want to run your own business, but you know it’ll mean dealing with tough clients and late nights. Or maybe you dream of becoming an artist, but the thought of rejection terrifies you. Finding your purpose isn’t just about what you love doing—it’s about finding something you’re willing to struggle for because you see something invaluable in the pursuit of this dream.
So, think about it: what sacrifice feels worth it to you? What struggle would you take on because you know the result would make you happy? Find the right sh*t sandwich, and you might just find your calling.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What you’re willing to work hard for
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What challenges you’re willing to face that most people won’t
4. How Would You Love to Make a Difference?
The world has its share of problems—huge, overwhelming problems. And no, you’re not going to fix everything. But you can find one issue that really hits home and see how you might help.Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, advocating for mental health, or using your skills to contribute to a cause, think about what makes you angry or sad. Then, consider how you could play even a small role in making it better. Sometimes, purpose isn’t about what makes you happy—it’s about how you can contribute to the bigger picture.
This Question Will Tell You:
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What problem in the world matters to you
- How you can make a small but real impact
5. What Makes You Lose Track of Time (and Maybe Skip Lunch)?
Ever get so wrapped up in something that you completely forget to eat or check the time? (Yes, this can happen with Netflix marathons, but I mean something a bit more productive!) These are the activities that hint at what you’re naturally drawn to. Think about the last time you got lost in an activity. What were you doing? What about it captivated you so much? For me, it was the hours I could spend writing or designing without even thinking about it. For others, it might be organizing, solving a puzzle, or helping someone with their goals. Whatever it is, that level of focus and excitement is a huge clue about what really drives you. Try to unpack the WHY behind it, and see if it leads you to other things you might love.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What kind of activities truly interest you
- Other areas that might give you that same sense of flow
6. What Would You Do, Even If It Embarrassed You?
Yup, you read that right. If you’re not willing to risk embarrassment, you’re probably not going to find what you’re truly passionate about, or be able to build something that gives you a sense of purpose. The things that make us nervous or uncomfortable often turn out to be the things we care about the most.
Maybe you’ve been dying to start a blog, but you’re scared people will judge you. Or maybe you want to start a YouTube channel but can’t stand the thought of fumbling in front of a camera. The truth is, if it doesn’t scare you a little, it probably won’t matter much in the long run.
So, instead of avoiding embarrassment, try to embrace it. Let yourself feel silly, take that risk, and see what happens. You might just find that vulnerability opens doors you never even considered.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What fears are holding you back from something meaningful
- That a little embarrassment might be worth it
7. Who’s Living a Life You Secretly Envy?
We all have those people—whether it’s someone you follow on social media, a character from a movie, or even a friend—who seems to have it all figured out. Maybe they live a life that makes you go, “I wish I could do that.” Instead of feeling envious, use it as a clue. What is it about their life that you are drawn to? Is it the freedom they have? The creativity? The impact they’re making? By identifying the aspects of others’ lives that appeal to you, you can start piecing together what elements you might want to incorporate into your own life.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What kind of life you find most inspiring
- The qualities or values that resonate deeply with you
8. If You Had to Anti-Quarantine Where Would You Go?
Imagine there’s no Netflix, no social media, no lounging in PJs. Every day, you’ve got to leave the house and spend your time doing something. What would it be?
Would you take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, like dancing or rock climbing? Would you volunteer somewhere, or spend time at a café brainstorming your next project? This exercise forces you to think about what truly excites you when all distractions are gone.
Ask yourself, if you had to spend your time meaningfully outside the house, what would it look like? It’s an eye-opening way to discover where you might find a deeper sense of purpose.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What activities would genuinely fulfill you
- How to spend your time meaningfully
9. What Do People Constantly Ask You for Help With?
Think about the questions people come to you with, or favours people ask you for. Are you the go-to person for relationship advice? The friend who everyone asks to review their resumes? Or maybe you’re the unofficial “therapist” who’s great at listening?
These recurring requests can point toward your unique strengths and the things you’re naturally good at. People tend to recognize our gifts before we do, so pay attention to what others seek your help with. It might be a hint that your purpose lies in an area you’re already talented and trusted in.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What skills and strengths you have that others value
- How you can use your natural talents to make an impact
10. What Would You Do if You Knew Nobody Would Judge You?
Ahhh, judgment, our old friend. That sneaky little thing that stops so many of us from even trying something new. But imagine, just for a moment, that you could do anything without fear of what people might say or think. What would you choose to do?
Would you start singing in public? Move across the world? Write that novel that’s been simmering in your brain for years? This question helps you strip away others’ expectations and get to the heart of what you actually want, judgment-free. It’s your chance to dream big without holding back—so let yourself go there.
This Question Will Tell You:
- What dreams or ideas you’re holding back on
- How to envision your life without other people’s opinions weighing you down
So there you have it — 10 out of the ordinary questions to help you get closer to discovering what you’re here to do. Finding your purpose isn’t a magical, one-time thing. It’s more like peeling an onion: layer by layer, question by question, you get a little closer to the core. It also isn’t a one size-fits-all answer — it’s a mix of your passions, values, and quirks. Take your time with these questions, come back to them, and remember: discovering your purpose is a journey, not a destination. Keep exploring, keep asking, and most importantly, enjoy the ride! So grab that coffee, find a comfy couch and pull out a journal to answer these questions. You might just discover that your purpose was right in front of you all along—waiting for you to pay attention. So while you’re doing this search, remember to be kind to yourself and those around you!
