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Finding your purpose

Why You Should Quit Seeking Purpose and Start Creating It

 Introduction

Have you ever found yourself on a journey to “find your purpose” as if it were some elusive treasure hidden away, just waiting to be discovered? Many of us have. We spend countless hours reading self-help books, attending seminars, and searching for that one thing that will make everything click into place. But what if I told you that the problem isn’t that you haven’t found your purpose yet—it’s that you’ve been looking in the wrong place?

I’ve been there, too. I spent years climbing the corporate ladder, thinking that success, recognition, and a stable paycheck would bring me the fulfillment I was seeking. But the more I achieved, the more I realized something vital was missing. It wasn’t until I shifted my mindset from seeking to creating that everything began to change.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the traditional approach to “finding” purpose is often limiting and how actively creating your purpose can lead to a life filled with meaning, passion, and fulfillment. My journey from a corporate job to becoming a coach and mentor at Reverse Mindset Academy serves as a testament to the power of this shift in thinking.

Let’s dive into the why and how of creating purpose, drawing from personal experiences and actionable insights that you can apply today.


The Myth of “Finding” Purpose

The Common Belief:

The idea that purpose is something you find is deeply ingrained in our culture. It’s the subject of countless books, podcasts, and TED talks. We’re told that if we just keep searching, the answer will eventually reveal itself, like a hidden path in the woods. But what happens when we spend years searching, only to come up empty-handed?

Why This Approach Can Be Limiting:

The problem with this mindset is that it places purpose outside of ourselves. It turns purpose into something external—a prize to be won—rather than something we can actively create. When we believe that purpose is something to be found, we can end up feeling frustrated, stuck, and passive. We wait for clarity, for a sign, for the perfect moment to arrive. But what if that moment never comes?

I remember feeling this way in my own life. Despite all the success I had achieved as a corporate professional, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I kept waiting for a sense of purpose to reveal itself, but all I found was more dissatisfaction. I was a senior engineer at Shell, surrounded by the trappings of success, but every day I felt more disconnected from what truly mattered to me.

I realized that waiting for purpose was a passive approach, and it wasn’t working. Instead, I needed to create my purpose by taking intentional steps aligned with my values and passions.

Reflection Point:

Think about how often we tie our sense of purpose to external achievements. How can we shift that focus inward and start creating purpose from within?


The Power of Creating Purpose

Redefining Purpose:

So, what does it mean to create purpose? It means taking ownership of your life and making intentional decisions that align with your values, passions, and goals. Instead of waiting for purpose to find you, you actively shape it through your actions, your choices, and your growth.

Practical Steps to Start Creating Purpose:

Self-Reflection: Begin by looking inward. What are your core values? What are you passionate about? What strengths do you bring to the world? These are the building blocks of your purpose.

  • Example 1: Take some time to write down your top three values and three things you’re passionate about. How do they currently show up in your life?


Take Action:
Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now. Take small, intentional steps toward the life you want to create. Whether it’s starting a side project, volunteering, or exploring a new interest, every action brings you closer to your purpose.

  • Example 2: When I first started exploring coaching, it began as a side project. I offered free coaching sessions to friends and colleagues, and those small steps eventually led to a full-time passion.

    Adapt and Evolve:
    Purpose isn’t fixed—it can change as you grow. Be open to new experiences and allow your purpose to evolve over time. The key is to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
  • Example 3: My purpose has evolved from simply helping others find their path to building a community through Reverse Mindset Academy. Every experience has added depth to my journey.


Personal Story:

When I finally decided to create my purpose rather than wait for it, everything changed. I began to take risks, pursue my passions, and build something meaningful. This journey led me to create Reverse Mindset Academy, where I now help others discover and create their own purpose. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of setbacks along the way, but taking control of my purpose gave me a sense of fulfillment that I never found in my corporate career.


The Benefits of Actively Creating Purpose

Greater Empowerment:

One of the most significant benefits of creating purpose is the sense of empowerment it brings. When you take control of your life, you realize that you have the power to shape your future. You’re no longer at the mercy of external forces—you’re the one in the driver’s seat.

Increased Fulfillment:

Creating purpose also leads to deeper fulfillment. When you align your actions with your values and passions, you start living a life that resonates with who you truly are. This alignment brings a sense of satisfaction that can’t be achieved by simply checking off boxes on someone else’s list of expectations.

Personal Story:

In my own journey, creating purpose led to more than just professional success—it led to personal growth, deeper connections with others, and a greater sense of meaning in everything I do. By building Reverse Mindset Academy, I’ve been able to help others experience this same transformation, and that’s been the most fulfilling part of all.

Benefits in Action:

  • Example 1: A client of mine, who was once trapped in a high-paying but unfulfilling job, found purpose in helping others. Today, she’s a thriving life coach who empowers others to find their path.
  • Example 2: Another client who struggled with self-doubt transformed her life by creating her purpose around mental health advocacy. She now runs a successful online community supporting others.

 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Challenge 1: Fear of Failure:

One of the biggest obstacles to creating purpose is the fear of failure. It’s natural to worry that you’ll make the wrong choice, that your efforts will fall flat, or that you’ll end up worse off than you started. But here’s the truth: failure is a necessary part of growth. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and move forward stronger than before.

Challenge 2: Doubt and Uncertainty:

Doubt and uncertainty can also be paralyzing. When you’re stepping into the unknown, it’s easy to second-guess yourself and wonder if you’re on the right path. The key is to stay committed to your vision, even when the road gets rocky. Trust that every step you take is bringing you closer to the life you want to create.

Personal Story:

I’ve faced both of these challenges in my journey, and I can tell you that overcoming them isn’t easy. But every time I pushed through fear and doubt, I grew stronger. I learned to trust myself, to take calculated risks, and to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear. For instance, when I decided to leave my corporate career, I was terrified of the unknown. But that fear fueled my determination to succeed.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges:

  • Embrace Failure: View every setback as a learning experience.
  • Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
  • Stay Flexible: Be open to change and adapt as you grow.

 

Practical Exercise – Start Creating Your Purpose Today

Activity:

Now it’s your turn. Take out a journal and spend some time reflecting on the following questions:

  1. What are my core values?
  2. What am I passionate about?
  3. What strengths do I bring to the world?
  4. What small action can I take today to start creating my purpose?


Use these reflections to start building your purpose, one step at a time. Start with small, achievable goals that align with your values and gradually expand as your confidence grows.

Remember, creating purpose is a journey, not a destination. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to living a life of meaning and fulfillment. Don’t wait for purpose to find you—go out and create it.

Conclusion:

Purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you create. By taking control of your life and actively shaping your purpose, you can live a life that resonates with your true self and brings you lasting fulfillment.

Ready to start creating your purpose? Download our free eBook, “How to Find Your Purpose and Build a Life You Love,” to get the tools and guidance you need to begin your journey.


Final Thought:

You have the power to create the life you want. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today, and watch as your purpose unfolds before you. It’s a journey worth taking, and I’m here to support you every step of the way through the Reverse Mindset Academy.

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