01/11/2026
I often hear clients question what their purpose is and how they might find it:
âI have no purpose.â
âIâll find purpose once I become a parent, open my own business, or get a dog.â
âWill I find purpose by giving to others or by what I give to myself?â
âWhat if I never find my sense of purpose in life?â
This search can activate anxiety, pressure, sadness, or feelings of inadequacyâespecially when purpose is viewed as something singular, fixed, or tied to achieving major life milestones.
Our culture frequently equates purpose with achievement and productivity. While those goals can offer meaning, they can also reinforce perfectionism, comparison, and the idea that our worth depends on measurable success. Sometimes the bar keeps moving, or life shifts in ways we didnât expect, making those goals feel out of reach for the season weâre in.
From a mental health standpoint, purpose does not need to be monumental to be meaningful. If purpose only âcountsâ when itâs big, unmet milestones can lead to discouragement or a belief that weâre falling behind.
A more balanced perspective invites us to notice the small experiences that contribute to meaning: connection, curiosity, creativity, kindness, laughter, rest, and growth. These micro-moments support well-being, self-efficacy, and a more flexible relationship with identity and purpose across life transitions.
Purpose isnât only found in achievement. Itâs often found in the moments that make life feel warm, human, and worthwhileâeven in the experiences we label as mistakes, setbacks, or failures.