I used to feel like a ship without a rudder, just drifting through life.
My days were a blur of gaming, overeating, and avoiding the things that mattered. I felt stuck. Empty. I knew I was meant for more, but I had no idea how to find it. That feeling of being lost is heavy. It can drain you of all your energy and hope. But finding your purpose isn’t about some lightning-bolt moment of discovery. It’s about building it, one small, intentional step at a time.
If you feel like you’re drifting, I get it. I’ve been there. Here are 12 ways that helped me find my direction. I hope they can help you too.
1. Look Back at Your Scars
Your past struggles are not weaknesses. They are proof that you survived. When I look back at my battles with addiction and laziness, I don’t just see the pain. I see the strength it took to climb out of that hole. Your past gives you a unique perspective. It gives you empathy for others who are struggling. Don’t hide from your past. Learn from it. It’s part of your story and a huge part of your purpose.
2. Serve Someone Else
When you feel lost, the best thing you can do is help someone else find their way. It sounds simple, but it works. Serving others shifts your focus from your own problems to someone else’s needs. It could be volunteering at your church. Helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries. Or just listening to a friend who is having a tough day. When you give your time and energy to others, you get a sense of meaning that nothing else can provide.
3. Find Your “Why”
What do you truly care about? Not what you think you should care about, but what actually gets you fired up. Justice? Family? Honesty? Creativity? Write down your core values. When your actions line up with your values, life feels right. It feels meaningful. Purpose is simply living out what you believe every single day.
4. Strengthen Your Faith
For me, this was the game-changer. When I felt most alone and out of control, I turned to God. Building a stronger relationship with Him gave me a foundation that nothing could shake. My Christian Orthodox faith isn’t just a Sunday thing. It’s my compass. It reminds me that my life has a divine purpose far greater than my own understanding. Prayer and reading scripture give me strength, guidance, and a deep sense of peace. If you have a faith, lean into it. It can be the anchor you’re looking for.
5. Build Something, Anything
You don’t have to be an artist or an inventor. Just create something. Write a short story. Build a piece of furniture. Start a small garden. Cook a meal from scratch. The act of bringing something new into the world is powerful. It proves you can make an impact. It’s a small way of leaving your mark and it builds incredible confidence.
6. Tackle a Hard Thing
Doing something difficult builds character and reveals your strength. For me, that hard thing was losing over 110 pounds. It felt impossible at first. But I decided to face it head-on. Every healthy meal I chose and every workout I finished was a victory. It taught me discipline, patience, and the power of consistency. Pick one hard thing in your life and decide to face it. The journey will forge you into a new person.
7. Practice Daily Gratitude
This is so simple it’s almost easy to dismiss. Don’t. Every day, take a moment to notice what you’re thankful for. Your health. Your family. A warm cup of coffee. A roof over your head. Gratitude shifts your perspective from what you lack to what you have. It opens your eyes to the blessings that are already all around you. A grateful heart is a purposeful heart.
8. Connect with People Who Lift You Up
The people you surround yourself with matter. Find a community that encourages you, challenges you, and supports you. This could be your church group, a few close friends, or a club. Meaningful relationships are a core part of a purposeful life. We were not meant to do this alone.
9. Simplify Your Life
Our world is full of noise and distractions. Purpose can get lost in the clutter. Take a look at your life and see what you can remove. Unsubscribe from emails. Declutter a room. Say no to commitments that drain you. Creating space in your life gives your purpose room to breathe and grow.
10. Take Care of Your Body
Your body is a gift. It’s the only one you get. When I was living an unhealthy lifestyle, I felt sluggish and depressed. I had no energy to pursue anything meaningful. Learning to fuel my body with good food and move it every day changed everything. It wasn't about looking a certain way. It was about honoring the vessel God gave me. When you feel strong and healthy, you have the energy to live out your purpose.
11. Set Tiny, Meaningful Goals
Big goals can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on small, daily wins. When I wanted to lose weight, I didn’t focus on the 110 pounds. I focused on drinking enough water that day. Or going for a 15-minute walk. These small wins built momentum. The same goes for work. I don't try to work 8 hours straight. I focus on 2-4 hours of deep, productive work. Small, consistent actions lead to massive results over time.
12. Get Quiet and Listen
Turn off the TV. Put down your phone. Find a quiet place to just sit and think. Or pray. In the silence, you can hear the things that get drowned out by the noise of daily life. You can check in with yourself, connect with God, and reflect on your path. You don't need a lot of time. Just five or ten minutes of quiet can bring amazing clarity.
Finding your purpose isn't a destination. It’s a journey you walk every day. It’s found in your faith, in your actions, and in your heart. You have a unique and important reason for being here.
So, what is one small thing you can do today to connect with your purpose?
