You may have heard this phrase before – “purpose journey.”
At the time of this writing (May 2022) it’s very in focus for me. I’ve invested the last 12+ months on my own purpose journey. There are various ways to interpret such a phrase, but here’s my unique spin.
What is a purpose journey?
A process of self-discovery focused on finding authentic meaning, fulfillment and alignment in life.
Some other ways to describe it:
- Figuring out what you want to do when you grow up
- Experiencing a mid-life crisis
- Period of transition in life related to identity
- etc.
I think “purpose journey” has a nice ring to it, so I prefer that label.
Regardless, here’s why it’s important.
1. Finding Meaning in Life
The main reason most of us pursue a purpose journey is to find greater meaning in our lives. Meaning that’s authentic to who we are and what we value. We’re no longer content with some of life’s routine motions, rhythms and demands. This is usually associated with our professions, work or where we invest significant amounts of time.
We’ve started asking bigger questions like:
- What’s the point of everything or anything?
- What’s my purpose?
- What do I want to do with my time in this life?
These are deep questions that may have complex answers. Or, they could have simple answers. Defining purpose is not the same for everyone. It’s deciding what gives YOU meaning and fulfillment.
2. Realizing Fulfillment in Life
Another driver of purpose is realizing fulfillment. This relates to feeling useful and needed. Or feeling that our contributions in life are worthwhile. As humans, we operate a lot from feeling. Our emotions, thoughts and physical state determine how fulfilled we feel.
Some of this can be also be mapped back to psychology and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
This represents a pyramid model where we start at the bottom seeking food, shelter and safety. Then we work our way up to seek love, belonging and achievement. Then ultimately we reach the top to seek impact or self-actualization.
That said, the pyramid is not the same for everyone. It is possible to have unique needs in different order.
In fact, I think it’s possible to navigate self-actualization without the normal “safety” and “belonging” needs that many humans seek… but that is another idea in itself!
3. Experiencing Alignment in Life
The last major piece of purpose is around alignment. This relates to our connection to ourself, others and a higher power.
Some examples of alignment can include:
- Alignment with ourself via health and identity.
- Alignment with others via relationships.
- Alignment with source via god, the universe or whatever spiritual entity you believe in.
Alignment is honoring your integrity and being intentional with where you invest your energy. It’s being true to how you really want to show up in life. How you want to show up for yourself first, and then how you want to show up for others. This equates to operating as our best or most authentic self.
I believe we are most aligned when we realize our “fullest expression.” This is a bit more esoteric, but it represents a state of being where you:
- Feel most alive and energized
- Embody your core values
- Honor your integrity and gifts
Your fullest expression is essentially the purest version of you.
The Roadmap
Purpose journeys are unique to each traveler, so there is no way to prescribe how you should approach it. That’s my perspective at least. In fact, I think too much instruction on how to do it defeats the whole point. It’s something you have to navigate your way.
So there is no roadmap.
You may even find that you have no need to define your purpose! Or, you have all kinds of purpose in different ways. That purpose is for you to discover and realize.
I will share a few things I’ve found on my path:
First, you don’t have to travel alone!
Find a guide or mentor to support you. Choose someone you admire, respect or consider wise. Someone who embodies a way of being that resonates with you. This type of journey is arguably one of the most important things you can pursue in your lifetime. It will yield so much learning and growth.
*Shameless plug: I provide such guidance if this post speaks to you! Details here
Once you’ve decided to start the journey, I would encourage you to approach it in phases.
Phase 1: Greater Awareness
Bring attention to what presents itself without judgement or the need to know everything. Becoming more aware has no concept of right or wrong, no good or bad. It’s simply being in tune with what is. It’s understanding that everything is about you and your experience of reality.
Phase 2: Pattern Recognition
Our past can often hold key insights into what wants to happen next. For example, past trauma, conditioning and limiting beliefs will present themselves as patterns if you pay close attention. They contain a lot of information about who we are and how we operate.
Once you recognize these patterns, you have the choice to [unconsciously] continue repeating them – or – [consciously] choose to break them. Some of our greatest transformation occurs when we heal past trauma, rewire old conditioning and resolve limiting beliefs.
Phase 3: Surrender & Acceptance
Our purpose isn’t always something we design or plan. On the contrary, it can be something we get called in to. Something we surrender to instead of trying to control.
Our greatest insights and growth often occur when we let go and practice acceptance. When we flow with what wants to happen, instead of what we want to happen. I consider this a “jedi move” in conscious leadership.
Phase 4: Deeper Curiosity
The most powerful self discovery happens when we’re committed to being curious, instead of committed to being right. When we realize there’s always something to learn. This is hard for humans, especially when we believe in shared knowledge, expertise, and other forms of established learning.
This also involves being open to the possibility that there is no true end of this journey. In other words, we may find that the journey is gaining a better understanding of what gives us purpose, and that can certainly evolve.
Phase 5: Soul Alignment
If there were a final phase it would be alignment with our soul. The deepest part of our being that’s pure, ancient and real. Our soul is a reflection of who we are at our core. What we’re made of. The part of us that always knows.
This is what I’ve learned on my journey.
Keep what feels valuable, let go of the rest. Your journey awaits!
Ali Jafarian
Ali is a family man, conscious leader and serial entrepreneur with a deep drive to create. He writes, designs and builds things to inspire the real human experience.
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