The Average Person’s Path to Purpose
“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Helen Keller
Infuse purpose into life by doing something meaningful. Don’t worry if it’s not dramatic.
The Average Person’s Path to Purpose
#1. Feel the Pull
Meaningful action often has these qualities:
- You feel energized when you imagine doing them.
- You’re glad you did them, even if they’re not fun in the moment.
- They align with the kind of person you want to become.
Test: “Will I be grateful I do this?”
#2. Move the Needle
Make something better.
Meaning isn’t abstract. It shows up when you help:
- A person
- A team
- A project
- A goal
If you can see or name who benefits, it’s meaningful.
Test: “Who will be better off because I do this?”
#3. Express your Values
Meaning is microscopic. You don’t need a call. You need an expression.
Examples:
- If you value growth → read a chapter, ask a question, try something new.
- If you value connection → send a note, listen deeply, offer help.
- If you value contribution → solve a small problem, make someone’s day easier.
Test: “Which value consistently tugs for expression?”
#4. Notice Tension
Meaning sits where:
- You’ve been avoiding something important
- Action requires courage
- A situation calls for your attention
Purpose may not be comfortable. But it’s always worthwhile.
Test: “What am I avoiding that I would be proud I did?”
#5. Shorten the Timeline
Make today the whole story.
Meaning surfaces when you shrink the timeframe.
What action would give today worth (assuming today is a standalone chapter)?
Test: “What will make me think this was a day well lived?”
Meaning grows from motion, not meditation.
Purpose emerges when desire acts to meet a need that touches you.
What are simple ways for average people to find purpose?
What prevents us from living with purpose?
The Hellen Keller quote resonates for me. My wife has lost a good part of her vision over the years to a disease. Though not what we would have chosen, we can choose to find meaning and purpose in it.
Uncontrollable circumstances are hard to take. Your comment brings “integration” to mind. Somehow we learn to integrate these things. I wish you and your wife well.
Focus on what gives you energy. What get you excited?
Things that consistently drain us, don’t lift us. But we should avoid the notion that doing hard things should be avoided.