How To Define Your Purpose and Values In Life

Introduction.

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and sometimes, it can feel like we’re just going through the motions without really knowing why. I’ve been there myself—feeling like I’m not quite sure of what I’m doing or what I truly care about.

But here’s the thing: understanding your purpose and values is not some far-off, abstract concept reserved for a lucky few. It’s something we can all figure out, and once we do, it has the power to transform everything.

Defining your purpose and values isn’t just about feeling good or finding meaning—it’s about making intentional decisions that lead you towards a more fulfilling life.

When you know your core values and understand your purpose, you can approach everything with more clarity.

You make decisions more easily, and life just seems to flow better. It doesn’t mean things won’t be challenging, but it gives you a strong foundation to handle whatever comes your way.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through how you can figure out what truly matters to you, uncover your life’s purpose, and start living in alignment with your values.

If you’re feeling a little lost or disconnected, this guide could be the exact thing you need to get back on track.

Plus, I’ll answer some common questions people ask when trying to understand this process, so you’ll leave with everything you need to know to start your own journey.

Why It’s Important To Define Your Purpose and Values

You’ve probably heard the phrase “live with purpose” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean?

Living with purpose is about being intentional in the choices you make and ensuring that the things you do align with what’s important to you. It’s what gives life direction and helps you stay grounded, even when life gets chaotic.

Values, on the other hand, are the beliefs and principles that guide your actions. They’re the inner compass that helps you make decisions that feel right to you.

When you know your values, you understand what truly matters to you—whether that’s family, honesty, creativity, or adventure—and you can live in a way that reflects that.

For example, if you value health and fitness, but you’re constantly neglecting exercise because you’re not clear about how important it is to you, you might feel out of balance.

On the other hand, when you understand that health is a top priority, you’re more likely to make choices that support it, like finding time for workouts or eating better.

The more you know about your own purpose and values, the easier it becomes to make decisions that lead you toward a life that feels right.

How To Find Your Purpose

Now, let’s dive into the practical steps to help you define your purpose in life. I know this can sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a huge, complicated process. Here are some things I’ve found helpful when trying to figure it out.

1. Look at What Lights You Up
   Think about the moments when you feel most alive. What are you doing in those moments? Is it when you’re helping others? Creating something? Learning new things? These activities usually give you a clue about your deeper purpose. What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning?
2. Reflect on Your Life’s Story
   Take a moment to look back at your life so far. What experiences have shaped you? What challenges have you overcome, and how did they impact you? Sometimes, our purpose becomes clearer when we examine the path we’ve already walked.
3. Pay Attention to What Feels Right
   You know that feeling you get when you do something that feels like you’re in your element? That’s your intuition guiding you. Listen to it! Trust yourself more when something feels right.
4. Ask Yourself Big Questions
   If you could accomplish anything, what would it be? What kind of legacy would you want to leave behind? These aren’t just philosophical questions—they’re tools that can help you uncover the direction you’re meant to go in.

How To Identify Your Core Values

Once you have an idea of your purpose, the next step is to define your values. Your values are the principles that guide your actions, so it’s important to be honest with yourself when identifying them. Here’s how I break it down:

1. Start with a List of Values
   There are tons of lists online with common values people hold—things like honesty, kindness, creativity, adventure, family, etc. Read through them and mark the ones that resonate most with you. Don’t overthink it—just go with what feels true.
2. Think About Your Heroes
   Who do you admire? What qualities do they have that you want to embody? Whether it’s a public figure or someone you know personally, the people you look up to can give you valuable insight into your own values.
3. What Do You Stand For?
   Think about what you believe in. What are the things you would fight for or protect at all costs? The things that stir up passion in you often point to your core values. For example, if social justice or environmental conservation is important to you, those are values you might hold.
4. Assess Past Decisions
   Look back at decisions you’ve made in your life. Were there moments when you were really proud of yourself for standing up for something, or perhaps, when you felt disappointed because you didn’t stick to your values? These moments can help you understand what values you’ve already been living by, even if you didn’t recognize them at the time.
5. Rank Your Values
   Once you have a list of values, it can be helpful to narrow it down. Which ones are absolutely essential to how you want to live? Having too many values can feel overwhelming, so focus on the ones that are most meaningful to you.

Putting It All Together

When you define your purpose and values, it’s not about finding some perfect answer. It’s about getting clear on what really matters to you and aligning your actions with those things.

Over time, your purpose and values may evolve, and that’s okay. The key is to keep checking in with yourself and staying true to what feels right.

Once you have a clear understanding of your purpose and values, it’s time to live them out. Here are some ways to start:

• Set intentional goals that align with your purpose and values.
• Create boundaries that protect what’s most important to you.
• Surround yourself with people who share or support your values.
• Make decisions that reflect the life you want to create.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if I’ve found my true purpose?

A: It’s all about how it feels. If it brings you a sense of fulfillment and energy, and if it aligns with your core values, it’s likely your true purpose. Don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak things along the way.

Q: What if I have too many values, and they seem to conflict with each other?

A: It’s okay if your values seem to contradict each other at times. The important thing is to figure out which ones are non-negotiable and which ones you’re willing to compromise on. Life is messy, and sometimes balance is about prioritizing certain values depending on the situation.

Q: Can my purpose change over time?

A: Absolutely! Your purpose might shift as you grow and experience new things. Be open to the idea that your purpose might evolve—it’s all part of the journey.

Conclusion

Figuring out your purpose and values is one of the most important things you can do for your personal growth and well-being.

Once you understand what really matters to you, life becomes a lot more fulfilling. You stop wandering aimlessly and start living with intention.

So, take a moment to reflect on your own life: What are the things that matter most to you? What do you want your life to stand for? And most importantly, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?