What is purpose?

And what isn’t purpose?

Thanks to internet “gurus” who pontificate on life, the term “purpose” has become shrouded in mystery.

It feels like only people with long white beards, wearing ill-fitting, layered clothing understand true purpose.

But we’re here to let you know that there’s nothing mystical or magical about purpose. It doesn’t come from staring into a crystal ball or from discovering your lucky number. 

Chances are, you already know what your purpose is –  and just need some help digging through the layers of distraction and detraction that have caused you to overlook it.

And then there’s the other pervasive idea about purpose that absolutely needs to be debunked: we tend to believe that finding your purpose equates to being a starving artist waiting for your big break.

The truth is, your purpose can be found in your 9 to 5. 

Yup, I’ll say that again: You can find your purpose at your regular old job. You can, without a doubt, fulfil your calling while making money sitting behind a desk or typing code all day or while attending sales meetings or planning business strategy.

There are those who tell you that only careers in the arts (think musician, artist, writer, speaker) are living with passion and purpose.

But we’re here to confirm that one’s ability to pay the bills doesn’t mean forfeiting purpose. You can thrive right where you are

But maybe you’re reading this thinking: How could I a sound engineer or a bank manager or a software guy be fulfilling my purpose. 

I would encourage you to look at the principles behind the activities that you absolutely love to do. Perhaps you feel like you love organizing events, or you feel most alive when helping someone, or you’re passionate about teaching. Could those principles be applied elsewhere? Perhaps even within your daily, rote, supposedly routine job? 

Today, the self-help pundits have made it seem like you have to meditate on a mountain top in isolation to find purpose. Sure, you may have to get alone for a bit and think through some questions to uncover your purpose. But purpose is not found in isolation, nor is there any enigma surrounding it. 

If you’re hesitant about finding your purpose because you’ve been fed the idea that it involves quitting your job or becoming a cash-strapped bohemian who creates art or music that no one “gets,” think again. Rest easy –  we can help you discover your passion and your purpose right where you are.


Author: Susan Narjala

Susan Narjala is a writer who blogs regularly on her website www.susannarjala.com. Her articles have been published on Desiring God, Randy Alcorn’s blogRelevant Magazine and Huffington Post

With a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University, New York, other publications she’s written for include: IndiaanyaFaithItHer View from HomeThe MOPS BlogFor Every MomThe HinduMotherlyEngage Magazine (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries) and Parent.com

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