I’ve been discussing the notion of Purpose and the importance of three key elements. So far, I’ve looked at Who we are and Why we are. The third is How we are in the world.

There are several views on finding one’s purpose in life. Some believe a greater power ordains one’s purpose. They usually derive this perspective from religious or spiritual beliefs and suggests each person has a specific destiny to fulfil. This route seeks enlightenment through faith or spiritual guidance.

Others believe purpose is something we create and is shaped through our actions and choices.

Some of you may be familiar with Ikigai, a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” An individual’s purpose emerges from the intersection of four key elements: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what it can reward you. 

This philosophy suggests your purpose is not predetermined, but emerges from a process of self-discovery. It encourages exploration of passions and interests, developing skills and abilities while considering how these can benefit others.

This still begs the question, How?

I believe finding your purpose is straightforward. But the challenge lays in getting yourself out of the way to make the connection. You already know the answer, but you look for ‘experts’ to confirm an easier way.

What if you allow yourself to listen to your intuition, decide from a place of love rather than fear and then apply your gifts, you are on the right path?

What will prevent you from connecting with your purpose is the subconscious mind, the ego which seeks to keep you safe and looks for what it sees as a pain-free path. Do this and you’ll avoid pain, but will disconnect from your authentic self, your Who. This attempt at avoidance will also keep you from your Why and will cause you to go for a safe ‘What.”

Ikigai may provide a formula, but you have to apply it and a good Coach or Hypnotherapist will help guide you and remove any subconscious blocks preventing you from stepping into your greatness. Does this mean everything conveniently falls into place each time? No, but each step teaches us something valuable.

It’s a process of discovery, and deepening awareness. Some steps result in a joyous experience, some are difficult, but each teaches us something valuable if we allow it.

In summary, different views on finding one’s purpose suggest it can be fixed, discovered through self-exploration, or created through one’s actions and choices.

I believe your purpose is something emerging from the intersection of what you love, are good at, and what the world needs. Nothing more, nothing less.