Chances are, someone has asked you this question at least once—at a dinner table, during a job interview, in a moment of crisis, or maybe after a late-night glass of wine with a friend.
Wait—what’s that? You haven’t?
Well, guess what—you’re about to get a primer right here, right now.
For most of us, purpose is that invisible compass we carry without always knowing it’s there. It shifts and evolves with us as we grow. In its simplest form, purpose is why we exist—that spark that gets us out of bed every morning. It’s what motivates us to do hard things, where we pour most of our energy, and what quietly shapes our choices, well-being, and sense of meaning.
As a student, purpose might have been scoring the highest grades or mastering a skill. As a young professional, maybe it was climbing the career ladder. As a lover or a spouse it maybe sweeping their heart away, As a parent or caregiver, it could be nurturing the people who depend on you. For an ascetic, it might be spreading wisdom to humankind. Purpose changes shape, but it’s always there—whether you acknowledge it or not.
Growing up, I didn’t have “purpose” in my vocabulary. I went to school because that’s what one did. I pursued degrees to land the right job. I got married. Bought a home or two. Became a parent. Changed jobs. Increased my net worth. Expanded my network. Checked boxes.
And then, somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t living with intention anymore. My days had turned into a blur of productivity without meaning. I was running, but I wasn’t sure where to. I was on what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill—constantly moving, but never arriving.
Then came the pandemic. Like many, I was forced into stillness. The noise stopped, and in the quiet, I started to listen—to my own thoughts, my restlessness, my longings. I changed careers. I took long walks. I listened to podcasts. I made new friends. I traveled solo. I dusted off old hobbies. I started saying YES to things that lit me up and aligned with my values.
And slowly, I found a renewed sense of purpose.
For me, it became about curiosity—asking new questions, seeking new experiences. About service—sharing my skills and wisdom to help others. About connection—deepening friendships, building memories, traveling to unfamiliar places. My purpose wasn’t one big epiphany—it was a series of small, deliberate choices that added up to a life that felt alive again.
Here’s the thing: Purpose and passion are dance partners. Passion fuels the fire; purpose gives it direction. When your passion is in service to others, it transforms from a hobby into a legacy.
And purpose is not a static destination—it evolves. My purpose now isn’t what it was at 20, or even at 40. And it won’t be the same at 70. But here’s the difference: now, I live it one moment at a time, intentionally.
So, let me ask again:
What is your purpose at this point in your life?
What’s your why?
If you can’t answer right away, that’s okay. But don’t ignore the question. Your “third life”—this chapter you’re entering or perhaps already in—might be the perfect time to define it, chase it, or reinvent it.
Start today. Not tomorrow. Not when things “settle down.”
Your purpose is waiting.
What are you waiting for?