We often hear how important it is to discover our purpose, live with intention, and bring meaning into our daily lives and work.

Yet so many people wander through life feeling disconnected, unfulfilled, or even lost, waiting for a sign or a sudden “aha!” moment to reveal their true purpose. 

Society loves to define success for us—career titles, bank balances, social media milestones. But real purpose is personal. It’s the intersection of what excites you, what you’re naturally good at, and how you can contribute to the world in a way that feels meaningful to you.

There’s a beautiful Japanese concept called Ikigai. That means, the reason for get out of your bed every morning. So, you need to find your ikigai. In layman terms, you need to find your passion.

Sometimes, all it takes is asking the right questions—the kind that cuts through the noise and helps you tune into your deepest desires. That’s why in this post, I’m sharing 15 questions to discover your life purpose, designed to align your daily life with what brings you joy and fulfillment.

1. What do you want from life?

Let me guess- When you read that question, part of you panics. “How am I supposed to know? What if I pick the wrong thing?” Or maybe your mind explodes with a dozen competing answers.

“I want happiness. No—financial freedom. Wait, maybe it’s love? Or adventure? Or just… to feel at peace?”

Your purpose isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a conversation with your changing self.

Think about it:

• At 20, you might’ve craved adventure and new experiences.
• At 35, stability and family might take center stage.
• At 50, legacy or creative freedom could call to you.

Life isn’t static. Your dreams don’t have to be either.

So let’s simplify this. Instead of asking, “What do I want from life?” (heavy, eternal, overwhelming), try:

“What does my soul need right now?”

Maybe it’s rest after years of burnout. Maybe it’s finally starting that side hustle. Maybe it’s learning to say “no” so you can say “yes” to what matters.

2. Am I Truly Happy With How I’m Living My Life Right Now?

Scroll through social media, and you’ll see countless people seemingly living their “best lives”—traveling the world, landing dream jobs, or radiating joy in perfectly curated moments.

Living your best life isn’t always about the highlight reel. It’s about the unglamorous, daily choices that align with who you really are—not who you think you should be.

What Living Your Best Life Is NOT:

Waiting for “someday” to arrive – That promotion, that relationship, that magical moment when you’ll finally feel “ready.” (Spoiler: It never comes unless you start showing up differently today.)

Hoping motivation will strike like lightning – Motivation follows action, not the other way around. You don’t need to “feel like it” to take the first step.

Comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel – Their “best life” might be your personal nightmare. Only you get to define what fulfillment looks like.

What Living Your Best Life Actually Means:

It’s about owning where you are right now—even if it’s messy, imperfect, or still in progress. Because here’s the secret:

Your “best life” isn’t a destination. It’s the courage to show up as yourself, unapologetically, in every small moment.

That means:

• Making choices today that your future self will thank you for—even if they’re uncomfortable.
• Trusting your gut over outside opinions (yes, even your parents’ or partner’s).
• Recognizing that happiness isn’t something you find—it’s something you build through intentional living.

3. Am I surrounding myself with people and habits that add value to me?

You ever just look around and think, “Man, so many people are just wasting their potential”?

We spend so much of our energy on people who drain us, situations that don’t matter, and routines that keep us stuck. We say yes to everything and everyone—except ourselves. Then we wonder why we feel so out of sync or burnt out.

Our schedules are packed to the brim. Meetings, errands, social plans… all of it.

But ask yourself this: when was the last time you gave even one hour to something that actually made you feel alive? That thing you’ve always wanted to try? That idea you can’t stop thinking about?

And seriously—is this what life is supposed to be?

Life is messy and unpredictable. One second, you think you’ve got a grip on things, and the next—it’s like life switches the rules without telling you. 

That’s why you’ve got to protect your time like it’s gold—because it is.

So next time you’re about to start your day, catch up with someone, or spiral into that “ugh I’ve done nothing all week” feeling, stop for a sec. 

Ask yourself: “Are the people I’m around and the things I’m doing actually adding value to me?”

And be honest.

If the answer’s no? It might be time to bounce. No drama, just peace.

Now, don’t get it twisted—not everything that feels boring is a waste. Sometimes the things we don’t want to do are exactly what we need to grow. Great things take work, and yeah, sometimes it sucks in the moment. That’s life.

So seriously—start letting go of the stuff that doesn’t move the needle in your life. The people, the habits, the mindsets. All of it.

Because finding your purpose isn’t about waiting for some magical lightning bolt. It’s about showing up, cutting the fluff, and slowly building a life that actually feels like yours.

Bit by bit. Choice by choice.

4. What would my future self (10 years from now) thank me for starting today?

This is one of those deep, kick-you-in-the-gut questions we should all ask ourselves regularly. 

Maybe it’s something small—like building a skill, breaking a bad habit, or investing time in something meaningful. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some key areas to focus on that will pay off big time down the road:

Financial – Learning about money now is like giving your future self a giant high-five. Start small—read a book on investing, set up automatic savings, or even just track your spending. Compound interest is magic, but only if you start early. Future You will be thrilled you did.

Educational – If you can, get a degree. You may not “learn” but the process teaches you other skills – from getting along with peers and management, to dealing with bureaucracy. Do as much learning outside school as you do in – and never stop. Teach yourself a new language, pick up a side hustle, or dive into topics that fascinate you.

Health – Create the baseline for the best you possible. Yes, you can eat a whole pizza now. Don’t. Learn to cook for yourself. Fast food should be a treat, not a lifestyle. The metabolism you lay out for yourself now is critical – create a good one and I swear to you at 40 you will want to kiss yourself.

Treat your body like the temple it is, because one day, you’ll really wish you had.

Life – Learn to do things for yourself. Make your own bed. Do your own laundry, clean your space, do your paperwork. The more independent you are, the more flexible you can be. 

Think about the life you want to live in 5, 10, 20, 50 years. Every day do one thing to move yourself towards that life. Then live it.

Remember: Your future is built by the choices you make right now.

Pro Tip: Writing a letter to your future self can be an impactful practice for self-evaluation and reflection. Give it a try today!

5. When do I feel most like my true self?

When was the last time you felt so happy doing something that you lost track of time?

If you ask me- I lose track of time, when my mind is quiet, and when I am creating something that engrosses my whole being (like this post). I feel like this is when I have touch with my True Self.

Maybe for you, it’s:

• Getting lost in a sketchbook, your hands covered in charcoal

• Strumming your guitar until your fingers ache (in the best way)

• Filming a short movie on your phone, completely absorbed in the story

• Or even something as simple as losing yourself in a book that speaks to your soul

What I am trying to say here is- You feel more yourself when you can do the things you want to do.

These aren’t just hobbies or passing interests. They’re clues—breadcrumbs leading you toward the life you’re meant to live. 

Pay attention to:

• What you’re doing in these moments

• How it makes you feel (energized? at peace?)

• Why it matters to you (hint: the deeper meaning is your compass)

6. How do I actually want to live my life?

This question might seem simple at first, but if you sit with it for a minute—really sit with it—you’ll notice how hard it is to answer honestly. 

Most of us are so caught up in doing what’s expected, what’s “safe,” or what’s next on the to-do list, that we don’t pause to ask: Is this the life I want?

Maybe you’ve felt it—that tension between chasing your dreams and playing it safe. You want to start that business, switch careers, travel more, or finally dive into that creative passion. 

But something keeps pulling you back. 

Fear. Doubt. Practicality. 

Whatever it is, it convinces you that sticking to the “secure” path is the smart move.

But consider this- the safest route isn’t always the most fulfilling one.

Choosing a life you truly want doesn’t have to mean flipping everything upside down overnight. It starts with small, intentional steps—saying yes to more of what lights you up and slowly saying no to what drains you.

You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just start by listening to yourself more often. What are the moments that make you feel most alive? Who are you with when you feel most like you? What parts of your day do you look forward to? That’s the stuff worth paying attention to.

It’s not about chasing some huge, perfect dream in the distance. It’s about aligning your everyday choices with the kind of life you want to live. A life where you feel connected, fulfilled, and on purpose—not just busy.

So, how do you want to live? Not how others expect you to live. Not how you think you should live. But how your heart quietly hopes you could, if only you gave it a shot.

That’s where it all begins.

7. What are my strengths ? Am I maintaining them or are they deteriorating ?

Let’s start with a big one. What are you naturally good at? What activities make you feel alive, focused, and in flow?

Those are usually signs of your strengths—the things that not only come easier to you but also energize you.

A strength isn’t always something you’re the “best” at. You don’t need to be winning awards or outperforming everyone else to call something a strength. 

If it lights you up inside and gives you a sense of confidence or satisfaction while doing it, that’s a pretty good sign it’s a strength worth paying attention to.

But it doesn’t stop at just identifying them—are you actually using them? Nurturing them? Or have they started to rust from neglect? Life gets busy, and sometimes we shelve the very things that make us feel most like ourselves.

Here are just ways that has worked for me in identifying my strengths and making sure they aren’t gathering dust:

Reflect on your past wins- What is it you have been told in the past that you have done very well?Jot down anything that stands out—especially moments where you felt proud, energized, or “in the zone.”

Pay attention to when you’re most productive- Throughout your day, pay attention to moments when work feels effortless. That’s a strength in action. For example, if writing a report feels like a chore but brainstorming ideas feels exciting, creativity might be a core strength.

Experiment and Reflect- Try new things. Volunteer. Pick up a new hobby. Take on a different project at work. Then ask yourself:

• Did I enjoy that?
• Was I good at it?
• Would I do it again?

Every new experience gives you more data about yourself.

8. What are my short term and long terms goals ?

Imagine holding a bow and arrow, ready to shoot. I tell you, “Hit the target!” But then you ask, “Where is the target?” If I don’t show you one, your arrow flies aimlessly—nowhere meaningful.

That’s exactly how life works without goals.

Everyone wants something out of life. Some dreams are quick wins—things you can achieve in weeks or months. Others are big, life-shifting visions that take years of effort.  Your short-term goals should build toward your long-term ones.

Long-term goals can feel overwhelming. Starting a business, changing careers, writing a book, or achieving financial freedom—these aren’t overnight successes. The pressure can make you freeze before you even begin.

That’s where short-term goals come in. They’re like training wheels for your biggest ambitions. Instead of staring at the mountain, you focus on the next few steps.

• Want to build a business? Start by researching, then create a simple prototype.
• Dream of writing a novel? Commit to 200 words a day.
• Craving more adventure? Plan one small, exciting trip this year.

So ask yourself:

• What’s my ultimate vision? (The big, exciting, maybe slightly terrifying dream.)
• What’s the next small step I can take today? (The doable, immediate action.)

When you align the two, you don’t just have goals- you have a roadmap to your purpose.

9. What would my ideal life look like if I weren’t afraid?

Fear is sneaky. Sometimes it disguises itself as “being practical” or “playing it safe.” It tells you to stay in your comfort zone, to keep doing what’s expected, to avoid risks. 

But is that really living?

Fear doesn’t just keep you safe—it can also keep you small. It whispers that you’re not ready, not good enough, or that “maybe someday” is better than “right now.” And the longer you listen, the further you drift from the life you were meant to live.

The question you should be asking yourself right now is-  What would my life look like if I weren’t afraid?

Like, really—what would change?

• Maybe you’d finally start that business idea you’ve been dreaming about
• Maybe you’d leave the job that drains your soul and pursue work that lights you up
• Maybe you’d travel, write that book, speak your truth, or just be more unapologetically you

You might:

• Do more of what you want instead of what you think you should
• Stop shrinking yourself to avoid criticism
• Let go of the fear of what other people might think

Most of what holds us back isn’t the world—it’s us. It’s the inner voice telling us to wait. That we’re not enough. That we need permission.

But courage? Courage doesn’t mean you don’t feel fear. It means you’ve decided not to let fear drive the car.

It’s a decision—a quiet, powerful commitment to show up, even when your voice shakes.

Start small, but start somewhere.

If you’re scared to speak up, try it in a one-on-one conversation.

If you fear failing, take one imperfect action and learn from it.

If you’re scared of judgment—know this: people will judge you no matter what. 

So you might as well do what sets your soul on fire.

Repeat the scary thing until it loses its grip on you. Make fear your teacher, not your master.

So… what would your life look like if you stopped letting fear call the shots?

10. What are my top five core values, and am I living in alignment with them?

Core values are the deeply held beliefs and principles that influence the way you think, act, and make decisions. They’re woven into your identity, quietly shaping how you see the world, connect with others, and set your priorities. 

When you take the time to identify and understand these values, you gain powerful insight into what truly matters to you—allowing you to make choices that reflect your authentic self and lead to a life of greater fulfillment and integrity.

How can we determine our core values and beliefs? 

Observe your actions—they tell you what your core values are.

Your day-to-day decisions offer clues about what you really value. Ask yourself:

• What kind of situations make me feel most proud, alive, or fulfilled?

• When have I felt deeply frustrated, disappointed, or even angry? (These feelings often show us when our values are being violated.)

• Who do I admire, and why? What qualities or principles do they embody that resonate with me?

Narrow your core values down to your top five. Yes—just five. It can be tough, but the goal is clarity, not perfection.

Then comes the important part.

Reflection.

Ask yourself honestly—am I living in alignment with these values?

For example, if freedom is in your top five, but you’re stuck in a job that feels suffocating, it might be time to rethink your path. If you value connection, but you’re constantly overworking and have no time for your loved ones, something’s out of sync.

The beauty of knowing your core values is that they can act as your personal filter. 

They help you say yes to the right things and no to the things that pull you away from who you really are.

11. Who do I admire most, and what qualities do they have that I aspire to?

It doesn’t matter if the person you admire is a global icon, your next-door neighbor, or your quiet, hardworking aunt. What truly matters is why you admire them. It’s not about their fame or recognition, but the qualities they embody that resonate deeply with you.

To admire someone is to hold them in high regard—not just because of what they’ve achieved, but because of how they show up in the world. Maybe it’s their resilience, their kindness, their courage to speak out, or the way they quietly serve others without expecting anything in return.

Maybe it’s your dad, who always puts family first, even when life gets hard. Maybe it’s a teacher who believed in you when no one else did. Or maybe it’s a public figure who turned their pain into purpose and is now helping others do the same.

The people we admire often reflect parts of ourselves that we’re longing to nurture—or parts we didn’t realize we already had. Often, the people we admire most are walking examples of our values in action. 

Pay attention to that.

If you admire someone’s generosity, maybe giving back is a part of your purpose. If you look up to someone’s creativity or courage, maybe those are strengths you’re meant to lean into.

Are there people in your life who inspire you to follow your dreams because of what they have overcome to get where they want to be?

12. What sacrifices am I willing to make for what truly matters to me?

Nothing meaningful in life comes without sacrifice. Whether it’s financial freedom, a thriving career, deep relationships, or personal growth, you’ll have to give up something to get there.

Think about the people who achieve extraordinary things:

Entrepreneurs constantly push past fear, work long hours, and reinvent themselves to build something lasting.

Artists, athletes, and innovators trade comfort, stability, and even sleep to master their craft.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world hits snooze, binge-watches Netflix, and scrolls mindlessly—then wonders why their dreams feel out of reach.

To Achieve the Extraordinary, You Must Sacrifice the Ordinary

Ask yourself:

• Am I willing to give up short-term pleasure for long-term fulfillment?
• What habits, mindsets, or comforts are holding me back?
• Am I clinging to things that don’t actually serve my bigger vision?

Sacrifices Worth Making

Some things need to go if you’re serious about growth:

• Negativity – Complaining won’t change your life; action will.
• A victim mindset – Blaming others keeps you powerless.
• Mindless distractions – Time is your most valuable asset. Spend it wisely.
• Fear of failure – Every successful person has failed. The difference? They kept going.
• Comfort zones – Growth happens outside them.

But Never Sacrifice…

• Your core values – If a goal requires you to betray yourself, it’s not worth it.
• Your health & relationships – No achievement matters if you lose yourself in the process.

Sacrifice isn’t about deprivation-it’s about prioritization. Every “no” to distractions is a “yes” to your purpose. So ask yourself:

What am I willing to give up now for the life I truly want later?

Your answer might just change everything.

13. What makes you feel great about yourself?

If someone asked you this right now, what would your gut response be?

Maybe it’s when your boss gives you a shoutout during the Monday morning meeting. Or when a friend tells you your latest Instagram post is fire. Or when you finally stick to your workout routine for a week straight. 

All valid answers—but take a second and notice something. Most of these are external validations. They rely on someone else’s opinion or approval.

That’s not a bad thing in itself-we all need recognition sometimes. But if we’re truly trying to uncover our life’s purpose, we need to dig a little deeper. 

I remember doing a personal reflection exercise a few years ago when I was feeling particularly lost in my career. The question I asked myself was this: “What makes me feel genuinely great about who I am?” Not what makes me look good. Not what gets me praise. 

But what feels good to my soul.

I sat down and listed everything I could think of. Helping a friend through a rough patch. Finishing a project I thought I couldn’t handle. Writing something that resonated with someone. Moments where I showed up authentically, with kindness, courage, or creativity. And then I narrowed that list down to the top five. 

It was an eye-opener- none of them had to do with how others saw me. They were all about who I was when no one was watching.

So here’s a challenge for you.

Grab a journal or open your Notes app. 

Ask yourself, “What genuinely makes me feel proud, fulfilled, or deeply satisfied?” 

Don’t stop at the surface. 

Go deeper. Think about times when you felt aligned with your values-when you acted out of compassion, took a risk for something you believed in, or simply felt at peace with yourself.

Because the more you understand the things that light you up from the inside, the closer you get to discovering a purpose that won’t fade when the likes stop rolling in.

14. What legacy do I want to leave behind, and what actions am I taking to build that legacy?

What will you leave behind?

This is the question that has guided history’s greatest innovators, artists, and leaders. A legacy isn’t measured by wealth or recognition—it’s defined by lasting influence. Whether through groundbreaking ideas, transformative inventions, or timeless art, every significant legacy begins with a single choice: to build something that endures.

I’m convinced that everyone has the power to leave something meaningful behind. The real challenge lies in figuring out what to create, taking the first step, and pushing through barriers.

You don’t have to be extraordinary to leave a legacy-it’s not about innate talent or chance. 

It’s about believing that your voice, your work, and your vision matter enough to put into the world. Those who shape legacies do so by boldly expressing their uniqueness, crafting something valuable, and sharing it with conviction. They challenge norms, inspire change, and lead with insights that redefine their fields—and often, the world itself.

When I was younger, I aspired to be many things — an industrialist, astronaut, an engineer. However, life is often more complicated than those childhood dreams.

But life has this funny way of shaking things up, and suddenly those big dreams start to feel… foggy. That’s where this question comes in—it’s not just about who you thought you’d become, but who you’re choosing to become now.

Everyone leaves a legacy. It’s not about fame or fortune—it’s about impact. It’s the ripple effect of how you lived, what you created, how you made people feel, and what you stood for.

Three questions to help you know which legacy you want to leave behind:

What are your interests? Think about the topics or activities you could get lost in for hours. What energizes you? What makes you feel alive?

What are you good at? These are your talents, skills, and experiences. The things people often ask you for help with—or even pay you to do.

What could I talk about for hours without getting bored? Imagine sitting down with a friend who’s all ears. What’s that one topic you’d love to go deep on?

Picture those three answers as overlapping circles. Your legacy? It lives right there in the middle.

So how do you bring that legacy to life?

1. Create value-whatever that looks like for you.

It doesn’t have to be flashy. Maybe it’s a book, a business, or a blog. Maybe it’s mentoring someone, raising kind kids, or starting a community project. If it makes someone’s life better—even in a small way—it matters. It counts.

2. Stay consistent. Show up for your purpose.

Forget the shiny-object syndrome. Don’t chase ten things at once. Focus. Commit. Keep building, even when it’s slow or messy. Your legacy isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a lifelong journey. It’s how you show up every day and who you choose to be.

Because at the end of the day, your legacy isn’t just what you leave behind. It’s what you live right now.

15. What’s one change you could make tomorrow to live better?

Time to look at the last question!

Think of your life like a garden. 

Nothing grows unless you plant the right seeds today.

So, what’s one simple shift you can make tomorrow that gets you closer to the life you want?

It could be waking up 30 minutes earlier, swapping scrolling time for reading, or finally starting that thing you’ve been putting off. 

Small moves, big difference.

We all dream—better job, travel adventures, a life that actually excites us.

Yet too often, we put off what’s necessary—or worse, convince ourselves it’s out of reach.

• “Why try? It’ll never happen anyway.”
• “I’m not good enough.”
• “People like me don’t make it in that world.”

These doubts harden into beliefs. And beliefs define our future.

Just as a garden depends on fertile soil, your success starts with the right mindset.

So what can you do?

• Shift your mindset – If you don’t believe it’s possible, you won’t even try.

• Take action – Don’t wait for motivation. Just start.

• Build discipline – Progress isn’t flashy. It’s showing up daily, even when it’s boring.

What can be even more helpful:

Maintain a bullet journal

Jot down your daily goals—then check them off. Progress builds momentum.

Lay a strong foundation

Sleep, fuel, and movement prime you for success before the work even begins.

Stay endlessly curious

Growth demands more than effort—it requires stretching your mind beyond what you already know.

Your garden thrives only with care.

Effort → Consistency → Discipline.

Final Thoughts

Believe it or not, many people either don’t know what their passion is or haven’t taken the time to discover it—a truly missed opportunity. Some may even underestimate the importance of exploring what it could be.

There are several ways to uncover your purpose in life. For some, it’s about setting goals and pursuing them until clarity emerges. Others may find answers through self-reflection, identifying recurring patterns or interests that point toward a deeper purpose.

Helpful resources such as books, articles, workshops, and retreats can also provide valuable guidance on this journey.

The 15 questions I’ve shared with you are a great starting point for discovering your passions.

Take the time to explore what truly excites you—it’s worth it.

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