I’ve invested the past decade talking about purpose. Many of those conversations have been with individuals like you and me who are trying to name their personal purpose. At the same time, I’ve also worked closely with businesses and non-profits to help them get clear on their “why.”
There’s one thing that ties both together…
We all have a purpose inside us that drives who we are and how we show up in the world. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t have a purpose. That said, it can be challenging to name that purpose or put it into words. Asking someone why they exist can be an intimidating question… For many of us, creating a personal purpose statement has felt like an impossible task.
Why is that? What’s the hardest part? Getting started.
We find ourselves staring at the blank page in a journal or the blinking cursor on a device, and all of that wide open space can feel overwhelming. On one hand, with all of that freedom, you can let your mind go anywhere you want. On the other hand, getting started may feel impossible.
A technique I’ve found to be helpful is this… If you can look at someone else’s purpose statement, it can help you start putting your own into words. Seeing examples of personal purpose statements helps eliminate the “blank page overwhelm” I mentioned above.
With that in mind, here are some examples of personal purpose statements that friends and family have shared with me and I’ve brought to you here in the hopes that they spark something for you. A quick insight on that… If you read someone else’s personal purpose statement and you love it just the way it is, it’s OK to adopt it as your own. Maybe it will stick for a long time, or perhaps it is what you adopt for today, and it shifts in six months or a year? That’s OK.
That shifting is part of this purpose exercise. Keep in mind that your personal purpose statement will change over time. We’re not going to ask you to carve it in stone, so you can let go of some of the stress associated with this exercise. As you evolve as a person, your personal purpose statement can and should evolve with you.
As you come up with a personal purpose statement you think you like, try it on like a sweater. Wear your personal purpose statement for a while, and make sure it fits your style. As you grow, check it to ensure it still fits and is growing with you… And if it doesn’t, come up with a new version to wear that fits better.
Ready to check out some of the examples I’ve collected? Let’s go!
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Short and Direct
“I’m here to inspire growth and resilience in myself and others.”
“At my core, I’m driven to lead with integrity and leave the world better than I found it.”
Inspirational
“The reason I wake up every day is to ignite a passion for possibility in every life I touch.”
“What fuels me is living boldly, loving deeply, and empowering others to do the same.”
Mission-Oriented
“My mission is to create tools and experiences that help people discover their unique potential.”
“I’m dedicated to serving as a catalyst for positive change, one conversation at a time.”
Reflective and Thoughtful
“My role in life is to be a source of light and encouragement in a world that often feels dark.”
“My calling is to grow through challenges, live authentically, and inspire others to do the same.”
Professional and Ambitious
“What drives me is building innovative solutions that create a meaningful difference.”
“My purpose is to bridge the gap between vision and reality, helping teams achieve extraordinary results.”
Faith-Based
“I am called to glorify God in all I do, serving others with humility and love.”
“My faith leads me to live a Christ-centered life, spreading kindness, hope, and faith.”
Family-Focused
“What matters most to me is being a source of love, strength, and wisdom for my family.”
“I see my purpose as creating a legacy of values and love that impacts future generations.”
Creative and Artistic
“I express myself by using creativity to tell stories that inspire connection and transformation.”
“It’s about crafting beauty and meaning in every project, leaving my mark on the world.”
Community-Oriented
“I’m here to build strong, thriving communities by empowering individuals to see what’s possible.”
“My heart is in being a voice for the voiceless, driving change through compassion and action.”
Adventurous
“I live to explore, learn, and embrace life’s adventures with an open heart and mind.”
“My purpose is to live courageously, seeking new horizons and inspiring others to do the same.”
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My own purpose
“I exist to share Christ with the world, to love and lead my family well, and to help others see and reach their full potential.”
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What are some of the common threads woven through these examples?
- They’re short and simple. Make your purpose as long as you like, but resist the urge to overcomplicate things.
- The language they use is not complicated. Use words that sound like you, not the kind that belong on a corporate lobby wall.
- Make it your own. Your purpose is yours. Don’t worry what other people think of your purpose. They have their own to focus on.
After I was finally able to define my purpose, I learned this… When you have a personal purpose statement that you can look at each day, you position yourself to start each morning with a reminder of why you exist. Then, at the end of each day, you can ask yourself this simple question: “Did I live today in alignment with my purpose?”
I hope this is helpful to each of you. For more insights on developing your own personal purpose statement, mindset, vision, and personal growth, follow me here.
John
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Ready for more?
If you liked this, then you might be interested in my new book, Living Life Daily: Unlocking Your Purpose. Discovering your purpose begins with asking the right questions. This book is your guide to uncovering what truly drives you and aligning your life with your unique calling. With 100 thought-provoking questions, actionable insights, and journal prompts, this book is designed to help you explore your deepest passions and move closer to a life of clarity, meaning, and fulfillment. Find it here!
You’ll also get massive value out of the Grit Meets Growth podcast that I share with Chris Cathers. It’s for people who want more out of life… at work, at home, in their relationships, and in their health and wellness. Find it here or on your favorite podcast platform! – John
