Alright, let’s cut to the chase. “Living with purpose” sounds like something you’d see on a motivational poster with a guy climbing a mountain, right? But what does it really mean? Is it something mystical or just another buzzword that makes you feel guilty for binge-watching Friends again? Well, let’s dig in and clear it up once and for all.

What Is Purposeful Living (And Can I Do It Without Giving Up Netflix)?

Here’s the deal: Purposeful living isn’t about becoming a monk or quitting your job to live in a van (unless that’s your thing, then go for it!). It’s about figuring out why you do what you do. What lights your fire? What makes you feel alive? It’s not about what society tells you is important, but what really matters to you.

Think about Viktor Frankl, the guy who wrote Man’s Search for Meaning (yeah, heavy title, but stick with me). Frankl survived the horrors of a concentration camp because he found meaning even in suffering. No, you don’t have to face something that extreme, but his story proves that purpose can keep us going, even when life feels like it’s throwing nothing but lemons​.

And then there’s Simon Sinek, the guy who wrote Start With Why. He basically says that people don’t care what you do; they care why you do it. So, whether you’re launching a business or deciding what cereal to eat, knowing your “why” helps everything feel more aligned​.

How Do I Find My “Why” Without Ending Up in a Mid-Life Crisis?

Glad you asked. Purposeful living starts with getting a little introspective. And before you roll your eyes, hear me out—it’s not that bad. Here’s what you need to ask yourself:

1. What makes you lose track of time? (Besides TikTok, obviously.) What activities make you feel totally in the zone?
2. What challenges have shaped you? Think about the tough stuff you’ve been through. How could that help someone else?
3. When do you feel most connected to something bigger? This could be when you’re in nature, helping someone out, or just staring at the stars.

Remember Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita? He didn’t want to fight in a battle because, well, he had a serious case of the moral dilemmas. But Krishna (his guide) told him to focus on his purpose—his dharma—and things started to click. Even ancient warriors needed pep talks about purpose​!

Values: The GPS of Purposeful Living

Once you’ve got a rough idea of your “why,” it’s time to figure out your values. These are the things that make you, you. Honesty? Creativity? Compassion? Your values should guide your decisions—whether you’re picking a career, a partner, or just what’s for dinner.

In the Tao Te Ching, there’s a lot of talk about going with the flow and living in harmony with the universe​. But that doesn’t mean being passive—it means acting in line with what you truly care about, instead of getting caught up in what others think you should be doing. So next time someone tells you to “just go with the flow,” remind them that the flow is your values.

But Does This Really Work? (Yes, and Science Says So)

It’s not just spiritual mumbo-jumbo—there’s actual science backing up the whole “living with purpose” thing. A study from Stanford found that people who have a strong sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives. So basically, figuring out your purpose is like the ultimate self-care routine​.

Another study showed that older adults with purpose were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. So not only are you more fulfilled, but your brain also gets a boost. Turns out, purpose is like a gym membership for your mind​.

How to Start Living on Purpose (Without Freaking Out)

You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Baby steps, my friend. Here’s how to start:

1. Identify your values: What are the non-negotiables in your life? Honesty, kindness, creativity? Write them down.
2. Set intentional goals: Once you’ve got your values, make small goals that reflect them. If you value creativity, maybe your goal is to write for 10 minutes a day.
3. Consistency over perfection: Don’t stress about getting it all right. Purposeful living is about showing up, even if it’s just a little bit every day.
4. Find your quiet space: In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu was big on the idea of stillness. Whether it’s meditation, a walk in nature, or just sipping coffee in silence, find time to reflect​.

Living on Purpose: It’s Not About Being Perfect (Just Ask Arjuna)

Here’s the kicker: Purposeful living isn’t about having all your ducks in a row. It’s about getting out there, doing what matters to you, and feeling good about it—even if you stumble sometimes. And hey, if Arjuna can figure it out with a literal god giving him life advice, you can too.

So, what’s your next move? No pressure, but your purpose is waiting for you. Whether it’s starting a new project, helping someone out, or simply learning more about yourself, every step counts. Time to live like you mean it!

By Zen Benefiel

Keywords: Coaching, Mental Health, Personal Branding