“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Nietzsche’s work has often been misquoted and misinterpreted. But let’s stick to this specific quote for now… It triggers something in you, doesn’t it? When you know where you’re headed, you will find the strength to stay on the right path. No defeat has the power to shake your world.

How do we find that why, so we’ll stay strong in the how?

We live, work, and have relationships. Also, have friends. None of it feels exactly right. We’re often exhausted, angry, unmotivated, confused… practically helpless. Do you know what the reason for the negative state of being is? Having no clear reason for our existence.

Most of us haven’t discovered our why because we’re afraid it might be too challenging for us. So we remain in that zone of comfort, living a life that doesn’t make us happy.

How do you make things right? It all starts with discovering your why. Let’s see how you can do that.

1. Define Your Own Vision of Success

How do you envision success? When you perceive someone as successful, you surely don’t feel that way just because they have money. Success is more. Is about traveling and seeing the world? Or about doing the thing you love? Is it about starting a beautiful family? Maybe it is about having a cozy home?

Define what success means to you. From there on, you’ll be able to start to discover your reason for living.

2. Define Your Current Priorities

  • Are you happy with what you have now? If yes, what are the things you’re happy about? If no, what are the things that make you unhappy?
  • What makes you successful or unsuccessful?
  • Would you change something in your life?
  • What current priorities should you abandon? What priorities should you set for your future?

Don’t cheat! Be honest with yourself. The answers will help you get on the right track.

3. Find Your Current Passion

Maybe you were truly passionate about your profession before, but you lost the enthusiasm somewhere along the way. It happens. Our passions may change over the years, but that change doesn’t happen with our true calling.

Look for the one thing you’re into right now. Don’t be afraid of revealing your current passion. Find ways to move things in that direction.

4. Ask and Answer the Right Questions

Did you discover a specific goal through the above-listed methods? Here are few more questions for you to answer:

  • Why do you want to achieve this goal?
  • What do you hate about your current way of life, your position in it, and your job?
  • Will your life get better once you achieve this goal?
  • Do you have to sacrifice anything to achieve the goal? Will you find the strength to do it?
  • What are the things that you’ll gain as soon as you reach this goal?

These questions will lead you to the answer to the ultimate question: is this your why?

5. Write a Personal Essay

You often forget about the brightest ideas when you don’t note them down. That’s why it’s important to write about your goal.

A personal essay will open your eyes to what your why is and how you can start living in accordance with that calling.

“Personal essays have the power to reveal the thoughts and feelings we’re hiding from ourselves”, agrees Paul Clarkson, a writer at AU BestEssays. “In fact, I recommend writing plenty of them. If possible, write one every day. It doesn’t matter how well you can write. This will be a personal practice that no one will grade. It’s all about understanding who you really are and what you need to do now to change for the better.”

6. Look for the Meaning

How does your job fit into society? How is your role important not only for you but for other people as well? Is that meaning valuable?

A teacher has a meaning. They are educating different generations of students and they are bringing them into the real world. Every profession has its meaning, but it’s important for you to find the purpose of what you do. Do you believe in that role, or would you like to do something else with your life?

7. Stay Confident

Set all doubt and disbelief aside. When you’re looking for your purpose in life, you’ll definitely face doubts. No matter how strong they are, they shouldn’t stop you from giving your why a try. Think about it: you might have discovered your purpose. That deserves your commitment.

Identifying your calling is not the easiest thing in the world. Even when you find your why you’ll face many challenges on the journey. But guess what: it’s the only right thing to do.

Author’s Bio

Lynn Adamsen is a freelance writer and editor from Edinburgh who has helped individuals and businesses with their writing challenges for almost a decade now. Now she is taking full advantage of the web copywriting course. Feel free to get in touch with@lynn_adamsen.

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