How to Discover Your Life Purpose

Everyone decides for themselves if and how they want to follow their life purpose. Sometimes the key lies not in doing, but in pausing and reflecting. In Japan, the pursuit of a meaningful life has a special significance. There is even a word for it: Ikigai — loosely translated as "that which makes life worth living."

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai emerges where four key areas overlap:

• What you love

• What you are good at

• What the world needs

• What you can get paid for

  
  

This intersection can help guide you closer to your life purpose. The famous Ohsaki study with over 43,000 participants showed that people with a strong sense of Ikigai not only live more satisfied lives but also longer and healthier ones.

What if I’ve found my life purpose?

If you already have an idea of what you live for, how do you continue? Here are three concrete steps to help you pursue your purpose:

1. Write down your life purpose

   What truly matters to you? What skills do you have? What do you love doing, and how can it benefit others? Take your time to write this down. It doesn’t have to be perfect—clarity helps you take the first step.

   
   

2. Set small, specific goals

   Your Ikigai is your North Star, but you need milestones. Small goals make the journey tangible. For example:

   • Relationships: I want deeper connections → Goal: meet friends twice a week

   • Health: I want to get fitter → Goal: exercise three times a week

   • Knowledge: I want to stay curious → Goal: read 10 pages daily

     
     

3. Take action—even in small steps

   Many dream of big breakthroughs. Often, starting small is enough. Ask yourself:

   • Where do I see myself in five years?

   • What can I do today to get closer to that vision?

   
   

Break down big visions into manageable steps—from yearly to monthly, weekly, and daily goals. This keeps you motivated and focused without feeling overwhelmed.

"Big steps get us moving fast, but small steps often take us further." – Anke Maggauer-Kirsche

Don’t expect perfection—follow your joy

Not every day will be full of flow and inspiration. But when you pursue a goal that moves you deeply, many things become easier. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to yourself. Maybe a piece of the puzzle is missing, or the path needs adjustment.

Conclusion: Living your life purpose means being true to yourself

Whether you call it Ikigai, calling, or purpose, these concepts show that it’s worth exploring your “why.” Not only for yourself but also for those around you. Sometimes all it takes is one small step.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." — Confucius

If you want to deepen your life purpose, I’m happy to support you with courses, workshops, or personal counseling—including mindfulness practices.