How to Find Purpose in Life and Live With Intent as a Man
Hey there, brother. Let’s talk about something that a lot of us wrestle with—finding our purpose in life and living with intent. If you’ve ever felt lost, unmotivated, or like you’re just going through the motions, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself, and it’s a frustrating place to be. But I can tell you from experience: You can find your purpose, and you can live a meaningful life with intention.
I won’t pretend it’s easy, but I can promise you that it’s worth it. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a beer, no judgment), and let’s dive in.
The Struggle to Find Purpose
There was a time in my life when I felt like I was just drifting. I had a decent job, good friends, and hobbies that I enjoyed, but something was missing. I was living on autopilot. My days were repetitive, and I wasn’t truly excited about anything.
Then one day, I had a conversation with a close friend that hit me like a brick wall. He asked me, “If money wasn’t an issue and you had no obligations, what would you be doing with your life?”
I didn’t have an answer. And that scared me.
That moment forced me to start looking inward, to start asking tough questions. If you’re feeling lost, I encourage you to do the same.
Start by Asking Yourself the Right Questions
One of the biggest mistakes we make is thinking that purpose just magically appears one day. It doesn’t. You have to actively seek it.
Here are a few questions that helped me to find purpose on life:
- When do I feel the most alive?
- What activities make me forget to check my phone?
- What problems in the world genuinely bother me?
- If I had all the time and money in the world, how would I spend my days?
Journaling about these questions helped me gain clarity. When you put your thoughts on paper, patterns start to emerge. Try it—you might be surprised at what you find.
Experiment and Explore
Finding your purpose isn’t just about sitting in a room and thinking really hard. You have to get out there and try things.
For me, that meant embracing a life of full-time travel as a digital nomad. I decided to explore different places, cultures, and experiences while working remotely. The more I traveled, the more I realized that experiencing new environments and meeting different people gave me a sense of purpose. It allowed me to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and see the world from fresh perspectives.
I used to believe that I needed to have everything figured out before taking action. That mindset kept me stuck for years. The truth is, you’ll only find what excites you by experimenting.
As I journeyed from country to country, I discovered that each new place opened up a different perspective. Whether it was immersing myself in the vibrant street culture of Bangkok, crusing around on beaches in Mexico or having deep conversations with locals in a small Swedish café, every experience taught me something valuable.
Traveling full-time became more than just an adventure; it became a way to learn about myself and the world, adding layers of meaning to my life creating a purpose.
Find What You’re Willing to Struggle For
Here’s a hard truth: No matter what you choose to do in life, there will be challenges. If you want to be an entrepreneur, expect sleepless nights and financial struggles. If you want to be a writer, prepare for rejection. If you want to be in amazing shape, get ready for early morning workouts and strict dieting.
So, the real question isn’t, “What do I love?” It’s, “What struggle am I willing to endure?”
I’ve always loved content creation, but for years, I never pursued it seriously because I was afraid of criticism. But I had to ask myself, “Am I willing to deal with the struggle of improving my craft, facing rejection, and pushing through self-doubt?” The answer was yes. And that’s how I knew it was something worth pursuing.
Ask yourself what kind of challenges you’re willing to endure. That will tell you a lot about what truly matters to you.
Define Your Core Values
If you don’t know your values, you’ll chase things that don’t actually fulfill you. I’ve been guilty of this—pursuing money, status, or approval from others, only to realize those things felt empty.
Take some time to define your core values. A few of mine are:
- Growth (constantly learning and improving)
- Integrity (being honest and true to myself)
- Contribution (making a positive impact on others)
Once you know your values, making decisions becomes easier. You’ll know what aligns with you and what doesn’t.
Take Responsibility for Your Life
One of the biggest turning points for me was realizing that nobody is coming to save me. If I wanted a better life, I had to create it myself.
Too often, we blame circumstances, other people, or bad luck. But the truth is, we have more control than we think. When you take full responsibility for your actions, choices, and mindset, everything changes.
Surround Yourself with the Right People
You’ve probably heard the quote, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I used to roll my eyes at that, but let me tell you—it’s absolutely true.
If you spend time with people who are constantly complaining, making excuses, and playing the victim, you’ll start doing the same. But if you surround yourself with people who are ambitious, positive, and striving for more, you’ll naturally level up.
I made a conscious effort to seek out books, mentors, join communities, and build relationships with people who inspired me. It made a world of difference.
Live with Intention Every Day
Finding purpose in life isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily practice. Each morning, I ask myself:
- What are the most important things I need to accomplish today?
- How can I show up as the best version of myself?
- What’s one small thing I can do to move closer to my goals?
Living with intent means being mindful of how you spend your time and energy. It’s about making conscious choices instead of just going through the motions.
Final Thoughts on Finding Purpose in Life
If you’re feeling lost right now, I want you to know that it’s okay. You’re not broken. You don’t need to have everything figured out today. Finding purpose is a journey, not a destination.
Start by asking the right questions. Try new things. Find what struggle you’re willing to embrace. Define your values. Take responsibility. Surround yourself with the right people. And most importantly—live each day with intention.
You’ve got this, my friend. Now go out there and start creating a life that excites you.
Sources on How to Find Purpose in Life
How to find purpose and discover your path in life
The Importance of Intention
Reflecting on What Matters Most: Finding Meaning in Life
How Core Values Help You Find Your Purpose
The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Positive People
Finding Your Life Purpose: Tony Robbins’ 13-Step Guide
The Helpful Guide to Living an Intentional Life
Establishing Meaningful Values to Shape Your Life’s Purpose
Seven Ways to Find Your Purpose in Life
The Power of Living with Intention
These sources provide additional information and insights on finding purpose in life, living with intention, defining core values, and surrounding yourself with positive influences, which are key themes discussed in the article.
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