How to Find Your Purpose in Life

When I was a child, I wanted to be a weatherwoman, and then a dancer. In high school, I decided to be a scientist. As you can see, that’s not what I do today.

It took me finishing my PhD in physiology to realize it wasn’t my path. My story is so similar to others, which is why I’m sharing it in today's Deep Dive episode, "How to Find Your Purpose In Life." Here’s some of what I discuss in this episode…

Give more thought to the life you envisioned for yourself

Consider the big picture of the life you want and think of a career in the context of your desired lifestyle. It could help prevent so many problems if everyone planned or brainstormed a little more. Listen to what I told 26-year-old Brianna when she couldn’t find a career that fit the future she wanted.

We don’t find who we are out of thin air

Be patient with yourself as you grow and explore what you’re good at. Consider what excites you and seems like a good fit. As I explained in my calls with Bryden and Katie featured in this episode, there’s a lot of time to experiment whether you’re in your 20s or 60s.

How can you explore your curiosities and make life more meaningful?

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💌 How Adam became the architect of his own life

Redirection in life isn’t always a great plot twist — as Adam learned through heartbreak. But he shared with me how he didn’t let his lowest point define him.

👩‍👧‍👦 Talking About My Own Purpose

In this WJR radio interview, I explained what factors shaped my success. Listen to how women find fulfillment and why I’m dedicated to spreading this message.

Sponsored by Dr. Marty

How to Be Supportive

How do you help someone deal with an unfortunate turn of events? In moments of anger, outrage, and disappointment, the best way to be supportive is to listen and simply say, “I’m so sorry. How terrible! How can I help?”

When I spoke to Maria, she was tired of her husband taking his frustrations out on her.

His bipolar disorder coupled with growing physical health issues had him on-edge. But he really flipped out when a dentistry debacle left him toothless and without a much-needed dental appliance. Maria thought he was overreacting and tried to calm him down, but her attempts left him feeling betrayed and like she was not on his side.

When someone is coming unglued, the smartest and kindest response is to show support.

Don’t diminish their pain by taking the other side or giving any appearance of discounting their anguish. Maria didn’t try to see things through her husband’s eyes. Instead, she reminded him that the dentist didn’t actually say his order would be ready on a certain date. In doing so she left her man feeling dismissed instead of comforted.

A better response would have been to ask, “What can I do? Want to take a walk? Can I rub your shoulders? Get you a cup of coffee?”

Once someone has lost it, you can’t expect them to be rational. And things will only get worse if you try to diminish or deny something they perceive to be injurious. Show your support with statements like, “Damn you’re right. This is terrible.” That’s what will help reduce their tension. Only once they’re calm again will you be able to broach the subject of what can be done next.

📻 Catch My Conversation with Jeff Lewis!

"Now, go do the right thing!"