Defining Your Purpose


I learned from the hundreds of conversations I’ve had that not many people ever think of their purpose. As a result we struggle to define one. Many cannot articulate what their life purpose is and this is because we are not deliberately thinking about it.




My own life purpose, is to up-level young people’s lives by using my talents in writing, storytelling, and motivational speaking. By doing so, I help make happier individuals and a more fulfilled world. Below are the ways I believe will help you know your purpose.

1) Define your contribution to the world.



In the absence of such a clear calling, you can list the impact you made in all of your jobs and life experiences to identify a common theme. For example, for someone who used to be a teacher and is now a nurse at a children’s hospital, your contribution would be to nurture the future generation.

2) Call out who you want to help.


For me, I experienced firsthand with much empathy how a lot of young African people gave up their talents and lived a hard life due to social and political conditioning. I truly wish they could have had access to professional help and support during this time so they could utilise their gifts, live their purpose every day, and lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Therefore, I became determined to start #teamknowyourpose. This was to help anyone in the world needing help to define their purpose. Seeing the transformation in people’s lives further firms up my commitment to my audience.

3) Name your unique talents.



In my case, many of my ex-colleagues told me that I have a natural keen interest in connecting with people, hearing their stories, and inspiring them to be their best. Some others told me I should be a mentor or a pastor. A number of my friends urged me to be a writer, something I dreamed of when I was young as well.

Indeed, whenever I do these activities, I find myself in a state of flow. Taking the Strengths Finder test yielded similar results. And I am happy that I am able to utilise my gifts to pursue my cause.

4) Connect with a higher purpose.

The second part of the formula is to heighten your purpose. We were all born to make our world a better place in different ways. For example, the purpose of a software trainer in charge of a hospital account is to empower doctors and nurses with technology through their gifts of simplifying complexity and infusing knowledge and skills. Achieving this, they actually also contribute to improving people’s health and saving more lives.





Your purpose should eventually outlast you. Use your gifts to create a better place for generations after you.

If you are a musician, sing to inspire the people after you. If you are an artist, paint a picture that will be admired years after you are gone. To the entrepreneur, leave behind a legacy that speaks more than the money you had or the square footage of your property.