The Purpose of Purpose: Bringing awareness to what drives you.
- Leanne French

- Sep 22, 2023
- 4 min read

When people inquire about the nature of my work, there's often a brief pause, a moment of hesitation, I know they are expecting a typical job description. But what I do doesn't fit neatly into that box. It doesn't feel like work; it feels like purpose.
The next inevitable question is usually, "Why do you do what you do?" And my response is simple: I'm compelled to do the work I do. At this point, the conversation can go one of two ways – either it sparks curiosity, and they want to know more, or it reveals someone's judgment about the idea of having a purpose in the first place. And you know what? I get it.
In a world that bombards us with motivational quotes, social media encouraging us to flaunt the “perfectness” of our lives, and quick fixes being peddled nonstop, the notion of purpose often gets lost in the glitz. Let’s be clear – the pursuit of self awareness and living on purpose is not a journey paved in comfort and ease. It's down-to-earth, gritty and demands more than lofty ideals and performative action.
What’s the purpose of knowing your purpose?
Having awareness of your purpose creates a solid foundation for growth, well-being, and fulfillment. It's your roadmap, your headlamp through life's hills and valleys. It's the reason behind your actions, offering direction and focus, and fortifies your resilience when life takes an unexpected turn. Purpose infuses life with meaning and satisfaction. It’s your decision-making compass, your journey of self-discovery, and the key to better mental and physical health. Purpose fosters deeper connections and empowers you to leave a lasting, meaningful legacy. In short, purpose elevates every aspect of your existence, propelling you toward a life of fulfillment, determination, and satisfaction.
When we are unaware of our purpose, it can lie dormant, simmering beneath the surface, causing a restlessness we struggle to appease. Maybe you find yourself inexplicably drawn to certain endeavors, unsure why, but it just feels undeniably right. These subtle cues might be the signals that we're being steered by a hidden agenda, a purpose waiting to burst forth. So, why not acknowledge it, embrace it, and wield it with the power and intention it deserves? If it's going to drive us, let's harness that energy an move toward a more deliberate and fulfilling existence.
Let’s get to the reality of it. Purpose isn’t a magical elixir that infuses your life with meaning. Avoid the myth that it needs to be significant and grand. Purpose doesn’t hand you a shortcut, it gives you a compass. It can show you the way, but you have to do the work. It is not a constant wellspring of motivation; you’ll still have days when your favorite streaming service and a comfy coach seem more appealing. Purpose won’t replace your habits but knowing your purpose will help you get back on your path and stay on it when you’re ready. In the big picture of life, isn’t it undeniably compelling to realize the act of being on your own path is what makes your journey significant?
Finding your purpose can feel overwhelming and hard. Yet, it doesn’t have to be.
Five PragMagic to tips to help bring awareness to your purpose;
Self-Reflection: Start by looking into your interests, values, passions, and strengths. Recall moments when life felt worth living the times you took a stand for something in the world. Journaling and mindfulness can support this reflection practice.
Look To Those You Admire: Those humans who've left their mark on this world, their work may have clues about how you might find your own purpose in making the world a tad better. Go into the tales of the champions, leaders, and advocates that you marvel at, and they may awaken a surge that lights you up to your own mission.
Explore New Experiences: Finding purpose might mean stepping out of your comfy bubble and stepping into the unknown. Get curious. Volunteer, take up a new skill, wander in the world, or explore those hobbies you've secretly yearned for.
Seek Feedback: Ask your dear ones, partners, and friends for some honest feedback. They've seen your strengths shine even when you didn't. They have witnessed you in action and can help illuminate what you naturally bring into the world.
Work with a Life Coach: Consider teaming up with a life coach who's an expert in purpose finding. They're not just cheerleaders; they're no-nonsense guides who tailor exercises to help you uncover your purpose and craft a plan to live it.
So, there you have it – the pragmatic truth about purpose and the very purpose of it all. It's not an instant ticket to perpetual happiness. Purpose provides direction, infuses life
, and leaves you with the satisfaction of knowing you are acting consciously. This is the essence and purpose of purpose itself – to guide us, to challenge us, and to ultimately enrich our lives in ways we can only begin to imagine.




Have you considered that our lives may not be one purpose (aka the purpose to end all purposes) and instead our lives may contain multiple purposes depending on where we are on our path????