What is Life Asking of You Now?

In the exploration of life's purpose, one idea stands out: purpose is not static. It evolves with us, adapting to the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shape our journey. In this post, I delve deeper into the concept of purpose as a fluid state and reinforce the definition of purpose that I introduced in this blog: 

“Purpose is a constant state of alignment between who we are and what we do, requiring self-awareness, acceptance, and courageous action.”

Purpose is Fluid

As we grow, learn, and change, so does our sense of purpose. The guests on the Purpose Project podcast have been a powerful testament to this evolution. Each spoke of their purpose as their “purpose for now,” reflecting how it has shifted with time and circumstances. 

Some discovered clarity through new experiences, while others embraced new callings that resonated with their current stage in life. This adaptability is an essential part of living a purposeful life. 

Living in alignment with who we are and what we do means accepting that our purpose will evolve. It invites us to remain open to change and to honor the ways our understanding of ourselves deepens over time. 

Take a moment to reflect: How has your sense of purpose changed over the years? What influenced those changes?

Viktor Frankl: What Life Expects From Us

When I first started studying life's purpose, I revisited Viktor Frankl's, Man's Search for Meaning. This profound work reshaped my thinking and continues to influence my perspective on purpose. 

Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, writes that life is not about what we ask of it, but rather what life is asking of us. This shift reframes purpose - not as a pursuit, but as a response. It encourages us to tune in to life's questions and act in alignment with the answers we uncover.

Frankl's insight has shaped my belief that purpose is not about achieving a fixed ideal. Instead, it is about courageously aligning who we are with what we do, even as life's demands change. 

Making Purpose More Accessible

One of the barriers to living a life of purpose is the perception that it must be something monumental. Episode 14 guest on the podcast, Ethan Beute, MBA, shared how he resisted defining his purpose because it feels too grandiose - as if there's just one life purpose.

Ethan's perspective is not uncommon. For some, the idea of “finding your purpose” feels daunting, as though it requires a grand vision or exceptional achievements.

But what if we reframe that thinking?

When we view purpose as a constant state of alignment - fluid and evolving - it becomes far more approachable. Purpose stops being about a singular, static goal, and instead, becomes about being true to ourselves and acting in ways that reflect our values in the present moment.

This shift makes living a life of purpose feel attainable. My hope is that everyone embraces this perspective and feels empowered to live purposefully, not as a grandiose ideal, but as a deeply personal, authentic way of being. 

Imaging a World of Alignment

I believe that when we live a life of purpose, we create ripples of impact. Listening to our inner selves and acting with courage doesn’t just move us forward individually, it inspires others and raises the tide for everyone around us.

I imagine a world where everyone prioritizes understanding, accepting, and honoring their true selves. A world where alignment between who we are and what we do becomes the norm. In that world, I see humanity at its best: happy, healthy, and thriving.

Asking the Question

Through Purpose Project, its guests and research, I’ve learned that purpose isn’t a single destination or rigid definition. It’s an evolving relationship between our inner selves and the outer world. It’s about asking, “What is life asking of me now?” 

What is life asking of you now?

This was post originally published on January 7, 2025.