Finding Life Purpose

A practical resource for understanding meaning, values, and direction in life

Important note
This resource and the accompanying worksheet are educational tools, not replacements for professional mental health or spiritual support. Questions of purpose are deeply personal and do not need to be rushed or resolved.

 

Introduction: Why This Matters

At some point, many people ask questions such as:

• “What is my purpose?”
• “What am I meant to be doing with my life?”
• “Is there more than just getting through each day?”

These questions often arise during transitions, loss, achievement, burnout, or moments of reflection. They are not signs that something is wrong — they are signs of growth and self-awareness.

Finding life purpose is not about discovering a single, fixed answer. It is about understanding what gives life meaning, what aligns with your values, and how you want to engage with the world over time.

This resource is designed to help you explore purpose in a grounded, non-pressured way — whether your understanding of meaning is spiritual, religious, philosophical, or entirely personal.

What Do We Mean by “Life Purpose”?

Life purpose is often misunderstood as:

• A specific role or calling
• One defining mission
• Something that must be discovered

In reality, purpose is more accurately described as:

• A sense of meaning or direction
• Living in alignment with what matters to you
• Feeling that your life has significance beyond routine

Purpose can be expressed through many areas of life — work, relationships, creativity, service, growth, or simply how you treat others.

Meaning vs Purpose

While closely related, meaning and purpose are not the same.

• Meaning refers to what feels significant or worthwhile in life.
• Purpose refers to how you live out that meaning through action and intention.

Meaning can exist in moments.
Purpose develops over time.

Both can change across different stages of life.

Why Purpose Matters for Wellbeing

Research and lived experience show that a sense of purpose:

• Supports mental and emotional resilience
• Increases motivation and engagement
• Helps people navigate adversity
• Improves overall life satisfaction

Purpose does not remove difficulty — but it often helps people endure and grow through it.

Purpose Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Purpose does not look the same for everyone.

For some, purpose is closely linked to:

• Spiritual or religious beliefs
• Faith, prayer, or service
• A sense of being part of something greater

For others, purpose may come from:

• Relationships and family
• Creativity or learning
• Contribution to community
• Personal growth and integrity

There is no “correct” source of purpose. What matters is that it feels authentic and meaningful to you.

Values: The Foundation of Purpose

Values are the principles that guide how you live and choose — even when circumstances change.

Common values include:

• Compassion
• Honesty
• Growth
• Connection
• Responsibility
• Freedom
• Faith or spirituality

When life aligns with values, people often feel more grounded and fulfilled. When life is misaligned, people may feel restless, disconnected, or dissatisfied — even if things appear “fine.”

Purpose grows naturally from values.

Why People Feel Lost About Purpose

Feeling uncertain about purpose is common and understandable.

It often occurs when:

• Life transitions disrupt old roles
• Goals are achieved but feel empty
• External expectations dominate choices
• Survival mode leaves little room for reflection

Feeling lost does not mean you lack purpose. It often means your values or direction are shifting.

Purpose Evolves Over Time

Purpose is not something you find once and keep forever.

It changes with:

• Age and life stage
• Experience and learning
• Loss and challenge
• New insights and priorities

Allowing purpose to evolve is a sign of growth, not inconsistency.

Living With Purpose (Without Pressure)

Living with purpose does not require:

• Drastic changes
• Radical decisions
• Certainty about the future

Purpose is often expressed through:

• Daily choices
• How you show up in relationships
• How you respond to challenges
• Small, consistent alignment with values

A purposeful life is built gradually.

Spirituality, Religion, and Personal Meaning

For some people, purpose is inseparable from spirituality or religion — offering:

• A sense of calling
• Moral guidance
• Connection to something larger than the self

For others, purpose is secular or philosophical — grounded in:

• Human connection
• Ethics and responsibility
• Meaning-making through action

Both approaches are valid. Purpose does not require belief — only reflection and intention.

How Understanding Purpose Supports Wellbeing

A clearer sense of purpose:

• Reduces feelings of emptiness or stagnation
• Increases motivation and resilience
• Supports long-term mental health
• Encourages intentional living

Purpose gives direction — even when the path is unclear.

How to Use the Worksheets

The accompanying worksheet is designed to:

• Support gentle exploration without pressure
• Clarify values and sources of meaning
• Encourage reflection rather than answers
• Honour both spiritual and non-spiritual perspectives

You may complete it slowly and return to it over time.

A Final Note

You do not need to know your full purpose to live meaningfully.

Purpose is not a destination —
it is something you practise through how you live.

And you are allowed to take your time.

How to Access Further Support in New Zealand:

• Contact your local GP

• Dial 111 for immediate support

 • Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

• Youth line – free text 234, call 0800 376 633, webchat at youthline.co.nz, DM on Instagram @youthlinenz, message on Whats App 09 886 56 96.

• Samaritans – 0800 726 666

• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

• Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 To talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions

• Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)