Purpose is about having a clear sense of why your life matters and what gives it direction. It's the deep conviction that your existence has meaning beyond just getting through each day, and that your actions contribute to something worthwhile.
This need shows up when you feel energized by work that aligns with your passions, when you make sacrifices for causes you believe in, or when you invest time in relationships and activities that feel genuinely important. It might be raising children with intention, pursuing a career that serves others, creating art that expresses something meaningful, or dedicating yourself to environmental conservation.
Purpose often emerges through major life questions: What legacy do you want to leave? What problems do you care about solving? What would make you feel like your time was well-spent? For some people, purpose comes through spiritual beliefs or religious practice; for others, it's found in family, creativity, or social change.
When purpose is absent, life can feel directionless or hollow, even when everything else seems fine. When it's present, you have an internal compass that guides decisions and helps you persevere through difficulties, knowing that your efforts serve something larger than immediate comfort or convenience.