It is one of the biggest questions you can ask yourself in a lifetime: What is my life purpose?

People often use such a question as a sweeping generality, assuming that it is too big of a question to accurately answer. But, that is not necessarily true. In fact, many people can give answers to such a question. Some people might suggest that their purpose is a certain career or lifestyle. Others might say their spouse or children are their purposes.

While there is no one “right” answer as to what someone’s purpose may be, the real issue comes from people who are struggling to find their life purpose. Many times, that struggle can come from being isolated or not feeling fulfilled in the way that you are living your life. If that sounds like you, trust me, you are not alone. The great news is that you don’t have to continue to struggle with finding your life purpose. There are a few things that you can do to help you discover what you are truly meant to do and be. So, how can you discover that purpose in your own life?

Donate to a Greater Cause 

Most of the time, you will discover that your purpose is bigger than something you ever could have thought. It may be bigger than your very being. One way to work toward that is to volunteer either your money, your time, or your skills.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you are giving back to a group or organization you feel passionate about. Have an understanding of what you’re doing and how it might help. When you help others, you start to focus less on yourself. So, instead of stressing out over what your purpose is, you might find it in a more natural, organic way by giving a piece of yourself to others in need.

Listen to What Others Have to Say

You might already know your passions in life, but it can take the view of someone you know and trust to make you realize it. Talk to the people closest to you and ask them what they think your purpose might be. What are you passionate about? What comes to mind when they think of you? Sometimes, an outside perspective can be just the thing to make you realize what your life really is all about.

Fill Your Life With the Right People

There are plenty of sayings about the importance of the company you keep. But, that company can also help you to realize who you really are and what your life purpose is – especially if you surround yourself with positive people.

The people you spend your time with should be ones that lift you up and encourage your passions and bring the very best out of you. If you are spending time with negative people who try to shoot down your dreams or do not want to hear about your thoughts, opinions, or ideas, you might end up believing in that negativity, yourself. That negativity can keep you from truly wanting to discover your life purpose, and your own negative self-talk can hold you back.

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. – Jim Rohn

Discover Your Interests 

This might seem silly at first. After all, you know what your own interests are, right? But, have you ever really developed them, or tried diving in deeper to one of them? What are the things you like talking about? What are the things you like looking? Maybe you can’t stop yourself from a conversation about world history when it comes up. Or, maybe you appreciate beautiful photography or artwork whenever you see it.

You can also consider the things that bother you. We are currently living in a society where it seems as though every time you turn on the news, you hear about a new type of injustice. Do you feel passionate about the things you are seeing and hearing? Do you wish you could do something about it?

When you take the time and stop to think about the things that capture your attention, you can learn more about yourself. Don’t be afraid to dive deeper into your natural interests. You might learn more than you think about who you are and what drives you to be that kind of person.

Don’t Give Yourself a Time Limit 

Finding your purpose in life is not something that falls on a timeline. You don’t need to go on a specific journey, or try self-discovery techniques for a few weeks and assume that you will figure out your passions and purpose. In fact, for some people, discovering their true purpose is a lifelong journey.

There is beauty in that journey, no matter how long it takes. By trying to discover your true purpose, you are committing yourself to a lifetime of learning and self-awareness. It’s never a bad idea to discover who you are, even if it has to be done one step at a time.

Don’t be afraid to hit the pause button on your life sometimes and ask yourself if you truly feel like you are living out your life purpose. Self-reflection is a great place to start when it comes to discovering your life purpose and what you are truly meant to do.