Finding Purpose Through the Journey

4 min Read

Time waits for no one. - Geoffrey Chaucer

But what do we do with the time we have?

The great Viktor E. Frankl once said:

“Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.”

At first, this idea might sound a bit abstract, even overwhelming. But here’s the truth:

It’s okay not to know your purpose right now.

Purpose isn’t something you’re handed, it’s something you discover. And sometimes, it takes unexpected paths, setbacks, and detours to find it.

How Do You Define Your Purpose?

A lot of people feel pressure to have everything figured out by their 20s, 30s, 40s… but purpose doesn’t come with a deadline.

In fact, one of the most influential books I’ve read this year, "How Will You Measure Your Life?", suggests that purpose emerges when we start taking action.

Let me share my journey as an example.

My Story: A Purpose That Found Me

Growing up, I didn’t have idols or role models to look up to. I wasn’t the kind of kid who knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. I felt lost and went wherever the current of life took me.

After high school, I took a gap semester to study Mandarin in China. Even then, I wasn’t clear on what I wanted to do. My mother encouraged me to study something, so I chose Business Management. Not because it was my passion, but because it started earlier than Psychology, my first choice.

But something changed during my final year of university.

There was a career fair on campus, and I wasn’t even planning to attend. By chance, my supervisor gave me a ticket, and I found myself wandering between talks and workshops. One session caught my attention. A life coach was presenting.

As I sat there, it felt like I was listening to an older version of myself. His words resonated in a way I couldn’t explain. After his talk, I went up to thank him, and in that moment, I realized what I wanted: to become a coach and help others unlock their potential!

The Power of Detours

The path wasn’t straightforward. After university, I joined a recruitment company as a 360 contract recruiting consultant. It was a job that terrified me because it required working entirely in German, a language I’d avoided using growing up.

I didn’t know it at the time, but this role became a training ground. It forced me to face my fears, develop resilience, and hone skills I’d later need.

Years later, I took a managing and coaching role, helping others master recruitment. This felt closer to my dream, but the company went bankrupt, after a move by its investors.

At the time, it felt like a devastating setback. However, in hindsight, it was the perfect opportunity to start my journey as a Career Alignment Coach; a role that combined everything I’d learned and loved over the years.

What I’ve Learned About Purpose

Purpose isn’t always clear from the start. It’s shaped by the experiences we collect along the way: The detours, challenges, and unexpected moments that make us who we are.

One of my favorite novels, "The Alchemist", captures this beautifully. Santiago, the protagonist, sets out to find his treasure but gets sidetracked by years of side quests. When he finally resumes his journey, he realizes those detours gave him the skills, confidence, and wisdom he needed to complete his quest.

Your Journey to Purpose

If you feel lost, take heart. Every step you’ve taken, even the ones that seemed off-track, is part of your story.

Here are some steps to gain clarity:

1. Define your “main quest” What dream or goal excites you, even if it feels far away?
2. List which side quests you have been on What experiences or skills have you picked up along the way?
3. Identify advantages your side quests give you for realizing your main quest.

Remember: Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand, life-altering revelation. Sometimes, it’s simply the accumulation of small steps taken with intention.

Your Turn

• What is your “main quest,”
• How have your side quests shaped you?
• Have you ever found purpose in an unexpected place?

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Here’s to discovering YOUR purpose.

Patrick Marah

Career Alignment Coach ??