One
study used longitudinal data to examine the mortality of individuals with respect to life purpose.
Researchers found that, over a 14 year period, those in the sample who initially reported a strong sense of purpose experienced a 15 percent decrease in the risk of premature death compared to those who did not.
Interestingly, this finding was consistent across all age groups. It did not matter if the person is a young adult, middle aged or a retired senior citizen. Purpose seems to have a positive effect on mortality, regardless of age.
But what exactly is "life purpose?" It's really a nebulous concept that means different things to different people. But the University of Minnesota Health website offers one useful description:
"
Your life purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life-the reasons you get up in the morning.
Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning. For some people, purpose is connected to vocation -- meaningful, satisfying work. For others, their purpose lies in their responsibilities to their family or friends. Others seek meaning through spirituality or religious beliefs. Some people may find their purpose clearly expressed in all these aspects of life."
Further, a sense of purpose evolves as
commitments
, priorities and interests change over time.
Some fortunate individuals know from a young age what their life purpose is. Others are not so certain and so meander through life without direction and the satisfaction that goes with it. But given the benefits of having a life purpose, it's worth making the effort to discover what truly motivates you. Here are some tips for exploring your own passion/purpose:
- Continue your education. It can help open you to new possibilities, new interests and new skills you hadn't considered before.
- Look at the things that you love to do and that you're good at. These are clues to what you may to decide pursue as a career or a hobby.
- Recall the phases in your life when you experienced the most joy and fulfillment.
- Recall when you most felt connected to nature, animals and other people. This can reveal a sense of where you most belong in your life.
- Consider that your life purpose is what you can contribute to the world using your talents and skills.
- Imagine your life if everything is your life were ideal (finances, relationships, location, etc.). This picture can inspire you to change the circumstances of your life to work toward your passion.
