TRUE NORTH: FINDING YOUR PURPOSE IN A DIRECTIONLESS WORLD (Paperback)

Introduction

Most people are unsure about what they really want to do in life. They're not sure what their dream job is or what makes them really happy. It's not their fault; life today is complicated. We're overwhelmed with different career options and ways to spend our time.

Imagine standing on top of a tall mountain, staring down at a multitude of different trails that lead in all directions. You're frozen because you don't know which one to take.

Knowing yourself well is the key to picking the right trail. You have to really get what makes you tick, what you love, and what you stand for. If you don't, it's easy to end up on a path that doesn't make you happy.

Society doesn't make it any easier. We're often pushed to do what everyone else thinks is best, which can lead us to make choices that don't really fit us. This can leave us feeling lost or not satisfied with where we're at.

Thinking about the future is also stressful. Every choice you make means saying no to other options, and that's scary. We're afraid of making the wrong move, missing out, or failing altogether. These fears can stop us from figuring out what we want to do.

Also, what you're into or excited about can change over time. What used to get you all fired up might not do it for you anymore. That can feel like you're back to square one, trying to figure out what you want.

In truth, finding your way in life is a unique journey for each person. It means trying new things, learning about yourself, tackling your fears, and bouncing back when things don't go as planned. It's alright if you don't have it all sorted out immediately. Life is as much about the ride as it is about getting to where you want to be.

Let's be clear: finding what you're meant to do isn't something you figure out during a quick conversation. If anyone tells you otherwise, they're either clueless or trying to sell you some quick-fix plan that's too good to be true.

And just so we're on the same page, this book isn't going to hand you your life's purpose like it's a gift. It's not my place or anyone else's to tell you what to do with your life. That would ignore your own unique story and who you are as an individual.

What this book will do is give you some useful tips and advice to help you sort things out on your own. But you've got to be willing to put in the work, really taking the time to think deeply and examine yourself.

This book won't beat around the bush. It'll make you face some uncomfortable truths about yourself and what's going on around you. You might have to ditch some old beliefs or even go against what your friends or family expect from you. This journey is all about figuring out what works for you, not what other people think should work for you.

Finding your true calling in life is like solving a tough puzzle. It takes time, patience, and a lot of deep thought to put all the pieces together. And remember, your life's purpose isn't set in stone; think of it more like a compass that guides you.

Your purpose can change as you grow and learn more about yourself and the world. So, if what mattered most to you at one point doesn't feel as important later, that's okay. It's normal for your goals and desires to evolve.

We often hear vague advice like "find your passion," as if it's a treasure hunt where X marks the spot. There's also this push to "just get on with it," which can lead us to busy ourselves with stuff that ultimately gets us nowhere. Lots of people have talked about the search for meaning. Some call it "the hero's journey," others talk about "flourishing," and some even call it your "life path." But I like to think about it as your "Authentic Life Purpose," or ALP for short. It doesn't have to be some grand mission handed down from the universe; it's really about what feels right to you.

In this book, I'm not going to bog you down with heavy reading or complicated theories, I promise. I know what we all want is straightforward advice. While I'm not against spirituality, I think sometimes the terms used in that space can feel out of touch with real life. So let's leave talks about God or the Universe aside for now. I want to focus on finding what matters to you personally, what we're calling your "Authentic Life Purpose."

Finding your life's purpose doesn't have to be this big, scary thing. It's about figuring out what matters to you, what makes you feel fulfilled. We'll look at your interests, skills, and the unique ways you can make a difference in the world. And remember, it's okay if your idea of your life's purpose changes as you get older and learn new things.

We're going to get practical about this. We'll dig into what makes you tick, and think about what's most important to you. We'll look at how your life's purpose can shift as you learn more about who you are.

In this book, we'll go through some hands-on exercises to help you figure out your life's purpose. We'll do some deep thinking about what you love and how to line up what you do with what you believe in. It's all about getting clear on who you are deep down.

So let's start this journey together. No need for complicated ideas or spiritual buzzwords. We're going to keep it real and focus on what matters to you, using practical steps that help you get to know your own life's purpose better. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to it.

Things to Think About

Your life's purpose is basically what makes you feel like your life really matters. I'm not talking about a mission given by God or aiming for a specific job title. What I mean is that your life's purpose is something you figure out for yourself.

Finding your own path is about diving into what you love to do, what matters to you, and what you're good at. It's about making choices that line up with these interests and values. You'll face challenges and even some contradictions along the way, but that's all part of the journey to finding something that feels true to you.

When we talk about your life's purpose, there are two big things to think about: the clear-cut stuff and the deeper stuff.

The clear-cut stuff, or "explicit meaning," is about spotting the things that make you happy and feel fulfilled. This could be your hobbies, skills, or activities that just make you feel good. Like if you enjoy playing music or writing, that's part of what gives your life clear-cut meaning.

The deeper stuff, or "implicit meaning," digs into why you love what you do and what kind of mark you want to leave on the world. This often involves your values and personal growth. It's about wanting to be part of something bigger than just yourself.

For example, let's say you're really into music. The straightforward part, or the "explicit meaning," is that you enjoy playing an instrument and performing for people. But if you dig deeper into the "implicit meaning," you might find that you believe music can really lift people up and inspire them. You might realize that you want to use your musical gifts to make a positive difference in the world.

These deeper meanings aren't always easy to spot. You have to think hard about why you love what you love and what values steer your choices. Taking the time to explore these deeper layers can give you a more complete sense of purpose. It's not just about doing what makes you happy; it's also about tying that into something bigger that lines up with your own values and beliefs.

By looking at both the straightforward and deeper aspects of your life's purpose, you get a fuller picture of what really drives you. It helps you find a balance between doing what you love and using it to serve a purpose that really means something to you.

Your sense of purpose in life isn't static; it changes and grows with you.

As you go through life, rack up experiences, and see the world from different angles, what feels meaningful to you can shift. Just like you might have outgrown your favorite childhood songs for more complex music as an adult, your idea of what's fulfilling will likely evolve.

For instance, think about your taste in music. As a kid, maybe you liked catchy tunes that were just fun to listen to. But as you got older, your taste could've changed to something deeper, like jazz or classical, which you wouldn't have connected with back in the day.

In the same way, what you find purposeful today may not be the same ten years from now. Your interests, personality, and values could change as you learn and experience more. And that's completely fine! Don't stress about having it all figured out right now. Life is a journey of discovery, so let your purpose unfold naturally. Stay open to new paths, let your experiences shape you, and trust that your understanding of your life's purpose will keep growing.

While your purpose might shift, some things will stay consistent, like your core values. These are the big-picture beliefs that usually stick with you, no matter what. For example, if you've always loved the arts and being creative, that fundamental value probably won't change. But how you live it out could. Maybe you started off loving traditional filmmaking, and now you're into creating YouTube videos. Your way of expressing your love for art may have evolved, but the love itself is still there.

So, don't resist change; embrace it. Sometimes life throws you curveballs, and that can actually open doors to new opportunities you'd never have considered otherwise. Your core values will help you navigate through these changes. They're your personal compass, pointing you in the direction that will most likely make you feel fulfilled. Keep an open mind, adapt when you need to, and remember that change is not just okay, it's a part of the journey toward a fulfilling life.

Finding your life's purpose often starts with that gut feeling, a little voice inside that sparks your curiosity and passion.

When we're kids, we listen to that voice freely, allowing it to guide us toward what genuinely excites us. But as we grow up, we start to tune it out. We tell ourselves that our dreams are childish or too ambitious and settle for what seems "realistic."

Here's the thing: tuning out that inner voice is like snubbing your inner child, who's pulling on your sleeve, begging for your attention. We start to feel restless, like something's missing, because deep down, we're ignoring what could make our lives genuinely fulfilling.

This inner voice, which represents our intuition and inherent purpose, might have grown faint over time. It can become so quiet that you might even forget it's your own voice talking to you. Ignoring it can have real consequences. You might end up feeling restless at your 9-to-5 job, frustrated in relationships, or disconnected despite having hundreds of online "friends."

To reconnect with your true purpose, you've got to pay attention to that voice again. Listen to your dreams and desires without immediately judging them based on what society thinks is possible or acceptable. When you give that inner voice room to speak, you open the door to a more fulfilling life that's aligned with who you really are.

Now, listening to your gut doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind and ignoring all practical aspects of life. It means letting yourself explore what genuinely interests you, while also considering how to make it happen in a real-world sense. Think of it as striking a balance between following your passions and being realistic about how to pursue them.

So, go ahead and let yourself dream. Don't push aside those "impractical" ideas or passions you had as a kid or have discovered as an adult. Reconnect with that part of you that you might have left behind. Listen to your inner voice—it's trying to guide you toward a life that's both meaningful and deeply fulfilling.

Discovering your life's true purpose is a subtle journey, not a mad dash.

You can't force it to appear, no matter how many projects you juggle or how hard you hustle. It's a bit like chasing a dandelion seed that’s floating in the breeze: the more you run after it, the further it seems to drift away.

Say you're passionate about creativity but aren't sure how that dovetails with your bigger life goals. You might be tempted to load up your plate, always busy, thinking this will lead you to your true calling. But oftentimes, life doesn't work that way. Just like a dandelion seed that floats where the wind carries it, your life purpose often becomes clear when you least expect it.

So, instead of frantically chasing what you think your purpose might be, take time for quiet and reflection. Dandelion seeds tend to settle in calm spaces, and similarly, your purpose becomes clearer when you pause to think, explore, and simply be.

You cultivate the right conditions for discovering your purpose not by relentless pursuit, but by fostering a space where it can naturally surface. Engage in things that spark your curiosity, try out various creative outlets, and connect with people who inspire you. It's about setting the stage for your purpose to manifest, much like a dandelion seed finds a quiet spot of fertile soil to grow.

Finding your life's purpose is not a race to a finish line but an ongoing journey. Allow it to evolve and come into focus organically, just like a dandelion seed carried by a soft breeze, lands exactly where it's meant to be. Similarly, trust your own inner guidance. When the time is right, your purpose will become as clear as that seed landing softly on the ground, ready to grow into something beautiful.

Finding your true calling in life isn't just about wishful thinking.

While believing in yourself is a good first step, you've got to do more than just dream, you've got to act.

For instance, you might think your calling is to inspire people by writing a life-changing book. That's a great goal, but just thinking about it won't make it happen. You've got to actually write, get feedback, improve, and find your unique voice.

To really dig into your calling, it takes active effort like joining writing groups, taking workshops, or maybe even starting a blog. By diving in headfirst, you'll open doors, learn new things, and get closer to finding out what really makes you tick.

Don't just wait around for your purpose to magically appear. Be an explorer. Try out different writing styles, learn from both your wins and your mistakes, and actively search for what lights you up inside.

Finding your true purpose isn't just a "believe and receive" deal. It's a mix of believing in your dream while also rolling up your sleeves to make it happen. Be proactive, stay committed, and relish the adventure. That's how you'll discover a life that's not just fulfilling for you, but also makes a positive impact on others.