Your Purpose Doesn’t Need to Be Big & Flashy – Just Yours!

Have you ever been stuck in one of those awkward conversations where someone inevitably asks, “So, what’s your life’s purpose?”

Cue sweaty palms, awkward laughter and inner panic.

For the longest time, I believed that unless I was saving the rainforest, climbing mountains or inventing something groundbreaking, my purpose wasn’t valid.

Talk about pressure, right?

But here’s the refreshing truth I’ve learned: your purpose doesn’t need to be big, flashy or Instagram-worthy. It simply needs to be yours!

It’s uniquely shaped by your quirky passions, your hidden superpowers and those everyday joys that genuinely light you up.

So, let’s ditch the comparison game and dive into how beautifully simple your purpose can really be.

So grab your metaphorical mic, because it’s time to sing like no one’s listening.

Busting the Myth of the “Grand” Purpose

Let’s start by calling out society’s slightly ridiculous obsession with grand purposes.

We live in a world where influencers, CEOs and celebrities dominate our screens, seemingly leading glamorous, purpose-driven lives.

While those roles are fantastic if that’s your bag, the reality for most of us looks a bit different.

Not everyone dreams of global recognition or making millions. And guess what? That’s perfectly ok.

When we chase after these grand ideas because we feel we “should,” it often leaves us feeling stuck or inadequate.

So here’s a radical thought: what if the most meaningful purposes are tucked within our daily lives, hidden in ordinary everyday moments?

Celebrating Your Quirky Superpowers

Speaking of ordinary moments, let’s talk about quirks.

Your quirks and superpowers are those beautifully random things that make you…well, you.

Maybe you’re great at telling dad jokes, organising sock drawers by colour or making the world’s fluffiest pancakes.

For me, it’s an oddly specific ability to find almost any situation funny—even awkward networking events (I have others too!).

Embracing your quirks and strengths doesn’t just feel good; it also leads you to your authentic purpose.

What do you genuinely enjoy doing without needing external validation or applause?

Maybe your passion is baking comfort food, crafting homemade birthday cards, volunteering at local animal shelters or telling stories that make people smile.

Your superpowers are there to guide you—trust them.

Purpose in Everyday Joy

Finding purpose doesn’t require deep philosophical reflection under a palm tree (though if that’s your thing, go for it!).

Most often, it’s simply recognising what brings you joy and leaning into it.

So how do you figure that out?

• Well, try jotting down moments when you feel happiest and most alive.
• Have casual conversations with friends about what lights you up.
• Experiment with hobbies you’ve been curious about—yes, even those guitar lessons you’ve been hesitant to sign up for.

Who knows? You might discover immense joy and purpose in the “simple” act of learning how to play the opening bars from Stairway to Heaven.

The Magic of the Ripple Effect

Here’s the thing: when you genuinely embrace your joy and purpose, it naturally creates ripples of inspiration around you.

Ever notice how when someone else lights up talking about their passion, you can’t help but feel inspired yourself?

The ripple effect happens not because your purpose is loud or visible but through how unapologetically and joyfully you live it.

Your enthusiasm will be contagious!

Embracing the Beauty of Being Different

Now, let’s be honest for a sec: embracing your unique purpose can be scary.

Society isn’t always kind to those who stray from conventional paths and standing out—even a little—can feel vulnerable.

Putting yourself out there unapologetically is far from easy.

But here’s my take on this: your differences are your greatest gifts.

• To embrace these gifts, start by acknowledging your fears without judgement.
• Surround yourself with people who celebrate your quirks, not just tolerate them.

What you put out there is what you’ll get back. You’re allowed to be scared to show up. Bravery is all about feeling the fear and choosing to do the thing (whatever that is) anyway.

Simple Steps to Embrace Your True Purpose

So how do you practically step into this personal, beautiful purpose of yours? Here’s a straightforward roadmap:

• Notice what excites you: Pay attention to moments when you lose track of time or feel genuinely energised.
• Start small: It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking you need a giant leap, but small consistent steps make the most significant changes.
• Build supportive relationships: Find friends, mentors or online communities who appreciate and support your unique path.

Look to the Japanese concept of IKIGAI for inspiration. IKIGAI combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.”

Combined, these terms are similar to the French phrase “raison d’être” – meaning “reason to live” (or literally “to be”), discovering what gives your life worth, meaning or purpose.

Everyone has an ikigai – that particular sweet spot of passion, talent and potential to benefit society – it’s simply a question of finding it.

The ikigai concept of finding your purpose in life is captured by the well-known diagram showing overlapping parts embracing:

• What you love
• What you’re good at
• What the world needs
• What you can get paid for

But in this case, as I’m not talking about all-singing, all-dancing purpose-seeking here, start with the stuff you love and what you’re good at.

Yep, you have my permission (not that you need it!).

Don’t Ask What the World Needs

Here’s what I want you to take away from this blog if nothing else: your purpose doesn’t need external validation, popularity or impressiveness to matter deeply.

It matters simply because it’s yours!

Let me say that again.

Your purpose matters because it’s yours!

Every quirky interest, every quiet passion, every moment of genuine joy is guiding you towards something beautifully meaningful.

So, let your quirks lead, trust your joys and boldly claim your beautiful purpose.

Because when you do, you not only empower yourself—you inspire everyone around you to find theirs too.

Let me end on this: Your purpose doesn’t have to change the world but it will undoubtedly change YOUR world, and that’s more than enough!

P.S. My upcoming book Sing Like No-One’s Listening is all about this very thing – choosing to follow your dreams, find your purpose and live life on your terms. Join my waiting list to hear when it lands and I’ll even give you 20% off the cover price – what’s not to love?