There are times in life when everything feels connected — when we know what we’re working toward, who we’re doing it for, and why it matters.
And then there are seasons when that sense of meaning seems to fade — when we’re doing the same things, but they don’t feel the same.

That’s part of being human.
Purpose isn’t something we “find once and keep forever.” It’s something that evolves as we do.

What We Mean by “Purpose”

Psychologists describe purpose as the sense that our life has direction — that our choices are guided by something larger than moment-to-moment comfort or success.
Research shows that people who feel connected to purpose often report higher well-being, stronger resilience, and greater life satisfaction.

But purpose doesn’t always look heroic or world-changing.
It can be the steady drive to show up for your family, to serve your community, to learn something new, or to heal parts of yourself so you can help others do the same.

Purpose Changes as Life Changes

Sometimes life shifts — a loss, a new role, a health change, a move — and the things that once fueled us don’t fit in the same way. That doesn’t mean we’ve lost our purpose; it means it’s time to listen for what’s emerging now.

Your sense of meaning will naturally ebb and flow over time:

When life feels aligned, purpose feels clear and energizing.
When life feels uncertain or stressful, that clarity can fade.

Rather than judging yourself for “losing purpose,” it can help to see this as a signal — a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and realign with what matters most right now.

A Quick Self-Check: How Connected Do You Feel to Your Sense of Meaning?

Below are ten short statements adapted from psychological research on meaning and purpose.
As you read each one, rate how true it feels for you today — from 1 (not true at all) to 5 (completely true).
No right or wrong answers — just a check-in with where you are.

I have a clear sense of what gives my life meaning.
When things get hard, I can remember why I keep going.
I feel connected to something larger than myself (like community, faith, service, or nature).
I often reflect on how I can use my experiences to help others.
I feel that my daily actions are aligned with my deeper values.
Even small things I do can make a positive difference.
I feel hopeful about the future because I have things that matter to me.
I understand how my strengths can contribute to others’ well-being.
I feel clear and confident about my sense of purpose.
I believe that my life story — even the painful parts — has meaning.

If you’d like, add up your total score.
Higher numbers generally reflect a stronger current connection to purpose — but the real value isn’t in the number itself.
It’s in noticing which statements felt strongest, and which ones tugged at something inside you.

What Your Answers Might Be Telling You

If your score was on the lower side — or if you found yourself hesitating on several questions — that’s not a problem to fix.
It’s information to guide your growth.

You might be in a phase where you’re:

Healing or rebuilding after change.
Focusing on short-term survival more than long-term meaning.
Exploring new directions or identities.

Those moments can feel unsettling, but they’re often the beginning of rediscovering a deeper purpose — one that fits who you’re becoming now.

Reflection Prompts

After you finish, take a moment to reflect:

Which statement felt most true for me — and what does that reveal about what keeps me going?
Which one felt least true — and what might strengthen that area?
When have I felt most “on purpose”? What was I doing, and who was with me?
What’s one small step this week that could reconnect me with what matters?

Turning Awareness Into Action

You don’t have to overhaul your life to reconnect with purpose.
Start small. Look for meaning in everyday actions:

Sending an encouraging message.
Practicing kindness toward yourself.
Using your lived experience to support someone else.
Taking one step toward a goal that feels aligned with your values.

Each time you act on purpose — no matter how small — you strengthen the part of yourself that knows why you’re here.

Here's a cheat sheet on things you might say to support someone else (and boost your own sense of purpose!)

Finding Meaning and Purpose: Checking In With What Matters Most