Hey Unbreakables!
We all crave a sense of purpose - that deep, unshakable feeling that what we do actually matters. But too often, purpose feels elusive, like something we either stumble upon or spend a lifetime chasing.
The truth? Purpose isn’t found. It’s designed.
There’s an equation to it - a way to intentionally build a life that fuels you instead of drains you. Once we understand how purpose works, we stop searching and start creating.
Let’s break it down.
Why Purpose Feels So Hard to Find
Most people think of purpose as this grand, life-altering revelation - a single mission that defines everything. But that’s where we get stuck.
Purpose isn’t a lightning strike. It’s not one big thing. It’s a system - a balance of elements that, when aligned, create a life that fuels us instead of depleting us.
If we’re feeling lost, drained, or directionless, it’s not because we “don’t have a purpose.” It’s because something in the system is out of balance.
The Purpose Equation
At its core, purpose is built on three key elements:
What Energizes You - The things that make you come alive, that light a fire in you, that you could do for hours without feeling drained.
What Challenges You - Growth requires friction. The best kind of purpose isn’t just enjoyable - it stretches you, pushes you beyond your limits, and forces you to evolve.
What Serves Beyond You - The deepest fulfillment doesn’t come from personal success alone. It comes from impact, from knowing what you do makes a difference to someone or something outside of yourself.
When all three align, we feel deeply on track. When one is missing, things start to feel empty or unbalanced.
How to Apply the Purpose Equation
1. Identify What Energizes You
We often chase what we think we “should” do instead of what actually lights us up. Look for clues:
What are you doing when time flies by?
What activities give you energy instead of draining you?
What do you get obsessed with learning about, even when no one is making you?
Start there.
2. Embrace the Right Kind of Challenge
Without challenge, purpose stagnates. But not all struggle is meaningful - some drains us, some fuels us.
The right kind of challenge:
Forces growth without completely overwhelming you.
Feels frustrating at times, but still deeply rewarding.
Stretches you in ways that align with your values.
If something is exhausting you without a sense of meaning, it’s not the right challenge - it’s just a drain.
3. Expand Your Impact
Self-focused goals only take us so far. The real fuel for purpose is contribution.
Ask:
Who benefits when I do my best work?
How does what I do make life better, even in a small way, for others?
Where can I shift my focus from “what do I get?” to “what do I give?”
Impact doesn’t have to mean saving the world. It can be as simple as lifting up the people around you.
What Happens When One Element Is Missing?
If we’re missing what energizes us, life feels like a grind. We’re just going through the motions.
If we’re missing challenge, we feel stuck, like we’re not growing.
If we’re missing impact, we might achieve things, but they’ll feel hollow.
When all three align, purpose stops being something we search for. It becomes something we live.
The Real Work of Purpose
Purpose isn’t something we “find.” It’s something we build. And like anything worth building, it takes work, iteration, and adjustments along the way.
So if purpose feels unclear, don’t wait for a revelation. Start testing, refining, and realigning.
Ask yourself:
What lights me up?
Where am I avoiding necessary challenge?
How can I contribute beyond myself?
That’s the equation. Refine it, and purpose becomes inevitable.