Many people spend years looking for their purpose; that thing they were put on the earth to do which makes life better for themselves and those around them. For some, it might be parenthood. Others find their purpose through the arts. But one thing’s for sure - most people find it through exploring the cause they care about.

But between working hard to provide for a family - or deciding to chase money instead of dreams - some people never discover their true purpose. So to avoid this fate, how should you start looking for yours? Follow these tips below, which focus on reflection, intuition and learning:

Take a solo trip

Life is full of distractions and it’s easy to get caught up in them. You might be stuck in a stressful job. Or constantly scrolling through social media, comparing your life to others. But to really find your passion, it’s essential to take a step back from everything to reflect on your goals. That’s why whenever I’m faced with a big decision, I try to take a solo trip.

This doesn’t have to be a big vacation - although, that would be nice! I recommend trying to get away for a weekend, a day trip, or even just for an afternoon to spend some time alone.

Bring a journal to write down your intentions and ambitions, and focus on being distraction free. Ask yourself questions like: What causes do I care about? When have I been most happy? What communities do I feel closest to? Taking a step back helps you to understand what’s really important in life, and helps you to visualise where you want to be.

Never stop learning

That said, it can be hard to visualise where you want to be if you’re standing idle. After all, ideas are sparked by getting out into the world! So while searching for your purpose, it’s important to never stop learning. Why not attend that seminar that caught your eye?

Or volunteer to paint that mural at the hospital? Because you never know. You might discover a new passion for art therapy, or meet someone who can help propel you on your path to success.

Understand what you’re willing to sacrifice

You might have an idea about what makes you happy. But are you willing to sacrifice to get there? Knowing your purpose is one thing, but achieving it is another. Try making a list of what you might have to give up if you were to fulfill your purpose. Would you have to quit you job and take a big pay cut? Would you hinder any relationships along the way? Would you need to spend less time with your family, or friends?

Have a good understanding of what you’re willing to sacrifice before making any major life decisions; this can help both you and your loved ones ease into any big changes, and might adjust the way you approach them. Instead of quitting your job to work in animal rescue, for example, it might be best to start by volunteering one day a month. You can always move up from there.

Jump in

Many people know what their purpose might be, but for one reason or another, are afraid to achieve it. My advice, though? Once you’ve accepted the sacrifices, go ahead and jump in! You can spend years milling around, waiting for the right moment to make a change.

But no one said following your passion was easy. Even if you’re faced with cynics, keep your eye on the prize. After all, it’s better to have tried and failed, than to have never tried at all.

Follow your gut

Maybe you’ve found what you’re good at. But it doesn’t mean you have to do it for life - especially if it’s making you miserable. Sometimes things just don’t seem to click - and if there’s no passion involved, you’re likely not working toward your purpose. In the end, finding your purpose is all about following your gut. So if you don’t feel content in what you’re doing, keep searching until you are.

It’s true: oftentimes, finding your purpose can take years. But when you focus on self reflection, continuous learning, and following your intuition - you may just be lucky enough to find it.

Do you believe you’ve found your purpose in life? Tell me about how you did it in the comments below. I’d love to hear!