Living with Intention: 5 Powerful Steps to Discover Your Life’s Purpose

Between work deadlines, group chats, appointments, and trying to remember if you drank enough water today, it’s easy to live on autopilot. Before you know it, the days blur together, and you start wondering, “Is this really what I’m here for?”

If that’s where you’re at, take a deep breath. You’re not the only one asking that question—and you’re not stuck. Discovering your purpose isn’t about finding some magical job title or having your life totally mapped out. It’s about living with intention and tuning into the things that matter most. Here are five powerful, doable steps to help you start that journey.

1. Get Clear on What Actually Matters to You

Not what matters to your parents.

Not what looks impressive on LinkedIn.

Not what social media says success should be.

What actually lights you up?

Take a moment and think about the last time you felt genuinely fulfilled—not just busy, but content. What were you doing? Who were you with? What values were you living out in that moment?

Write it down. These aren’t random feel-good moments; they’re clues. Your values—things like kindness, creativity, growth, or helping others—are at the core of your purpose. Knowing them helps you live on purpose instead of by default.

2. Start Paying Attention to What Drains You

Sometimes, figuring out what you’re meant to do starts by noticing what you don’t want to do.

What parts of your life feel heavy? Which tasks or relationships leave you feeling frustrated, exhausted, or like you’re wearing a mask?

This isn’t about quitting your job tomorrow or ghosting your group chat. It’s about recognizing what’s out of alignment so you can slowly adjust. Living with intention means being honest about what’s not working—and choosing better, even in small ways.

3. Reflect on Your Story So Far

Your past holds a lot more purpose than you might realize.

Think about the highs and lows—the chapters you’d gladly relive and the ones you’d rather forget. What did you learn? How did you grow? What did you survive?

Purpose often shows up through the hard stuff. Maybe your anxiety has made you more empathetic. Maybe your rocky relationship taught you how to set boundaries. Maybe your weird job history gave you people skills you now use every day.

Your experiences have shaped you for a reason. Don’t overlook them—they’re part of the blueprint.

4. Stop Waiting for a Lightning Bolt

Most of us expect our life’s purpose to show up with flashing lights and some dramatic “aha” moment. But real purpose usually whispers. It shows up in patterns –in what people come to you for and in what you find yourself drawn to over and over again.

Instead of waiting for the stars to align, start where you are. Do something kind for someone else. Try something new that excites you. Volunteer. Talk to people doing things you admire. Take the pressure off and just explore.

5. Choose Progress Over Perfection

Here’s your permission slip: You don’t need to have a five-year plan to start living with purpose. In fact, trying to make everything perfect before you begin will only keep you stuck.

Purpose grows through action. Through showing up, making mistakes, learning, and pivoting. Some days, it’ll feel messy. Some days, it’ll feel like magic. But if you’re taking even small steps that are aligned with what matters to you, congrats; you’re already living with intention.

Conclusion

The Gospel of I AM by Edward Beam is a heartfelt, down-to-earth guide for anyone searching for meaning and direction. Framed as a personal letter from Jesus, it offers encouragement, clarity, and a gentle reminder that you’re not lost—you’re just finding your way toward the life you were meant to live.