The idea of purpose feels elusive. When attempting to understand the concept of purpose using our minds, we often conclude that our lives have no purpose. Yet when we try to understand purpose using our heart, we often feel expansive and thrive chasing after our deepest desires. The truth of the matter is this—everyone has a purpose.
Ancient Ways for Modern Living
Ancient civilizations placed purpose at the center of their society. Using astrology and esoteric tools was commonplace, and elders’ intuition was often consulted on important matters. Nowadays, these tools have been shunned to the far reaches of society and labeled as ‘woo woo’ or ‘weird.’ In the name of productivity and development, we have become disconnected from our purpose, forgetting we have one and becoming bogged down in the mundane, becoming more miserable as each day passes.
As dire as this may sound, there is always a silver lining. The yearning to give meaning to our lives is a profoundly human feeling, and the pathway is closer than you may think.
Science Meets Spirituality
Spirituality is merging with science and commerce as we collectively begin to turn towards the ‘old ways’ of doing things. Scientific research provides evidence for the world we cannot see with our eyes and allows more of us to come to terms with our spirituality. Take meditation, for example. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that meditation reduced the inflammatory response in people exposed to psychological stressors. Studies like this are bringing spiritual practices back to the forefront of our lives.
As humans, we thrive best when we live a life of pleasure, expansion, and full of purpose. Without it, we feel isolated, depressed, and lost.
The good news is that there are simple, tangible steps you can take to begin stepping into your purpose and thriving in the modern world. Stephanie Jaie, Co-Founder of The Prysm Institute of Quantum Alchemy, likens the journey to finding your purpose as a frog hopping from lily pad to lily pad. Jaie says, “Always follow the next lily pad. Understanding your purpose happens in layers, and it is only once you lean into the experience of each layer or lily pad that you can move on to the next one.”
Jaie has spent years studying psychology, metaphysics, and other various modalities and shares her top five ways you can use to step into your purpose and thrive in today’s modern world:

Joyful moments often arise when we’re pursuing something meaningful to us—an activity or a cause that feeds our spirit and speaks to our truth. Asking yourself, “What brings me joy?” can be a powerful tool for uncovering and discovering your purpose and inspiration for moving forward in life.
Focus on Improving Yourself First
When we focus on self-improvement before anything else, our chances of tapping into our purpose increase. Self-improvement can be found through many avenues, such as education, exercise, and creative projects. Spend some time exploring what areas of your life you want to grow in, then take actionable steps towards achieving them.
Create a Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with those that support and encourage you to explore the depths of your purpose. This could include friends, family members, or mentors who are invested in seeing you succeed and challenge you to create a life that is both meaningful and abundant. These people will help provide an atmosphere where new ideas can flourish and blossom – allowing you to thrive in the modern world while doing what truly brings you joy.
Take Action on Your Ideas
When we have an idea that excites us, it is essential to take the necessary steps toward making that idea come to life. Ideas can be fleeting, so taking action will help solidify our thoughts into something tangible. Taking action—even small steps on a daily basis—will help you begin to move closer to fulfilling your purpose.
Focus on the Present Moment
Focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the future or ruminating over the past helps ground us in our purpose. We can observe what is happening around us and identify how our actions contribute to a more significant cause.
Recognizing one’s purpose can be a life-changing experience, and knowing how to unlock it is key. When we understand our purpose, we become empowered to take action toward our dreams and desires. Taking charge of your life and embracing your purpose is the key to living an authentic and fulfilling life.