Since our world often romanticises the notion of “finding yourself,” we are frequently led to believe that purpose is a singular, magical moment of discovering a lightbulb moment that illuminates our path and sets us on a course toward fulfilment.
This narrative, while alluring, is not only misleading but can also be paralysing.
You see, the truth is that purpose is not something we stumble upon; it is something we build, brick by brick, through our actions, failures, and, most importantly, persistence.
Consider the lives of historical figures who exemplified this journey.
Take Thomas Edison, for instance. Often celebrated as one of the greatest inventors of all time, Edison’s path to success was not paved with immediate triumphs. Instead, it was marked by countless failures and setbacks. He famously stated, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Each of those failures was not a dead end but a stepping stone, a lesson learned that brought him closer to his ultimate goal. Edison’s purpose was not discovered in a moment of clarity, wrongfully romanticised by the drop of an apple on Newton’s head while discovering gravity; it was forged in the fires of experimentation and resilience.
And plentiful hard-headed persistence, I must add.
Similarly, let us reflect on the life of J.K. Rowling, the author of the beloved (and highly lucrative franchise) Harry Potter series. Before she became a household name, Rowling faced numerous rejections and hardships, including the loss of her mother and struggles with depression. Yet, she did not wait for a moment of inspiration to strike; she wrote her story amidst adversity, pouring her heart into her work.
Rowling’s purpose emerged not from a quest for self-discovery, but from her commitment to her craft and her belief in the power of storytelling.
Again, it was through her perseverance that she built a legacy that continues to inspire millions to this day.
This brings me to a critical realisation: purpose is not a destination but a journey. It is shaped by our experiences, our choices, and our willingness to embrace the unknown.
In our society, we often find ourselves caught in the trap of waiting for the “perfect moment.” We hesitate, fearing that we might not be ready. However, the reality is that waiting for the stars to align can lead to a lifetime of missed opportunities.
Instead of waiting for clarity, we must take action. Start small. Engage in activities that resonate with you, even if they seem insignificant at first. Volunteer for a cause you care about, explore a new hobby, or take an online class that piques your interest. Each of these actions is a building block in the construction of your purpose.
As you engage with the world around you, you will begin to uncover what truly matters to you, what ignites your passion, and what aligns with your values.
It is essential to recognise that the path to purpose is rarely linear. There will be detours, obstacles, and moments of doubt. Embrace these challenges as integral parts of your journey. They are not signs of failure but opportunities for growth.
As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche noted, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Each setback can serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, pushing us to re-evaluate our goals and refine our understanding of what we truly want.
The myth of “finding yourself” can be a double-edged sword. While it may inspire some to seek their purpose, it can also lead to frustration and stagnation for those who feel lost. Instead, let us embrace the understanding that purpose is built, not discovered. It is a dynamic process that unfolds over time, shaped by our actions, our failures, and our relentless pursuit of what truly matters.
So, take that first step today. Engage with the world, learn from your experiences, and build a purpose that is uniquely yours.
Build something; build anything.
Dr Nahrizul Adib Kadri is a professor of biomedical engineering and the Principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.