Beyond Purpose :A New Foundation for Transformational Success in 2025
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
by Paula C. Lamb
As we step into the new year, many of you may still be determining what you want 2025 to look like. You might be like me, having flipped between different visions for your life or grappling with the big questions: What is my purpose? What is the meaning of life? In the February issue of Vitality Digest, I shared an article titled "Make the Change, Be the Change: 5 Steps to Unlock Personal Success in 2025." In it, I discussed how essential it is to set intentions grounded in values like hope, peace, joy, and love. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to explore it—it’s a great starting point for the transformation you might be seeking in your life.
But one question continues to haunt me: What is my purpose? What I’ve come to realize, especially through the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, is that everything we’re striving for can come to an abrupt halt in an instant. What we value today, or what we might value in 5, 10, or 20 years, is uncertain because life is ever-changing. We experience seasons in life—an ebb and flow both within ourselves and in the world around us, all of which influence every aspect of our lives. The pandemic is a perfect example of this. The world as we knew it shut down, leaving us anxious and uncertain about the future.
I believe we place too much pressure on ourselves to figure out what we want for the future and who we want to become. The personal growth industry often exacerbates this, pushing us to find our purpose. As digital technology and social media became more ingrained in our lives, self-help gurus intensified this narrative, creating a sense of urgency to "find our purpose." I found myself overwhelmed with panic and uncertainty, plagued by fear, doubt, and comparison. That’s when I realized that the foundation for transformational success might not be about constantly seeking purpose—but rather about letting go of the need to find it.
In a chapter I recently wrote for the upcoming anthology Becoming an Unstoppable Women: Rise of the Phoenix, scheduled for release in September 2025, I share my ongoing journey with the big life questions: What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose? I share a journey that has opened my heart and mind to something that is greater than myself. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that the meaning of life is not solely about me. Embracing each moment as it unfolds and exploring what inspires me could possibly be the most fulfilling ‘purpose’ I can have right now.
I am not saying that your current endeavors aren’t fulfilling or substantiate a purpose for your life. What I want to emphasize is that often in our pursuit of ‘purpose,’ we often lose sight of a deeper conversation with our true selves—our emotions, the present moment, and allowing that connection to ourselves to guide us step by step, moment by moment.
As you reflect on what you’d like to achieve in 2025, I hope this brings some relief to any anxiety you may feel about finding your purpose. Instead of stressing over a fixed destination, I encourage you to embrace being present in every moment and acting on what you feel inspired to explore more deeply. I believe this is perhaps the most fulfilling ‘purpose’ and gift you can give yourself right now.
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