10 Questions to Spark a sense of Purpose and Prevent Burnout

Having a clear purpose is one way to find fulfillment in your life. The yogis taught that we each have a right calling, or dharma- something we were put here to do. That point of focus fuels us, providing a north star for our choices and a reason to keep going when life gets tough.

Purpose with a capital “P” seems to have all the answers. While you may wish for a grand calling that is yours beyond the shadow of a doubt, the reality is that most of us will, at some point, experience the uncomfortable feeling of bouncing along in life with no clear direction.

A major factor in burnout, overwhelm and fatigue is a lack of clear direction. Spending energy on a job, relationship or activity that no longer holds meaning becomes too taxing. Facing a string of challenges and uncertainties can also lead to exhaustion due to the high mental and emotional toll.

The challenges of 2020 have rearranged the way we live and left a foggy vision for the future. But you don't need to solve a world crisis to make a meaningful impact. Let go of the quest for Purpose, and look around at the ways, large and small, that you can contribute closer to home. When you home in on what you have to give, not only do you find greater reason for being, but you also cultivate a sense of empowerment, generosity and ultimately, fulfillment.

To get clear on the ways you can uniquely contribute to life, grab your pen and journal, and ask yourself these questions:


1. What am I currently doing that feels exciting, interesting or satisfying?

2. What am I currently doing that feels exhausting or draining?

 3. What are the obvious ways I contribute to my world? (i.e. caring for family, volunteering, work, etc)

4. What are some smaller ways I may have overlooked? (i.e. being patient with someone, offering a kind word to a stranger, cleaning up a mess I didn’t make, etc)

5. How might I use my presence, mood, attitude or words to contribute at home... at work... in my relationships?

6. Who/What/How can I support?

7. What am I ready to STOP doing to get my time and energy back?

8. Is there something I’ve learned or experienced that might help others?

9. Is there a skill or talent I have that I would enjoy sharing with others?

10. Where do I need support so that I can show up as my best self?