Practical Exercises to Help You Find Your Purpose

As ambitious African women, many of us dream of living a bigger and better life —a life where we create impact, follow our dreams and become institutions in our own right. But often, we feel stuck or unsure of where to begin. Finding your purpose isn’t just for a chosen few; it’s a journey anyone can take. And it starts with self-reflection and intentional action.

Here are some practical exercises to help you discover your purpose and take steps toward a fulfilling life. 

1. The Interest Inventory

Your interests are like breadcrumbs leading to your purpose. What do you love doing, even when no one is watching?

How to do it:

• Take a notebook and write down all the activities you enjoy.
• Include hobbies, work tasks, or even things you daydream about.
• Look for patterns. For example, do you enjoy organizing events, helping people, or creating something new?

Why it works:
This exercise helps you focus on the things that naturally bring you joy. Your purpose often lies in what excites you and makes you feel alive.

2. The Skills Audit

Your skills are your tools for success. Identifying what you’re good at can give you direction and confidence in pursuing your purpose.

How to do it:

• List your strengths and abilities.
• Ask friends or colleagues what they think you’re great at.
• Match your skills to potential careers or projects.

For example, if you’re great at storytelling, you might consider writing, content creation, or public speaking. If you’re good with numbers, perhaps entrepreneurship or finance could be your path.

Why it works:
This exercise reveals how your talents can be applied in ways that make an impact. It also boosts your confidence by reminding you of what you can do.  

3. Vision Mapping

Sometimes, the best way to find your purpose is to imagine the life you want to live.

How to do it:

• Take a blank sheet of paper and write down your ideal life.
• Be specific. Where are you living? What kind of work are you doing? How are you making a difference?
• Break your vision into smaller goals and action steps.

For example, if your vision includes empowering young girls in your community, your first step might be to start a mentorship program or volunteer with a local organization.

Why it works:
This exercise clarifies and helps you focus on what truly matters to you. It’s like creating a roadmap for your dreams.

4. Networking and Exploration

Sometimes, we don’t know what’s possible until we see it through someone else’s journey.

How to do it:

• Research about or reach out to professionals in fields that interest you.
• Ask questions about their journey, challenges, and advice.
• Attend events, workshops, or webinars to learn about different industries.

Why it works:
Networking helps you see what’s achievable and opens doors to opportunities you might not have considered. It also inspires you by showing you real-life examples of people who are making an impact.

5. Try Something New

You can’t discover your purpose by standing still. Taking action, even outside your comfort zone, can reveal what you’re truly passionate about.

How to do it:

• Take a course in something you’re curious about.
• Volunteer in a new field.
• Start a side project, no matter how small.

Why it works:
Exploration allows you to uncover hidden talents and passions. It’s through trying that you’ll find what resonates with you.

Final Thoughts: Your Purpose is a Journey

Finding your purpose isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and action. The key is to start somewhere—anywhere—and keep moving forward.

Remember, your purpose isn’t just about what you do; it’s about the impact you create. As a modern African woman, you have the power to redefine what success looks like for yourself and others. You can be a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, a leader, or all of the above. The most important thing is to live a life that feels true to you.

Take these exercises, try them one by one, and trust the process. The world is waiting for the brilliance only you can bring. 🌟