Guide to Finding Purpose When Everything Feels Pointless

“You Feel Lost.”

Let me start by saying this: you’re not alone. If you’ve ever lain in bed staring at the ceiling, wondering “What’s the point of all this?”, maybe you feel tired even after sleeping. Maybe you don’t feel excited about anything. Or maybe… life just feels like it’s moving on without you.

That feeling sucks. But here’s the good news: you can find your purpose. And I want to help you do that step by step, like a friend would.

1: What Is “Purpose” Anyway?

Let’s keep it simple. Purpose is the reason you wake up in the morning. It’s what gives your life meaning. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy like “saving the world.” It can be small and quiet. like making people smile, learning something new, or helping someone you care about.

Some people find purpose in:

• Family
• Learning new skills
• Creating things (art, music, stories)
• Helping others
• Growing plants or pets
• Exploring the world

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start looking in the right places.

2: Why Everything Feels Pointless Sometimes

Here’s the truth: it’s normal to feel lost. Especially in today’s world. Social media shows people smiling, travelling, getting married, getting rich, and having “perfect lives.” Meanwhile, you might be sitting in your room, scrolling endlessly, wondering if you’re doing something wrong.

Here’s what might be happening:

• You feel stuck in a boring routine.
• You don’t know what you’re good at.
• You tried something before and failed.
• You’re comparing your life with others.
• You’re tired, anxious, or just… empty.

Let me tell you something important: Feeling lost doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human.

3: The First Step - Start With One Small Question

When everything feels big and scary, ask yourself this tiny question: “What’s one thing that made me smile today?”

Was it a dog? A funny video? A hot cup of tea? That little smile? That’s a clue. It might be small, but it’s real. Your job now is to follow those clues.

Every day, write down:

• 1 thing that made you smile
• 1 thing you were curious about
• 1 thing you wish you could do (even if it sounds silly)

Keep doing this for a week. Then read your answers. Patterns will start to show.

4: Remember What Made You Happy As a Kid

Let’s go back in time. What did you love to do as a kid? Drawing? Dancing? Playing pretend games? Fixing things? Reading stories? Back then, you did stuff because you wanted to, not because you had to.

Those childhood joys can be powerful clues to your purpose. So ask yourself:

• What did I love before the world told me to be “realistic”?
• What made time fly by?
• What did I do even when no one was watching?

Your younger self might know something your older self forgot.

5: Try New Things (Even If You’re Bad At Them)

Here’s a secret: you don’t find purpose by thinking… You find it by DOING. That’s right, you have to try stuff. Explore. Mess up. Try again.

Start small:

• Take a free online class
• Join a local club or group
• Help someone with their project
• Make a YouTube video or blog post
• Volunteer for something random

You don’t need to be perfect. Just try stuff like you’re trying different ice creams. Eventually, you’ll find a flavour you love. And once you do? That’s when life gets exciting.

6: Purpose Doesn’t Mean Passion (And That’s Okay)

Let’s clear this up. You don’t need to be “passionate” every second. Purpose isn’t always fireworks. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Calm. Steady. Think of a gardener: They don’t jump up and down every time they water a plant. But they do it every day, with care. And slowly, the garden grows.

Purpose can be like that, slow and steady. You don’t need a big “aha!” moment. You just need to keep showing up.

7: Stop Comparing, Start Creating

Comparison is a killer of joy. While you’re comparing your Chapter 1 to someone’s Chapter 20… you’re forgetting your own journey. That person you’re comparing yourself to? They’ve failed too. They’ve cried too. You just didn’t see it on Instagram.

Instead of watching others live their lives, start living yours.

Ask:

• What can I create today?
• What story do I want to tell?
• What tiny step can I take?

Your life is yours. Make it count.

8: Your Brain Isn’t Broken. It’s Overloaded.

When everything feels pointless, your brain might not be “lazy.” It might be tired. Overworked. Filled with noise. Here’s how to clear your mental fog:

• Take social media breaks
• Write down what’s bothering you
• Get some sunlight and fresh air
• Drink water. Seriously.
• Talk to someone (a friend, a therapist, even a stranger)

You don’t need to fix your life in one day. You just need to take care of your brain like it’s a tired friend.

9: You Matter More Than You Know

Let me say this as clearly as I can: You. Matter.
Even if you don’t feel like it. Even if no one says it. You have gifts the world needs, even if you don’t know them yet. You’re here for a reason. Even if that reason isn’t clear right now.

Sometimes, the people who feel the most lost… end up becoming the best guides for others. So hold on. Your story isn’t over. It’s just starting a new chapter.

10: A Simple Plan to Start Finding Your Purpose

A super easy plan you can try for the next 7 days:

Day 1: Smile Log

Write down 3 things that made you smile.

Day 2: Childhood Clues

Write down what you loved doing as a kid.

Day 3: Try Something New

Do one new thing, watch a new video, talk to someone, try a hobby.

Day 4: Create Something

Draw. Write. Sing. Build. Share it.

Day 5: Help Someone

Do something kind, big or small.

Day 6: Rest + Reflect

Take a break. Journal about how you feel now.

Day 7: Look at the Clues

Read everything you wrote. What patterns do you see? That’s your compass.

11: Final Words From a Friend Who Gets It

You don’t need to rush. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to start asking the right questions… and take one small step every day. Finding purpose isn’t a straight road. It’s messy. Weird. Beautiful. And you know what? You’re already on the path.

And if you ever feel stuck again? Just come back to this guide. I’ll still be here, cheering you on.

Journal Prompts to Help You Find Meaning

1. What’s something I’ve always wanted to try but never did?
2. When was the last time I felt proud of myself?
3. What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?
4. If I had just one year to live, what would I spend it doing?
5. What’s something I’d do every day, even if I didn’t get paid?

Your Life Is Not Pointless. It’s Just Paused. Your purpose is still out there. And trust me… You’ll find it. Just keep going. One day, one small step at a time.