8 signs you’ve found your true purpose in life, according to stoicism

Finding your true purpose in life can feel like finally putting the last piece of a puzzle into place.

It’s that “aha!” moment when everything just clicks, and you feel a deeper sense of satisfaction and direction.

According to Stoicism, there are some clear signs that you’ve found what you’re meant to do.

Here are eight signs that show you’re living your life with purpose, each one reflecting a strong connection to what truly matters to you.

1) You’re no longer swayed by external influences

Stoicism teaches us to prioritize our inner peace and wisdom over external factors.

When you’ve found your true purpose in life, you’ll notice that the opinions, judgments, and expectations of others will start to have less impact on you.

This isn’t about being dismissive or indifferent to others but rather about recognizing what really matters in life.

This is because when you’re aligned with your purpose, you have a clearer vision of your path.

You’re not easily swayed because your direction is not dictated by the crowd, but by your inner compass.

2) You experience fulfilment even in adversity

Stoicism is known for its focus on resilience. It teaches that it’s not the events themselves that disturb us, but our interpretation of those events.

I remember a time when I was faced with what seemed like a major setback in my career.

I didn’t get a promotion I had been working towards, and it felt like a significant blow. But rather than let it crush me, I saw it as an opportunity to reassess what mattered to me.

I realized that the promotion wasn’t the end goal. It was about doing work that mattered to me and made a positive impact.

This shift in perspective led me towards what has now become my true purpose: helping others unlock mindfulness through Hack Spirit.

And this is a key sign of finding your purpose according to Stoicism: You find fulfilment not just in success, but in the journey and the challenges that come your way.

3) You experience a deep sense of peace

Having a clear purpose in life brings with it a deep sense of peace and contentment.

This isn’t about being complacent or passive, but rather about knowing that you’re on the right path, and feeling aligned with your values and actions.

It’s a kind of peace that comes from within, not dependent on external circumstances or validations.

According to the Japanese concept of Ikigai, when you’ve found your purpose, you’re not constantly seeking or striving for something else.

You’re not tossed around by the winds of external influences because you’ve found your anchor within yourself.

This kind of peace is often elusive in our fast-paced, achievement-driven world.

But when you find it, it’s one of the clearest signs that you’re living in line with your true purpose.

4) Your actions align with your values

A key principle of Stoicism is living according to virtue – essentially, living in alignment with one’s values.

When you’ve found your true purpose in life, your actions begin to reflect what you truly believe in. 

Psychologists often talk about the concept of ‘congruence‘ – a state where a person’s actions are in line with their beliefs and values.

This congruence is not only linked to higher levels of self-esteem and well-being, but it’s also a powerful indicator that you’re living your purpose.

In other words, when your everyday actions start to mirror what you deeply care about, it’s a sign that you’re on the path of fulfilling your life’s purpose, according to Stoicism.

5) You’re comfortable with discomfort

It may seem counter-intuitive, but being comfortable with discomfort is a strong sign you’ve found your true purpose.

Stoicism encourages us to accept and even embrace the inevitable discomfort and hardship that comes with life.

I’m not talking about suffering for the sake of suffering but about recognizing that discomfort often accompanies meaningful action.

When you’ve found your purpose, you’re willing to tolerate discomfort because you see it as a necessary part of your journey.

You understand that stepping out of your comfort zone is often what leads to growth and progress.

6) You’re less troubled by material possessions

Stoics believe in the freedom that comes from detachment, especially from material possessions.

They argue that while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the good things in life, we shouldn’t let our happiness depend on them.

There’s ample research proving that when you’ve found your true purpose, you notice a shift in your attitude toward material possessions.

Sure, they can bring convenience and enjoyment, but they no longer hold the same importance they once did.

Your focus becomes more about pursuing your purpose and less about accumulating stuff.

The satisfaction derived from living your purpose far exceeds the temporary thrill of material possessions.

7) You’re not afraid of failure

One of the most liberating moments in my journey was realizing that failure wasn’t something to be feared, but a stepping stone towards growth and success.

Stoicism teaches us that failure is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to better navigate our path.

When you’re in tune with your true purpose, failure doesn’t deter you. Instead, it strengthens your resolve.

Each setback becomes a lesson, each mistake a stepping stone, and each failure a chance to come back stronger.

8) You’re focused on the journey, not just the destination

Stoicism is all about focusing on the present moment and the journey, rather than being fixated on the end goal.

When you’ve found your true purpose, you begin to understand that it’s not just about reaching a specific destination.

Instead, it’s about appreciating the journey, embracing the process, and learning from each step along the way.

Studies found that people find joy in the present moment and see value in each experience, whether it’s positive or negative.

You understand that every part of the journey contributes to your growth and brings you closer to fulfilling your purpose.

This shift in perspective – from being solely goal-oriented to valuing the process – is a clear sign that you’re aligned with your true purpose according to Stoicism.

Final thoughts

Your true purpose isn’t something that can be handed to you or found overnight.

It’s a path that unfolds as you delve deeper into understanding yourself and your place in the world.

Stoicism, with its focus on living in harmony with nature and embracing virtues like wisdom and courage, offers a solid framework for identifying when you’re on the right track.

Hopefully, these eight signs can serve as a guide that will let you know if you’re on the right track, living a life full of purpose and meaning. 

What would Marcus Aurelius say?

Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?

Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.

Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.

Check it out here.

 

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