People often feel like they’ve forgotten their meaning in life at different times, like when they’re bored at work, their kids have grown up, they quit, or they lose a loved one. These changes can make us feel like we don’t know who we are and make us wonder where we’re going. Matthew Lee, a researcher at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, says, “When you lose something that gave you identity, you wonder who you are without it.”

1. Identify Your Strengths

Think about what you’re naturally good at for a moment. Better yet, ask people you work with or know what they think your skills are. Are you known for being kind, artistic, or good at listening? Once you know what your skills are, think about how you can use them to give yourself and others value. For instance, if you’re creative, you could teach art at a nearby community center or paint a happy painting for everyone to see.

2. Reflect On Past Challenges

The hardest things that happen to us often lead us to a greater cause. Think about the problems you’ve solved, like a health problem, a lack of money, or a loss of a loved one. Could you help people who are having the same problems with what you’ve learned? For instance, someone who has successfully dealt with loss may find great meaning in running a support group for people who have lost a loved one. Giving away the knowledge you’ve gained can make you feel good and help other people.

3. Create A Purpose Timeline

As time goes on, purpose changes. Take some time to think about the different parts of your life and what makes each one meaningful. Were there moments or changes that changed the way you were going? Seeing these patterns might help you figure out what’s most important to you right now and how it might affect the next part of your life.

4. Seek Role Models

Often, watching other people can give you ideas. Think about people you look up to, whether they are famous people, people who run groups in your town, or friends. What do you like about their job or way of life? Can you find ways to use some of what they do in your own life? For example, if you look up to people who work to protect the environment, you might be able to find a way to support sustainability in your area.

5. Become A Mentor

Sharing what you know is a powerful way to find meaning in your life. Think about the skills you’ve gained over the years in a job, a hobby, or in life in general, and think about mentoring someone who could use your help. In the words of Lee, “a mentoring relationship is a caring one that lets us give and receive love.” As we get older, what we often miss most are loving relationships that go both ways. Giving back to others can give you a new sense of purpose and help you make deep connections.

6. Focus On The World’s Needs

What reasons are important to you? Whether it’s environmental conservation, social justice, or helping your local food bank, aligning yourself with a cause can give you a powerful sense of direction. Start small — explore service opportunities, attend community events, or support local projects. Websites like VolunteerMatch may assist in connecting you with groups that match your hobbies and skills.

7. Find Inspiration In Literature

Viktor Frankl’s famous book Man’s Search for Meaning has given generations insight into the power of meaning. Based on his experiences in Nazi death camps, Frankl noticed that those who found meaning — often through kindness, connection, and service to others — were more adaptable and more likely to live. His lesson remains important today: purpose doesn’t come from avoiding pain but from finding meaning through it.

8. Write Your Story

Your life is filled with useful lessons, knowledge, and moments of joy. Take the time to write down some of your most important moments. Write down things you wish you had known about your parents or grandparents. This process can help you reunite with your past, highlight what it means most, and build a memory for future generations.

9. Imagine Your Obituary

This task may seem odd, but it’s an eye-opening way to review what truly matters to you. What would you like to be known for? What accomplishments or traits do you want people to think about? If the way you’re living now doesn’t fit with that goal, use this information to help you make a change that feels more important.

10. Envision Life Without Financial Limits

Let’s say you won the prize. What would you do with your time if you didn’t have to worry about money? Want to see the world? Want to start a charity? Follow a long-held desire? Even though having endless money might not be possible, some of these dreams can still come true. If your dream trip is to go to Asia, for example, you could get a similar experience by working for a foreign group or joining the Peace Corps, which is open to people of all ages.

Getting Started

Finding your meaning again doesn’t have to happen all at once. You can start small. As Lee says, “Look into the possibilities.” You can go further in ways that you may find rich, satisfying, or even surprising once you get going again.

Finding your purpose is an ongoing process that changes as you do. The important thing is to keep looking for it, whether that means thinking about yourself, helping other people, or trying out new interests. If you do that, you might find that the next part of your life is even better than the last one.