3 Steps to Understanding Your Purpose: Without Overthinking It

Do you ever look around at your life, your job, your marriage, your to-do list, and wonder, “Is this it?”

You’re checking the boxes, doing the things, being a “responsible adult,” but deep down something’s tugging at you. Like… there has to be more.

If that’s you right now, you’re not crazy. You’re not ungrateful.

You’re just craving purpose, and that’s a good thing.

Let’s figure out where to go from here. Together.

The “Now What?” Phase Is Real (And You’re Not Alone)

You’re smart. You’ve worked hard. Maybe you even made a vision board once.
But lately, life feels a little… off. Like you’re spinning your wheels or waiting for clarity that never seems to come. Guilty!

Here’s the truth: most of us aren’t handed our purpose on a silver platter. (Wouldn’t that be nice though?)

Instead, we stumble into it one small decision at a time with, of course, God’s nudges, a little trial and error, and a lot of grace.

So if you’re in that “what now?” space, don’t panic. You’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Here are 3 Helpful Steps to Understanding Your Purpose

Step 1: Start With the Quiet Stuff (Yep, I Mean Prayer)

Okay, let’s talk prayer—but not in a “wake up at 4am and cry into your Bible” kind of way.

Just… talk to God. For real. Ask:
What do You want for my life?
Is there something I’ve been ignoring?
Can You just make this whole “purpose” thing clearer… please?

You don’t need fancy words or a spiritual resumé. Just show up honestly.  

And then, Listen.  Absorb.  Sit in stillness.  Quite frankly, I like to go out for a walk and sit on a bench or tree stump and stare at a tree.  It is interesting how all this starts your reflection and makes it easier to listen for God’s response.  I highly encourage it!

Step 2: Look for the Breadcrumbs in Scripture

The Bible isn’t just for Sunday mornings. It’s full of people just like you, imperfect, unsure, and often way off track, who still found their calling.

Start with these:

Scriptures for Reflection

1. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is a powerful reminder that God has a unique plan for each of us. Reflect on the hope and future He promises, and consider how this can shape your understanding of your purpose.
2. Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Let this verse encourage you to seek transformation through God, allowing His will to become clear in your life as you align your desires with His.
3. Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Meditate on the idea that you are uniquely crafted for specific good works. What talents and passions has God planted in you to fulfill these purposes?
4. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This scripture invites you to trust God wholly, knowing that surrendering your plans to Him will lead you to your divine purpose.
5. Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Reflect on how you can be a light in the world, sharing your gifts and purpose to glorify God
6. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” This verse is a straightforward reminder that God equips us with the strength to pursue our divine purpose, no matter the challenges we face.

Don’t try to study all of them in one sitting. Pick one that hits home and sit with it. Like, really sit with it. Let it talk to you. It is God’s Word.

Step 3: Notice What Lights You Up

You know that thing you do that makes you lose track of time?
Or the way people keep saying, “You’re so good at that!”
Those aren’t accidents. They’re hints.

Take a second and jot down:

• What you’re naturally good at
  
• What makes you feel alive
  
• What kind of problems you feel called to solve
  

These are clues. God often plants purpose inside your passions.

Mini Soul Check: Try This Today to help with Understanding Your Purpose

Grab a journal or your notes app and answer this:
“When do I feel most like myself?”

Don’t overthink it. Just write what comes.

Bonus points if you talk it out with a friend who really knows your heart. Sometimes someone else can see your calling clearer than you can.

The Real Secret? Understanding Your Purpose Is a Journey (Not a Job Title)

Here’s where we often get tripped up: thinking “purpose” is a once-and-done lightning bolt moment.
Like one day you’ll wake up and know.

But truth bomb: most of the time, it’s not like that.
Purpose unfolds. It evolves. And it usually looks more like small steps than big stage lights.

So breathe. Take the pressure off.
You don’t have to get it all right today, you just have to be willing.

Your Next Step

This week, be intentional. Pick one thing:

• Talk to God (even if it feels awkward)
  
• Reflect on just one verse
  
• List your gifts and gut-check where they point you
  

And remember: you’re not behind. You’re being called forward.

Final Thought: You’re Not Here by Accident

You were made with meaning.
The doubt? The fog? The restlessness?
It’s not a flaw—it’s a signal.

God doesn’t waste a single detail. And you don’t have to have it all figured out before you take the next step.

So… wanna take it?

Check out last weeks blog: Create a Spiritual Life Plan That Actually Works (Even When You’re Overwhelmed)

Visit our Store for Intentional help with this: https://myicanstory.store/

Sharing is caring. Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and COMMENT it helps raise this up so others will see it. I appreciate you. God bless you. Amen. K.Kay – MyICanStory blog and store.

If you’re serious about Finding Your Purpose, I highly recommend this:

Finding Your Purpose in God Printable: You were Created in Christ for Good Works

Kingdom Calling Unearthing Your Divine Purpose Bible Study + Reflection Printable