What’s The True Meaning Of Purpose

Most of us want to figure out our purpose, but it can feel like a mystery or something only special people have. In this episode, Stephen Martin takes a deep dive into the idea of purpose and shows how it’s often rooted in everyday life. He shares parts of his personal journey, including the ups and downs in relationships, and reveals how trauma can sometimes move us closer to meaningful discoveries.

We’ll explore why purpose matters, how it can evolve, and why moments of gratitude and mindfulness can make a massive difference to your overall happiness. If you’re curious about finding inspiration in small moments or looking for practical tips on self-reflection, keep reading.

Why Purpose Matters

Have you ever woken up wondering if you’re missing a bigger calling? It’s easy to think of purpose as some far-off treasure. In reality, it often shows up in our daily routines, like enjoying a good chat with a loved one or feeling content after a job well done. Stephen points out that when you break it down, purpose is less about reaching a grand finish line and more about small, continuous breakthroughs.

Our sense of purpose can shift throughout life. We might feel sure about our direction one day, only to question everything the next. That can be comforting because it reminds us purpose isn’t set in stone. Instead, it bends and adapts. Factors like relationships, health, and even random life events can change where we focus our attention.

During the podcast, Stephen says something that hits home for many of us:

“I used to think that purpose was a big puzzle waiting to be solved, but now I see it can be found in the everyday.”

You don’t need to climb a mountain or change the world in a single day. Purpose often lives right in front of us, waiting to be noticed in a walk around the block or a simple conversation over a cup of tea.

Relationships and Self-Discovery

When we’re figuring out our purpose, other people play a massive role. This might be family, friends, or a partner. Sometimes they push us to see our strengths. Other times they show us where we could use growth. It’s not always comfortable, but these insights can keep us honest and remind us how interlinked we are with those around us.

Stephen shares stories of his own family and romantic relationships, explaining how those interactions shaped his understanding of why he does what he does. Trauma can also be a catalyst. Moments of stress or heartbreak trigger reflection. This can feel awful in the moment, but it can lead to serious growth afterward. Trauma is never a good thing, but it can spark an “aha!” moment about what truly matters.

Self-discovery isn’t just about being alone with your thoughts. It’s also seeing how others perceive you, responding to their perspective, and checking how that lines up with your own sense of self. Through give and take, we learn what lights us up or drains us.

Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Growth

Many of us rush around in daily life. We have to-do lists pinned to our walls or stuffed in our phones. It’s easy to miss the moments that bring peace. Stephen talks about building mindfulness into small spaces. That can be taking a breath before responding to a text or noticing how good a sunbeam feels on your face.

Gratitude sometimes sounds like a fluffy concept, but it can be powerful. When you practise gratitude regularly, it shifts how you look at the world. Instead of fixating on what you lack, you start focusing on what’s already good. This doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges; it’s more about placing value on small wins and kind gestures.

Mindfulness and gratitude naturally fuel each other. If we’re mindful, we’ll notice more things to be grateful for. When we’re grateful, we stay present rather than obsess over the past or future. This loop gives us room to breathe and stops us from racing onto the next thing. Constant growth is great, but remember to pause. Stand still occasionally and take stock of how far you’ve come.

Embracing Neurodiversity

Purpose isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially if you’re someone who thinks or processes differently. Stephen often talks about living with ADHD and dyslexia and how these conditions can reshape the idea of what a purposeful life looks like. You might find it easier to spot creative solutions, or you might struggle with staying organised. Either way, there’s a path that fits your unique brain.

Neurodiversity can change how you perceive goals and progress. Maybe you work better in short sprints rather than sticking to a strict schedule. Perhaps you enjoy tasks others find dull because your mind connects ideas in unexpected ways. Embracing these differences can open doors you didn’t know existed.

A big part of living with purpose is being honest about who you are. That includes celebrating your thinking style. If you’re an adult with dyslexia, ADHD, or any other form of neurodiversity, recognising that can shift your perspective from feeling limited to feeling empowered. It’s about finding systems that work for you, whether that’s a specific way of journalling or forming supportive partnerships with colleagues or friends.

Overcoming the Big Hurdles

No purpose journey is smooth. We stumble, lose motivation, or face unexpected crisis points. Stephen reminds us that these struggles are part of the adventure. Each time we dust ourselves off and try again, we learn something new about who we are and what we stand for.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing, remember that every step back can be a lesson. Falling down reminds us we’re human. It’s also a chance to practise resilience. Truth is, we grow more from the bumpy times than the easy ones.

Celebrate small wins. Did you stick to a new habit one day longer than before? That’s progress. Did you manage to show kindness to yourself when you wanted to give up? That’s a massive victory. Purpose doesn’t always look like world domination; it usually shows up in moments that might seem trivial at first glance.

• Self-reflection is the starting point for finding purpose.
• Purpose shifts with new experiences. Stay open to change.
• Trials can unlock greater self-awareness.
• Your circle of people offers honest feedback about what matters.
• Mindfulness and gratitude open the door to daily happiness.

There’s so much more to learn from this conversation with Stephen Martin. He goes deeper into how trauma can act as a wake-up call, where mindfulness really comes from, and how laughter can save a tough day. Don’t miss the full episode, which you’ll find at the top of the page. Press that play button and tune in for extra insights.

If you’d like more resources, head to truthaboutdyslexia.com, and if you’re looking for a place to share your experiences, join our community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia.