Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "Helping someone to find a sense of purpose", the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone can find a sense of purpose, In this modern era, there are many things that need to be considered, especially the goal of life, The purpose of life itself will be created if we ourselves have found Allah's guidance through our hearts, Guidance through the heart is difficult to detect if we do not try to take the time to serve the needs of others, Allah's guidance will only come to us if we reach out to others with our abilities, based on pragmatical knowledge, helping someone find a sense of purpose is a delicate process, as purpose is deeply personal and can't be given—it has to be discovered.
Here are several strategies and approaches you can take, moving from initial connection to more action-oriented steps:
🫂 Start with Connection and Validation
Before trying to "fix" the problem, focus on being a supportive presence.
* Listen Actively and Empathetically: Offer a safe space for them to talk without judgment. Don't offer solutions right away. Just acknowledge their feelings. Use phrases like, "That sounds incredibly difficult," or "It makes sense that you feel this way."
* Validate the Feeling: Acknowledge that feeling purposeless is a common and painful human experience. This reduces the shame or isolation they might feel. Remind them that purpose isn't a single, fixed destination; it evolves throughout life.
* Encourage Small Commitments: When a person feels lost, grand goals are overwhelming. Suggest tiny, manageable commitments, like consistently walking for 15 minutes, trying one new recipe, or calling a relative. Small wins build momentum and self-efficacy.
🔎 Explore Values and Interests
Purpose is often rooted in what a person truly values or enjoys. Help them look inward.
* Discuss Core Values: Ask them what matters most to them—is it creativity, family, helping others, justice, learning, stability? Purpose often lies at the intersection of their skills and their values.
* Example: If they value justice, perhaps exploring local advocacy groups could be a fit.
* Revisit Past Joys: Gently ask about activities or interests they used to love but have dropped. Was it a hobby, a sport, a subject they excelled at? Sometimes, re-engaging with an old passion can reignite a spark.
* Focus on the "Why": Ask open-ended questions like, "If you could make a difference in one person's life today, what would you do?" or "What problems in the world bother you the most?" Their answers can point toward an outward focus that brings meaning.
🪜 Encourage Action and Contribution
Purpose is usually found through action, not simply reflection.
* Suggest Volunteering: Contributing to a cause bigger than oneself is one of the quickest ways to find meaning. It provides structure, social connection, and a tangible sense of impact. Help them research local shelters, environmental cleanups, or food banks.
* Identify Unique Strengths: Help them recognize the things they are naturally good at or that others rely on them for. Even seemingly small traits like being a great listener, having a dry wit, or being highly organized are strengths they can use to help others or find a productive role.
* Focus on Process over Outcome: Encourage them to pick an activity (a skill to learn, a project to start) just for the joy of the process, rather than the pressure of achieving a big result. Mastery and flow state often bring a deep sense of satisfaction.
⚠️ Know When to Seek Professional Help
If their feeling of purposelessness is accompanied by persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in all activities, or difficulty functioning, it may be a sign of depression or another mental health issue.
* Gently Suggest Therapy: Frame it as a step toward discovery, not a sign of failure. A therapist or life coach is equipped with tools and frameworks (like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Logotherapy) specifically designed to help people clarify their values and find meaning.
* Offer to Help Find Resources: Offer to search for local therapists, support groups, or mental health hotlines/crisis lines if you are concerned for their safety.
Your most important role is to be a consistent, non-pressuring source of light and connection. You can't give them a purpose, but you can clear the path for them to find their own.