How to Find and Follow Your Soul Purpose

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Discover the life you were meant to lead

Co-authored by Annie Johnston Reviewed by Jason Zuk

Last Updated: July 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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What is a “soul purpose?”

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Finding Your Soul Purpose

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Following Your Soul Purpose

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Benefits of Finding Your Soul Purpose

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Soul Purpose and Astrology

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Many of us often wonder what we were put here on earth to do. Many people believe that we each have a unique purpose for being alive—in other words, a “soul purpose.” Your soul purpose is your reason for living; it’s the driving force that gets you out of bed in the morning, what makes you happy, and you feel most fulfilled while doing it. Read on to learn more about the meaning of a soul purpose, how to find your soul’s purpose, and the benefits you may discover when you find it.

Soul Purpose: Overview

A person's soul purpose is their reason for being here on earth. It is what motivates us, inspires us, and is what we feel happiest doing. This purpose can be found in our careers and hobbies, while helping others, or even just in being kind to everyone you meet.

Section 1 of 5:

What is a “soul purpose?”

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Your soul purpose is your true calling or mission on earth. Basically, your soul’s purpose is to share the unique gifts you were born with, with the rest of the world. Some believe that we know our soul’s purpose as children, but we may lose that knowledge after being influenced by the world around us. Luckily, many are able to rediscover their soul purpose as an adult.^{[1]
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- Your soul’s purpose doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. It can be as simple as smiling at everyone you meet or rescuing animals from the shelter—anything that brings your life meaning.
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Some people find their soul purpose in their work or hobbies. For example, a doctor may have found their soul purpose in helping others, while a painter might heal themselves and those around them with their artistic gifts.

Section 2 of 5:

How to Find Your Soul Purpose

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Some people may lose their natural ability to connect with their souls as they get older. In order to find your soul again, go inward by spending time in nature or doing something you love. While you’re doing this, notice the way you feel, think about what makes you truly happy, and listen to whatever messages your heart might be telling you.
Meditating and journaling are two very powerful tools when it comes to dealing with things like anxiety or unhealthy thought patterns. In fact, both can even help you discover your soul’s purpose by digging deep into your mind and bringing forth thoughts you didn’t even know you had. Always be sure to select a quiet, distraction-free area when going inward for meditation or journaling.
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Ask the people in your life what they think your strengths are. Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint what we’re good at, especially if we’ve ever experienced low self-esteem. A great way to figure out what your biggest strengths are is by asking family, friends, or anyone you trust exactly what it is that they love about you. Ask them to be specific; maybe they enjoy how funny you are, are impressed by how good you are with children, or even wish they could sing or play the piano like you. Once you get an idea of how you affect the lives of others, this can be a strong clue as to what your soul's purpose is.
- If different people tell you different things, that’s ok! We can actually have more than one soul purpose. Ultimately, your soul purpose is all about finding meaning and joy in whatever you do.
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Make a list of your values, beliefs, and desires. These things all make up the core of who you are. By getting a better understanding of yourself as a person and what your fundamental beliefs and values are, you’ll be able to get a better grasp on where you’re going and what your purpose is.^{[2]
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- Once you’ve created your list, connect the dots and find a common theme among your beliefs and values. This will help you set boundaries in your life and figure out what you’re willing and not willing to accept.
If you’ve always wanted to try something but were always too afraid to do it, now might be the perfect time to set those fears aside and give it a go! If you’re willing to put yourself out there and do something risky or out of your comfort zone, you might find a joy in it that you’ve never felt before.^{[3]
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Follow Your Soul Purpose

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While some may feel that we are confined to only one reason we’re put on earth, others believe that the reason may change during various times of our lives. The important thing about finding meaning in everything we do is that it inspires us to keep going. So, even if you feel you haven’t found your soul’s purpose yet, remember that all the roads you’ve taken so far will eventually lead you to it.^{[4]
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Following your intuition will take you places you never expected. It may lead you to new people, events, activities, or things that are in alignment with your soul’s purpose. If your intuition is guiding you to do something, give it a try—you never know what you may discover about yourself.^{[5]
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Nobody can tell you what your soul’s purpose is except for you. Even if you’re having your own doubts about yourself and what your gifts are, quiet those thoughts and practice self-love. You’ll know it in your heart when your discover your soul purpose, so don’t allow negativity to keep you from it.^{[6]
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Check in with your spiritual team. Many who believe in a soul purpose also believe in the spiritual team that can help guide your soul along the way. This can be angels, spirit guides, spirit animals, or whatever your personal belief system aligns with. Ask your team for help, answers, signs, and guidance. Once you are open to receiving their help, pay attention to what starts to unfold around you.^{[7]
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Section 4 of 5:

The Benefits of Finding Your Soul Purpose

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When you’re doing what you love and what makes you happy, your mental health can take a huge shift for the better. You may notice changes in your mood, overall outlook on life, and even energy levels.^{[8]
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You’ll be helping not only yourself, but those around you. Whatever your soul purpose is, whether that’s flying to the moon or making a stranger’s day with a smile, remember that it will have an effect on everyone you come across. For example, if your soul purpose is being a hairstylist, you’re not only empowering yourself through your talent and creativity, but you’re also uplifting the clients you come across by making them feel good about themselves.^{[9]
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Section 5 of 5:

Finding Your Soul Purpose Through Astrology

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Interpreting your birth chart, whether you read your own or entrust an astrologer to do this, can offer key information on what makes you who you are. It can tell you about your personality, strengths, weaknesses, and even about your subconscious mind. Unlocking every part of you is a great way to get a sense of why you’re here.^{[10]
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The positions of 5 planets can reveal insights to help you discover your soul purpose. According to astrologers, there are 5 specific planets that offer the most insight into your soul’s purpose. Depending on where they are positioned in your birth chart, they can be very telling. The 5 planets are:^{[11]
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- The sun: The sun is your core energy and represents how you shine your light in the world.
- The moon: The moon illuminates your instinctual and unconscious desires and goals.
- The lunar nodes: The lunar nodes represent where your soul has been and where it will go.
- Saturn: Saturn represents any blockages you have and what you may be able to master.
- Midheaven: Midheaven points you toward your ultimate calling and shows you how the work you do can impact the world.