"The Two Most Important Days in Your Life: The Day You’re Born and the Day You Figure Out Why"

Life is a journey filled with countless experiences, milestones, and challenges. From the moment we are born, we embark on this path, often without fully understanding where it leads or why we are here. However, there’s a famous saying, often attributed to the great American writer Mark Twain, that puts life into perspective: "The two most important days in your life are the day you’re born and the day you figure out why."

The day we are born is celebrated, and as we grow, we start to carve out our place in the world. But there comes a point, sometimes sooner and sometimes later, when we begin to question our purpose. Why am I here? What am I meant to do with my life? These are questions that, while daunting, are crucial to finding true happiness and fulfillment.

It’s important to recognize that discovering your purpose doesn’t always happen overnight. For many, it’s a lifelong process of exploration, trial and error, and self-discovery. There’s often immense pressure in society to have everything figured out by a certain age – to know what career you’ll pursue, where you’ll live, or even who you’ll spend your life with. But in reality, purpose is not something you can rush. It’s something you nurture and unfold as you grow.

The Power of Self-Discovery

So how do you figure out your “why”? The key lies in spending your life exploring what you are good at and what makes you tick. Every individual has unique talents, passions, and qualities that set them apart. Some may find their purpose early, discovering a passion for art, science, or helping others at a young age. Others may need to go through a wide range of experiences—trying new careers, learning new skills, and even failing a few times—before they uncover what brings them true joy.

Self-reflection plays a huge role in this journey. Take the time to ask yourself: What do I love doing? What activities make me lose track of time? When do I feel most fulfilled? These are all important questions that can lead you to discover the things that matter most to you.

The beauty of this journey is that it doesn’t matter how long it takes. Whether you find your purpose at 25, 50, or even later in life, the moment you understand what drives you, everything changes. You begin to make decisions not just based on what is expected of you, but on what brings you happiness. You align your actions with your values, and that alignment leads to a more fulfilling and content life.

Why Purpose Brings Happiness

True happiness comes from doing what you love and excelling at it. When you tap into your strengths and focus on the things that bring you joy, life feels more meaningful. Many people spend years chasing money, status, or approval, only to find that those things don’t bring lasting satisfaction. But when you live a life rooted in purpose—whether it’s raising a family, creating art, teaching, running a business, or helping others—the happiness you experience is far deeper and more enduring.

You may not find your purpose right away, and that’s okay. The process of figuring out what you are good at and what makes you tick is worth the investment of your time. In fact, it is one of the most important things you can do. Explore new things, challenge yourself, and stay open to change. Your “why” may evolve over time, but as long as you keep seeking, you will ultimately find it.

What is Your Why?

If you haven’t yet discovered your purpose, don’t worry. Keep exploring, learning, and reflecting on what makes you feel alive. Remember, it’s not about rushing the process—it’s about embracing the journey of self-discovery and finding what truly makes you happy.

What is one activity or passion that makes you lose track of time, and have you considered how it might be connected to your purpose?