Pick a Goal and Make It Your Purpose
When Olivia was growing up, her father would often tell her, “You can’t steer a parked car. If you want to go somewhere, you have to start moving.” At the time, she thought it was just one of his quirky sayings. But now, as an adult, his words took on new meaning.
For months, Olivia had been stuck. She felt like she was waiting for the “perfect” idea to come to her—a purpose so clear and compelling that it would pull her out of bed every morning with unstoppable energy. But as the days turned into weeks, she realized she was spinning her wheels, waiting for inspiration that never came.
One rainy afternoon, Olivia found herself sitting at a coffee shop with her journal, staring at a blank page. She was tired of waiting for clarity. She wanted to take action, but she didn’t know where to start. That’s when she remembered her father’s words: “You can’t steer a parked car.”
The Decision to Start
It hit her then: she didn’t need to wait for the “perfect” purpose to reveal itself. She could pick a goal, any goal that felt meaningful, and commit to it. Purpose wasn’t something handed to her—it was something she could create through action.
She opened her journal and wrote at the top of the page: “What goal can I start working toward today?”
Her thoughts flowed freely:
Launching a small business idea she’d been toying with for years.
Volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Training for her first 5K.
None of these ideas felt monumental, but that didn’t matter. Olivia realized that what mattered most was picking something that resonated with her and giving it her all.
Making the Goal Her Purpose
After some reflection, Olivia decided to start with the animal shelter. She had always loved animals, and volunteering felt like a way to contribute while doing something she cared about. The next day, she signed up for an orientation session, not overthinking whether it was the “perfect” choice. She simply committed to taking the first step.
Over the next few weeks, Olivia threw herself into the work. She walked dogs, cleaned kennels, and helped match families with their future pets. Each small task felt purposeful, and the impact of her efforts became clear every time she saw a wagging tail or a grateful smile from a new pet owner.
Her goal of volunteering didn’t just give her purpose—it gave her a sense of momentum. She started to feel more confident, more engaged with life, and more open to new possibilities.
The Power of Momentum
What Olivia discovered was that picking a goal and making it her purpose created a ripple effect in her life. The confidence she gained from her work at the shelter spilled over into other areas. She started saying yes to more opportunities—taking on leadership roles at the shelter, networking with like-minded people, and even launching a side project to raise funds for homeless pets.
Each step reinforced a simple truth: Purpose doesn’t have to start big. It starts with a decision.
Why Picking a Goal Works
Olivia’s journey taught her a valuable lesson: you don’t need to wait for a grand vision to find purpose. By choosing a goal that aligns with your interests and values, you create a sense of direction. And as you work toward that goal, your actions bring clarity, meaning, and fulfillment.
When you commit to a goal, even a small one, you take the first step toward living with purpose. The path may shift along the way, but the important thing is to keep moving.
Your Turn: Pick a Goal, Start Today
If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure of your purpose, take a page from Olivia’s story. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. Ask yourself:
What goal resonates with me right now?
What small step can I take today to work toward it?
How can I commit to this goal and make it my purpose?
It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be permanent. What matters is that you choose something and take action. As you move forward, you’ll discover new opportunities, gain confidence, and find deeper meaning in the process.
Purpose Through Action
Purpose isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create. By picking a goal and making it your purpose, you give yourself the gift of direction and momentum. The journey may surprise you, leading to places and possibilities you never imagined.
So, what’s stopping you? Pick a goal, start today, and watch as your actions transform your life. Because sometimes, all it takes to find your purpose is the courage to start moving.
