Finding meaning and purpose in life isn’t just a lofty philosophical concept. It’s a fundamental human need that impacts our happiness, our relationships, and even our physical health.

However, not everyone is aware of whether they have found their purpose, or whether they’re still searching.

Over the years, I’ve observed that people who lack purpose often display certain behaviors – sometimes without even realizing it. 

These behaviors can serve as clues, helping us understand if we’re truly aligned with our purpose, or if we’re still on the journey to discovery.

In this article, I’m going to share some of them with you. 

So, buckle up and get ready for some self-reflection. 

1) You’re frequently restless

This is a persistent, nagging feeling of dissatisfaction or unease. It’s like a constant itch that you just can’t seem to scratch. It’s there when you wake up in the morning and it lingers when you go to bed at night.

You might find yourself jumping from one project to another, or from one relationship to another, constantly seeking something new to fill the void.

Here’s the thing: this restlessness often stems from a deeper feeling of emptiness. It’s as if something crucial is missing in your life, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is.

Interestingly, this could be an indication that you’re unconsciously searching for a deeper purpose or meaning in your life.

If this resonates with you, it might be time to pause and reflect. 

Is there something more you’re yearning for? What truly matters to you? 

2) You’re often ruminating on the past or anxious about the future

Life’s a journey, right?

But for some of us, we’re either stuck in the rearview mirror or constantly fretting about what lies ahead.

This is where the psychological concept of mindfulness comes into play.

In its simplest form, mindfulness is all about being present — fully engaged with what’s happening around us and within us, right here, right now. It’s about letting go of past regrets and future anxieties to fully embrace the present moment.

However, individuals lacking purpose or meaning in their lives often struggle to keep their focus on the present. They’re frequently caught up reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future.

This constant oscillation between past and future can be exhausting, leaving little time to enjoy and engage with the present moment.

Moreover, it can indicate an underlying struggle to find a meaningful direction in life.

 After all, if you were deeply connected to your purpose, wouldn’t you be more engaged with the actions aligning with that purpose in your present?

3) You’re consistently busy, yet feel unaccomplished

There’s a difference between being busy and being productive. You could be constantly engaged in activities, yet at the end of the day, feel like you’ve accomplished nothing meaningful.

This could be because these activities don’t align with your true values or desired life direction. It’s like running on a treadmill; you’re putting in the effort but not moving forward.

When your actions lack alignment with your deeper values and aspirations, they can feel empty and unfulfilling, despite how much time you devote to them.

So if you find yourself trapped in the cycle of perpetual busyness without feeling fulfilled, it might be an indication to reassess what truly matters to you and align your actions accordingly. 

4) Do you frequently feel disconnected from others?

Human beings are inherently social creatures. We crave connections, not just on a superficial level, but deep, meaningful relationships that enrich our lives.

If you often find yourself feeling detached or isolated, despite being surrounded by people, it could hint towards a lack of purpose or meaning in your life.

Being connected to a purpose usually paves the way to connect with others who share similar values or aspirations. These connections can provide a sense of belonging and contribute to a life filled with meaning.

Conversely, feeling disconnected might indicate that you’re not fully engaged with your life’s purpose or that you’re yet to find it.

So, if you often feel like an outsider looking in, it might be worth exploring whether you’re truly aligned with your life’s purpose and seeking ways to foster deeper connections.

5) You’re frequently engulfed by feelings of emptiness or numbness

Life without meaning or purpose can often feel like an empty shell. It’s as if you’re going through the motions, without truly feeling anything.

Here are some common feelings associated with this:

• A persistent sense of emptiness, as if there’s a void inside you that can’t be filled.
• A sense of numbness or indifference towards experiences that used to bring you joy or satisfaction.
• A feeling of being lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty, without a clear direction or purpose.

These feelings can be disconcerting and even overwhelming. But acknowledging them is the first step towards understanding what’s causing them.

It could be a sign that it’s time for some introspection and possibly a reevaluation of what truly matters to you.

6) You’re constantly seeking approval or validation from others

Let’s be honest, we all seek approval or validation from others in some form or the other.

It’s not unusual to want to be liked, appreciated, or valued by those around us. I’ve been there, and I’m sure many of you have too.

But when this seeking becomes a constant need, it might signal a deeper issue.

I’ve noticed this pattern in my life and in the lives of many others. When we’re not clear about our own values, our own purpose, we tend to lean heavily on others’ opinions to validate our worth.

So let’s take a moment to reflect. This could pave the way towards a more fulfilling life driven by your own aspirations rather than external approval.

7) You’re consistently drawn to materialistic pursuits

Picture this: you’ve just bought the latest smartphone or the newest designer handbag. It feels great, right? There’s a rush of excitement, a sense of achievement, and for a moment, it seems like all is well with the world.

But does this feeling last?

More often than not, the initial thrill fades away, and you’re left wanting more. Another new product catches your eye, and the cycle continues. It’s as if you’re on a never-ending treadmill of materialistic pursuits.

But here’s something worth pondering: Could this relentless pursuit of material possessions be a way to fill a deeper void?

Could it be that these acquisitions are an attempt to find happiness or meaning in external things because there’s a lack of it within?

8) You’re prone to bouts of existential crisis

An existential crisis can be a frightening experience. It’s a state where you question the very foundations of your life: whether your life has any meaning, purpose, or value.

I remember going through my own existential crisis a few years back. Everything seemed meaningless. Nothing sparked joy or interest. It was as if I was trapped in a fog of confusion and despair, constantly questioning the purpose of my existence.

While it was a distressing time, it also served as a catalyst for change. It pushed me to reevaluate my values, my goals, and my life’s purpose.

So if you’re frequently grappling with existential questions or going through periods of existential crisis, it might not be as ominous as it seems.

Even though it may be uncomfortable, this phase could potentially lead you towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

9) You’re indifferent to personal growth

Here’s the final point, and it’s an important one.

Personal growth is an integral part of a fulfilling life. The desire to learn, to grow, to evolve is deeply ingrained in us as human beings.

But what happens when this desire fades? What if you find yourself indifferent or even resistant to personal growth?

When we’re connected to our purpose, we naturally crave growth. We want to evolve, improve, and make progress towards our goals.

But when there’s a lack of direction or meaning, this urge for personal growth can dwindle.

Where do we go from here?

Now that we’ve identified some signs of lacking purpose or meaning in life, the question is, what can we do about it?

Here are a few suggestions to kickstart your journey:

• Start journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand yourself better. It can also aid in identifying your values and passions.
• Practice mindfulness: Being present and engaged with the current moment can help steer you away from past regrets or future anxieties.
• Seek professional help: If you’re finding it difficult to navigate these feelings alone, reaching out to a mental health professional can be beneficial.

At the end of the day, remember that it’s your journey. The answers to finding meaning and purpose in life lie within you. 

It might take time, patience, and self-compassion, but every step you take brings you closer to a life filled with more purpose and meaning.

So take a moment to reflect on these signs. 

What do they reveal about your life? And more importantly, what steps are you ready to take towards a more meaningful life?

It’s time to embark on this journey towards finding your true purpose. 

After all, isn’t that what life is truly about?