How to Cut Through the Clutter and Live a Life of Purpose

What does it really mean to live a life of purpose? In this article, we explore how to find more meaning and direction in your everyday life—through your values, daily actions, and even your monthly goals. If you’re feeling stuck or craving more fulfilment, these gentle, practical steps will help you reconnect with what truly matters to you.

DO YOU THINK ABOUT LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE?

Have you ever paused and asked yourself, “Is this really what I want from life?”

We often rush through our days, ticking off To Do lists, meeting deadlines and juggling responsibilities. These are the things that often occupy our time and minds and make us feel and act busy.

Whilst many of these are necessary and a normal part of modern adult life, sometimes we need and want more – or rather, should I say… different.

That could be a sense of direction, meaning and fulfilment.

These aren’t just the mundane details of our day, they’re more fundamental and about our place in the world, our hopes and dreams for what we want to be and do, the mark we want to make, the example we want to set and the legacy we want to leave behind at the end.

That’s where living with purpose comes in.

Let’s explore what it means to live a life of purpose, why it matters and how you can begin living more purposefully and intentionally in your own day-to-day life.

WHAT IS A LIFE OF PURPOSE?

Living a life of purpose means aligning how you live with what matters most to you.

It’s about making choices—big and small—that reflect your values, passions, strengths and the kind of life you truly want to lead. A purposeful life feels meaningful, intentional and personally fulfilling, even if it’s not always easy or perfect.

Living a purposeful life is about questioning and seeking clarity over where you are right now, where you might want to go and having the motivation to follow that trajectory.

It’s not about having all the answers, never taking the wrong path, never making a mistake, constantly evaluating or calculating every decision or chasing big dreams. For me, living a life of purpose is about living each day in a way that feels true to who you are.

WHY DOES LIVING WITH PURPOSE MATTER?

When we feel connected to a deeper sense of why, everything shifts.

• You feel more motivated and energised
• You make clearer decisions with confidence
• You bounce back from challenges more easily
• You feel more content and grounded

And often, life begins to feel less like something you’re just getting through and more like something you’re genuinely enjoying.

My cluttered, overwhelming life over a decade ago was far from a life of purpose. It was busy and demanding and filled with a chaotic and blessed life of work, kids and managing my home. I know that I was very lucky to be able to pay my bills, create a family and have shelter and food so I’m forever grateful. But, that’s not to say building that life was easy – far from.

Long work hours, difficult pregnancies, financial troubles, relationship ups and downs and tiredness all contributed to a rollercoaster of emotions and tough times.

But, as we know, if you can’t change a situation then you can change how you REACT to that situation… and, in essence, that’s what I did.

Yes, it started with the physical act of decluttering my home but what I was actually doing was intentionally and PURPOSEFULLY getting rid of what didn’t matter to make time and space for what did.

And that changed my life and is what I share on my blog.

I didn’t wait for circumstances to change. I decided to change the circumstances myself.

So for me, this is why living with purpose matters.

HOW TO START LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE

Here are five powerful steps to help you begin living with more purpose—even if you’re not quite sure what your purpose is yet.

1. Get Clear on Your Values

Your values are the foundation of a purposeful life. They act as a compass, guiding you through everyday choices and big life decisions alike.

Ask yourself:

• What’s most important to me?
• What do I want to stand for?
• When do I feel most like myself?

You might value things like honesty, freedom, family, creativity, or growth. Once you’ve identified a few core values, check in with your life. Are you honouring them in your day-to-day? Or are you constantly pulled away from what matters to you?

Practical step: Write down your top 3–5 values. Then choose one simple way you can live more in line with just one of them this week.

If you’re not sure what your values are, read this: 7 Ways to Define Your Values and Shape an Intentional Life.

Living in line with your values brings clarity, reduces overwhelm and creates a stronger sense of identity and self.

2. Notice What Gives You Energy

Often, purpose shows up in the things that naturally energise us—the activities, environments or moments when you feel alive, engaged and content. What makes you feel great?

It might be:

• Helping others through listening or support
• Creating things (writing, painting, baking, building)
• Problem-solving or learning
• Being outside in nature
• Organising, simplifying or tidying

Start paying attention to those sparks. When do you lose track of time? What leaves you feeling satisfied rather than drained?

Practical step: For one week, keep a short “energy journal.” At the end of each day, note what gave you energy and what drained you. Patterns will start to emerge.

Purpose often hides in the everyday moments we overlook. When we recognise and nurture them, our days start to feel more fulfilling.

3. Simplify to Make Space

If your life feels too cluttered, busy, or noisy, it’s hard to hear your inner voice—let alone connect with your purpose.

Simplifying gives you the breathing room to reflect, feel, and choose more intentionally.

Try decluttering:

• Your physical space: clear one drawer or surface
• Your calendar: say no to one non-essential thing this week
• Your mind: journal or go for a slow walk without your phone

Practical step: Block out 15–30 minutes this week to do one simplifying task—something that will bring you more calm or clarity.

A slower, simpler life creates space for deeper connection—to yourself, your values, and your purpose. Finding your purpose is easier when you’re not trying to find things amongst your stuff.

4. Start Where You Are

Many people wait until they’ve figured everything out before taking action. But the truth is, clarity often comes after you start, not before.

You don’t need a grand plan. Purpose is just as much about small daily actions as it is about big life goals.

Think about it this way… your life is made up of your days so what you do every day and how you spend each day is how you spend your life. What purpose can you find in your every day?

Start with one question:

What feels like a meaningful next step for me today?

That might be:

• Reaching out to someone you care about
• Reading something that inspires you
• Saying no to something that doesn’t align with your values
• Doing one small thing just because it matters to you

Practical step: Choose one purposeful action today, however small. Let that be enough.

Stop doubting yourself or putting it off. Purposeful living starts with presence and intention—not perfection.

5. Keep Checking In

As you grow and change, your purpose might shift too. And that’s perfectly natural.

Give yourself regular space to reflect:

• What’s working well?
• What feels off?
• Where do I want to focus my time and energy?

You might do this once a month, at the start of a new season, or simply when life feels out of sync.

Practical step: Schedule a “purpose check-in” once a month. Make a drink, grab a notebook, and ask yourself: Am I living in a way that reflects what really matters to me?

A life of purpose is not a fixed path—it’s a series of choices that grow with you.

FINDING PURPOSE IN MY OWN LIFE

A few years ago, I was constantly overwhelmed. I was juggling work, home and family but felt like I was living on autopilot. I began simplifying my life, one small step at a time—decluttering drawers, setting clearer boundaries, and spending my time more wisely (less evening work, less mindless scrolling, more quality time with my husband and kids).

As I cleared space, I started hearing myself again. I realised I deeply valued calm, connection, and helping others create space in their own lives too.

That realisation slowly shaped some changes, including:

• How I work – I changed jobs
• What I do for leisure – no more shopping, lots more reading and walking
• How I spend my time – I became more confident in saying no, and focused on streamlining my home systems and organising myself

Purpose didn’t arrive in a dramatic way. It unfolded gently, through quiet reflection and small, intentional changes that I lived every day.

USE GOALS TO EXPLORE YOUR PURPOSE

If you’re still unsure how to get started but you know you want to create a more meaningful life, then here’s something you could try.

Setting meaningful goals is a powerful way to connect with your purpose—especially when you’re still figuring out what that purpose might be. Goals give you something to focus on, test out, and learn from. They help you take intentional action, even if you’re not 100% sure where it will lead.

Try setting small monthly goals that align with your values or areas of interest. This gives you a chance to explore what feels right and reflect on what feels purposeful or not.

My Goal-Setting Workbook includes simple, undated goal-setting sheets for each month of the year, so you can start anytime. Use it to check in, reset and move forward with clarity and intention—one purposeful month at a time.

Click here to learn more about the Goal-Setting Workbook.

CONCLUSION

Living a life of purpose doesn’t mean you’ll never feel uncertain or stuck. It means choosing to live in a way that feels honest and meaningful to you, even if it looks different from everyone else. I think many of us would actually like to live more purposefully, if only we weren’t swept along by the demands and dramas of the present world.

Living more simply and more intentionally may not be commonplace but I think it has many benefits for our physical and mental health which is a great reason in itself.

You don’t need to change your whole life to live more purposefully. You just need to start—with small, consistent actions that align with what matters most. So, what could you start today?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIVING WITH PURPOSE

Here are some common questions I get asked. I thought it might be helpful to share them here.

1. Do I Have To Quit My Job Or Change My Whole Life To Live With Purpose?

No. I don’t think that’s realistic or sustainable for most of us. Purpose can be found in small actions, mindset shifts and how you show up in your current life. It’s not about changing everything—it’s about changing your approach.

Further Reading: How to Enjoy a Job You Don’t Love (Without Changing Careers)

2. What If I Don’t Know What My Purpose Is Yet?

That’s very common. Start by noticing what brings you joy or meaning, then build from there. Your purpose often becomes clearer over time.

3. Can My Purpose Change Over Time?

Yes—and that’s normal. As you grow, your life circumstances and priorities may change, and your purpose can evolve too. Keep checking in with yourself regularly.

Further Reading: How to Define Your Priorities in Life and Why It Matters

4. Is It Selfish To Focus On My Purpose?

Not at all. When you live in alignment with your purpose, you often become more grounded, kind and present—for yourself and for others. It’s not selfish at all. In fact, I think I’ve become a better parent, partner, friend and worker through what I’ve tried and learned.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some more articles which you might enjoy:

• 7 Steps to Living a Life Without Regret
• 10 Ways to Reduce Distractions in a Busy, Noisy World
• 7 Ways to Cultivate a More Meaningful Life
• 7 Gentle but Effective Ways to Build Your Confidence

GRAB YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

To live a life of purpose it helps to get clear on what’s really important to you. Pop your details in the box below and I’ll send you a free worksheet to help you clarify your own priorities – so then you can take action on them!