In this episode, we talked about:
- How asking “why” repeatedly can reveal your deeper motivations.
- Why finding purpose is about intention, not just actions or trips.
- Learning from low points and how struggles can clarify your calling.
- Recognizing what truly matters in life, beyond growth and achievement.
Listen to the full episode now:
“Purpose isn’t always about growth; sometimes it’s about what truly matters.”
Timestamp:
- 0:00 intro
- 1:01 “almost forgot that this is the whole point”
- 2:33 start by asking yourself why
- 4:38 how we think finding our purpose looks like
- 8:09 what finding your purpose is really about
- 8:28 be open with what message the universe is trying to send you
- 11:07 the irony of the hustle – doing it for the people for love
- 13:22 finding your purpose will remind you of what’s important to you
- 14:22 outro
“Through the lowest of lows, the universe can send you a message if you’re open to it.”
Detailed Summary:
Introduction
Life can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out your purpose. On this episode of Small Girl Big Talk, I shared insights from my own journey of self-discovery and personal growth—reflecting on the times I felt lost, the lessons I learned from depression, and how uncovering purpose helped me make life decisions that truly mattered.
Digging Deeper: The Power of Asking Why
One of the central exercises I shared was the simple yet powerful act of asking “why” repeatedly. Often, we follow societal blueprints of success—graduating, landing a good job, climbing the career ladder, or starting a family—without questioning the reasons behind these actions.
By asking “why” at least five times for each decision, you can trace your choices back to your core motivations. For example: why are you working so hard? To make money. Why do you want that money? To pay off debt. Why do you want to pay off debt? To feel secure before starting a family… and so on. This process reveals the deeper, often overlooked intentions that drive our lives.
Intentions Over “Finding Purpose” Trips
Contrary to popular belief, finding your purpose doesn’t always require solo trips, pilgrimages, or drastic life changes. What matters is the intention you carry, not the action itself.
Whether you’re journaling, observing your thoughts, or simply being present in daily life, approaching life with curiosity and openness can reveal answers in ordinary moments. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the clarity and awareness you cultivate along the way.
Learning from Life’s Low Points
Purpose often emerges during the toughest seasons. I reflected on my early 20s, when I was coming out of depression, feeling hollow and aimless. Through that dark period, I discovered one of my first purposes: to be a voice for those struggling with mental health. Recognizing this calling influenced major life decisions, like choosing to stay in Malaysia to have a greater impact, rather than moving abroad for convenience.
These low points taught me that purpose isn’t always about personal growth or achievement—it can be about service, connection, and making a difference in the lives of others.
The Irony of Life and What Really Matters
Recently, while working toward financial goals to support my parents, I realized an important truth: in the pursuit of giving them a better life, I was missing the very thing that matters most to them—my presence. Purpose, I realized, isn’t always about progress or success; it’s about understanding what is truly meaningful and aligning your actions with that. Sometimes, finding purpose means stepping back and focusing on what matters most in the present moment.
Conclusion
This conversation reaffirmed that purpose is less about a destination and more about awareness, intention, and clarity. By asking “why,” being present, and reflecting on what truly matters, you can uncover your purpose without needing to make grand gestures or drastic life changes. Sometimes, the most meaningful insights are found in ordinary life, in the connections we cherish, and in the attention we give to our thoughts and actions.
