Truth is, most people don’t know what they want in life. Not to mention, what to do in life.

But chances are if you’re reading this right now, I bet you are a personal development junkie and have more self-awareness than the average person.

I’d also wager that living on purpose is incredibly important to you.

With that said, it may take some diving into the depths of your inner essence to explore what may be your true calling. It typically doesn’t happen overnight.

So if you’ve ever wondered what your life purpose is and are frustrated as to why you haven’t figured it out yet, here are 7 reasons why that may be—and more importantly—how to fix that!

1. You are trying to live someone else’s dream.

Maybe it’s your parent’s dream. Or maybe you’re trying to mimic the life of a celebrity you admire. Or you’re trying to follow a lifestyle that you think is just what you’re supposed to do—as per society, your family, etc.

Oftentimes, people want to try other people’s dreams on for size…but like the stepsisters attempting to wear Cinderella’s glass slipper—it won’t fit. Ever.

So don’t waste your time.  Instead, figure out what you want in life and get connected with your own unique desires, passions, and purpose.

Journal. Meditate. Contemplate. Visualize. Soul Search.

Engage in these activities to get CRYSTAL CLEAR on what your top desires are.  Then ask yourself:  Why do YOU desire it? How does your ideal life taste, smell, sound, and feel? Take some time to explore this vision to help ingrain it into your psyche. How might you start working towards even one aspect of your vision?

2. You have NOT taken inspired action.

If you’re not willing to take authentic action—even if it’s just baby steps—towards your desires once you’re clear on what they are, then either you haven’t dug deep enough or something’s not in true alignment with your soul. And if you’re unclear of where to start, go back to #1 for some introspective assistance.

Then, rinse and repeat.

3. You still have one or more lessons to learn first.

Sometimes we are chomping at the bit to experience a major shift right away, but the timing may not be right. You may need to instead surrender and let go of expectations and outcomes. Sometimes your best course of action is to do some inspired waiting (ha!).

If you cannot discern whether to wait or take action, go within or ask your higher self what’s best for you at this time.

Sometimes we have to go through certain life experiences to first learn important lessons that will be incredibly useful (and necessary) down the road.

4. You have settled for less than you deserve.

Although you yearn for more in life, you feel like you are “ok” for now and don’t want to “stir the pot.”

But your soul will still be restless.

It’s up to you if you want to “settle” and live that mundane or mediocre existence.  But just know that the Universe will constantly poke you and throw obstacles your way if you choose to ignore your true calling. And that’s no fun.

Trust that greater things await if you’re willing to put forth some effort, have patience, and be open.

5. You keep making excuses.

You play into a false “story” about how you have no time, have a family to focus on instead, don’t have enough skills and education, or [pretty much insert your sabotaging excuse here].

Well, the time has come to stop deflecting and embrace a new story.

6. You are afraid of your own magnificence.

Although almost everyone fears failure at some point in their lives, many of us also fear success.  Yeah, it’s pretty ridiculous indeed.

Soulpreneur Marie Forleo states it perfectly:  “Follow your fear. It’s a GPS for where your soul wants you to go.”

So step up to the plate and face your fears. The result may be pleasantly surprising. And anyways, it’s actually pretty selfish to not share your gifts with the world. So go ahead and shine your bright, unique light already!

7. You have not asked yourself this question:  What will be your unique contribution to humanity before you die?

This does not have to be grandiose.  Perhaps you are a teacher that continually inspires your students to follow their dreams or maybe you make it a point to have meaningful conversations with strangers you pass on the street.

Never underestimate the power of the ripple effect and how seemingly small actions can undulate out to tremendously impact others and the world.

When you wake up feeling excited, inspired and even a little scared all at once, you know you are on the right path. And when you are willing to take action and do something you wouldn’t normally do for the sole purpose of actualizing your, ahem, soul purpose—you’ve found it!

So where are you on your Soul Purpose journey? What is the next step you will take to move even closer to your soul dream? Please comment below!