Purpose anxiety has been a topic of introspective discussion this year, with Psychology Today featuring a February article by Jordan Grumet, author of “The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy.” In his article, Grumet discusses five signs he believes you should look for if you feel stressed about your life’s purpose: frequent change of jobs, imposter syndrome, the comparison trap, purpose nihilism and the “one true purpose” myth.

Constantly changing jobs due to not feeling appreciated or fulfilled is likely a common sentiment among younger individuals, particularly Gen Zers starting their careers after college and younger millennials with nearly a decade of work experience.

People who are in midlife may fall victim to imposter syndrome, where one “self-doubts” their success, or the comparison trap, where a person compares their accomplishments to those of their peers and feels they don’t measure up.

I think what Grumet defines as purpose nihilism is a distressful condition to be in because he says that people in this state of mind do not believe their lives have “inherent purpose.” They diligently seek out purpose, but when they fail to find it, sometimes they presume it is “an illusion.”

In the conclusion of his article, Grumet provides steps to overcome purpose anxiety, and the one I think is most practical is advising people to stop comparing themselves to others. As Grumet states, “your path is unique to you.”

A similar article written by journalist Alina Tugend for the Associated Press earlier this month also offers tips for pushing past purpose anxiety while delving more into an extensive definition of purpose. “Purpose can be elastic,” Tugend states, as well as “weighty” and “a source of angst.” Tugend explains that the term “purpose anxiety” was coined in 2014 by University of Pennsylvania graduate student Larissa Rainey. Many experts since then tend to agree that within our culture we have been instructed to find purpose and meaning in our lives, and for those who consistently struggle with, say, discovering their niche, it can become a stressful fixation. Tugend also points out that decline in religiosity, which she refers to as an “old guidepost” for finding direction in life, has led to fewer people pursuing spiritual guidance.

I found the term “old guidepost” regarding religion quite interesting since I was raised in the church and taught to seek God for His counsel overseeing my life. Older Americans tend to be more “traditionally religious,” according to a 2023-24 Religious Landscape study, so many people in my age range, Gen Xers, still hold on to that “guidepost” passed down to them from their parents.

Along my journey of faith, I am learning that immeasurable peace comes from seeking God’s purpose for my life, and by asking for His wisdom, I am placed on that unique path Grumet references. Now, this path is by no means an easy walk all the time.

One thing I noticed in the advice that Grumet and Tugend offer concerning purpose anxiety is that much of it is self-focused, basically asking what type of success we want and what motivates and drives us. These questions are not fundamentally flawed; however, what if we modified them to include what God wants for us? Why not ask the One who fashioned us and gifted us with the incredible talents that we have? When we prioritize our own ambitions and goals to satisfy ourselves exclusively, we can easily fall into the imposter syndrome and comparison trap Grumet mentions. This results from doing things solely for self-gratification. When we are on the path God has designed, we are seeking to honor Him in everything we do, thus not worrying about how others view our endeavors.

If you find yourself wrestling with purpose anxiety, I encourage you to read Jeremiah 29:11, which states that God has plans for you, to give you a future and hope. Seek how God’s plans relate to your career and other aspirations you have, and be enthusiastic to find out what He has in store.