Finding Purpose When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned
"And because I’m growing, my purpose is constantly evolving along with me."
– Cynthia Prato, Get It Together: Without Losing Your Mind
How often does life actually go as planned? Erm… almost never. And yet, so many of us feel like we’ve failed if our path doesn’t look perfectly mapped out or Instagram-worthy.
Here’s the thing: purpose isn’t some grand, polished, one-size-fits-all destination. It’s messy. It evolves. And most of all, it’s yours. Not your parents’ version. Not your boss’s version. Yours.
My Purpose? Definitely Not What I Planned
If you told 18-year-old me I’d join the Army as an interrogator instead of becoming a doctor, I would’ve laughed in your face. That was not the plan. But life had other ideas. And those unexpected detours? They shaped me.
Case in point: I was rereading my own book (yes, I read my own advice sometimes, I mean, who better to coach me than me? giggle giggle) and stumbled on the section about purpose. In that chapter, I shared that I might pursue a bachelor’s in Psychology. Sounded great in theory, right?
But after getting accepted into the VA’s Veteran Readiness & Employment (VRE) program, I had a bit of a revelation. I retook all the assessments, yes, for fun, because I genuinely enjoy them, and realized something big.
After some deep rest, reflection, and vacation-induced clarity, I understood that Psychology wasn’t my aligned path. Business Management is.
Not because it sounds better. Not because it’s “safer.” But because it aligns better with who I am and what I really want to build.
Purpose, Rewritten
📌 My previous purpose statement (Jan. 2025):
“I inspire and guide others by helping them set achievable goals, using my empathy, coaching skills, and resilience, and guided by authenticity, growth, and compassion. My ultimate goal is to help people live happier and more fulfilling lives.”
📌 My new purpose statement (Mid-Year Reset – July 2025):
“I empower women to rewrite their stories, set boundaries, and build lives rooted in self-trust, purpose, and freedom. Through coaching, writing, podcasting, and transformative content, I create safe and powerful spaces where growth is sustainable, healing is prioritized, and success is redefined. I design a business and career path that honors rest, resilience, and authenticity—proving that healing and leadership can coexist beautifully.”
Slightly changed, but still so aligned. If you ask me, I didn’t abandon my purpose. I just refined it to match my values.
Did I plan for this? Not even close.
Does it align with who I’ve always been? Absolutely.
Here’s the Truth About Purpose:
✔ It’s yours. Not someone else’s version of what “success” should look like. You’re allowed to decide.
✔ It doesn’t have to be flashy. Define success on your own terms.
✔ It doesn’t need a timeline. Set goals, sure—but stay flexible.
✔ It won’t look like anyone else’s. Stop scrolling and comparing, your path is unique for a reason.
✔ It must feel aligned. If you’re feeling the “ick,” your intuition is waving a red flag. Trust your spidey-sense.
Purpose Evolves as You Do
I thought my glow-up journey would be all about weight loss and confidence. Ha! I was so wrong—especially about the weight part. But what I found instead?
✨ Healing
✨ Boundaries
✨ Choosing myself
✨ Showing up, especially when it’s uncomfortable
Purpose shifts with every experience, every setback, every time life hands you a plot twist and says, “Try again.”
You are allowed to change your mind. To pivot. To rewrite the script. You don’t need permission, a polished plan, or a job title that impresses anyone. You just need alignment.
Feeling Stuck? Start Small.
Ask yourself:
✨ What lights me up right now?
✨ What feels aligned, even if it’s messy?
✨ What childhood dream or passion still whispers to me?
Purpose isn’t hiding. It’s unfolding, right where you are. Your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. If it feels right for you, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Let’s Normalize the Messy Middle
Forget the highlight reels. This is your reminder that evolving, adjusting, and discovering your purpose is a process. One step, one pivot, one messy middle at a time.
You’ve got this, alignment over aesthetics, always.
💬 Your turn. Have you ever shifted your purpose mid-year, or mid-life? Drop your current purpose statement (or a messy draft of one) in the comments. Let’s evolve together.
Want more support?
📖 Grab a copy of my book Get It Together (Without Losing Your Mind)—it’s full of stories and strategies to help you reclaim your time, energy, and purpose.
📬 And don’t miss the weekly Fuel Your Week newsletter, where I share real-life tools and coaching tips you won’t find on social media.
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Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Everything I share is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, always consult a licensed medical or mental health professional—yes, a real one, not "Dr. Google" or the comment section of social media.
If you're in crisis, please call 911 or contact the 988 Lifeline for immediate support. You're not alone, and real help is available.
