What is purpose?

The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

In an age where attention is currency, finding purpose has become both more urgent and more elusive. Notifications, endless scrolling, and algorithm-driven content compete for our mental bandwidth, leaving little room for self-reflection. Amid this noise, many struggle not with a lack of ambition but with a lack of clarity. Also in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, distractions are everywhere. Social media pings, email notifications, and endless streams of content compete for our attention. Amidst this chaos, finding purpose can feel like trying to catch a breeze in a hurricane. But purpose is what gives life direction, meaning, and fulfillment. So how do we find it in a world designed to distract?

The Challenge of Distractions
Distractions fragment our focus, making it hard to connect with what truly matters. We’re constantly pulled into the vortex of “what’s next” – the next post, the next video, the next like. This can leave us feeling empty, disconnected from our goals, and unsure of our path.

Cultivating Purpose
Purpose isn’t something you stumble upon; it’s something you cultivate. Here are ways to find and nurture purpose in a distracted world:

• Know Yourself: Understand your values, passions, and strengths. What drives you? What problems do you want to solve?
• Set Intentions: Define what you want to achieve. Set clear, meaningful goals that align with your values.
• Create Boundaries: Manage distractions by setting boundaries with technology. Designate focus times, turn off notifications, and carve out space for deep work.
• Engage in Flow: Find activities that put you in a state of flow – where you’re fully immersed and engaged. This could be coding, writing, art, or sports.
• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your path. Are you moving toward your purpose? Adjust as needed.

Purpose in Action
Finding purpose isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a practice. When you’re clear on your purpose, distractions lose their power. You start making choices that align with what matters most. In a distracted world, purpose becomes your anchor.

In Nigeria and Beyond
Whether you’re a student in Ibadan, a tech entrepreneur in Abuja, or anyone navigating life in a fast-paced world, the struggle with distractions is real. But purpose is universal. By focusing on what gives your life meaning, you can cut through the noise and move toward fulfillment.

Purpose isn’t discovered in a single lightning-bolt moment. It’s shaped quietly—through introspection, trial and error, and intentional living. But to hear that inner voice, we need silence. And in a distracted world, silence must be carved out with effort. This might look like early-morning walks without your phone, journaling without a prompt, or simply asking uncomfortable questions like: What matters most to me?. Where do I feel most alive?

Ironically, the same technology that distracts us can help, if used mindfully. Purpose-driven podcasts, books, and conversations online can offer sparks of insight. But consumption must be balanced by creation—what we do with what we learn.

Olubukola Olabiyi is a teacher, social media content creator, life coach, Gospel artist, and writer with focus on religion, morals, education, and motivational themes.