Life purpose is defined as having set goals and a direction for one's life (Hill et al., 2010). Many of us think of life purpose and meaning in life as the same thing, but they are slightly different.

Your life purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life—the reasons you get up in the morning. Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning. For some people, purpose is connected to vocation—meaningful, satisfying work.

A life purpose is an overall vision for your life based on the things that are most meaningful to you. It’s often a central goal or set of goals that include the following: Guide decision-making Provide direction

A life purpose is the central driving force behind our existence, acting as a compass that guides us through the journey of life. It’s the unique combination of our passions, values, and strengths that gives us a sense of direction and a feeling of fulfillment.

In simpler terms, a life purpose can be defined as the set of motivating aims of your life. But these aims shouldn't be confused with regular tasks that you assign yourself.