From Science to Psychology: Finding Purpose in Helping Others

Today, I’d like to talk about finding your purpose.

In life, we run across people who seem to have it all figured out. They have a clear direction and motivation that guides their actions, their investments, and their energy. Hurdles come along, and they leap over them–because they have a deep sense of purpose. 

But how did they find this purpose? Were they born with it? 

From the outside, it can seem this way. It can seem like purpose is something you either have or don’t have.

If you’re struggling to find purpose, it can feel like a journey of stumbling around in the dark looking for a light switch. 

I’d like to share my experience with you. The winding path that led me to finding purpose in helping others. I share this story with the hope that you will see a simple truth: your purpose is already inside you.

What Should I Do With My Life?

From an early age, I aspired to help others. I wanted to reach out to those around me in a meaningful way. I wanted to build my life around this idea. 

In high school, this goal led me to consider two career options: nursing and teaching. I saw both of these careers as ways to give back. To create a better world. And so, I invested time into weighing these two options and picking a path forward. 

Ultimately, I settled on nursing, believing it would provide the best avenue for my passion for helping others. But the first semester of college brought unexpected struggles that would redefine my path.

Lesson #1: Don’t be afraid to pick a path and start down it. You may not discover your purpose within the first few steps. But the act of moving forward will help you see yourself more clearly.

Realization and a Change of Direction

My college journey didn’t play out the way I thought it would. It was full of realizations–about me, my capabilities, and my interests. 

The most surprising realization came in my science classes. Despite my initial enthusiasm for nursing, I seemed to forget my intense dislike for science classes. In order to be accepted into my college of choice, I had to take a summer chemistry course, evidence that I had avoided science classes while in high school (they weren’t required at the time).

This contributed to landing on academic probation my first semester in college.  From honor roll in high school to academic probation in college was devastating.  Yet, a decision that followed changed the trajectory of my life.

The assistant dean of the college, who was also the head of the psychology department, suggested a change in my major–shifting from nursing to psychology. Based on her first hand knowledge and observation she noticed what she referred to as my natural talent in the field of psychology.  She believed in me. I not only switched my major decided to pursue a Ph.D. 

Lesson #2: Be open to change. If someone in your life–someone who can see you clearly–suggests an alternative path, consider it. 

Discovering My Internal Motivator

I was committed to a doctoral pursuit, but that didn’t make it easy. As part of my studies, I took on a research project on “Adult Children of Alcoholics.” This work spoke to me, and gave me a sense of direction.  

However, after two years of trying, I couldn't develop a satisfactory proposal. Despite my passion for the project, I couldn’t get it to work. I threw away my work, feeling that I’d wasted two years of my life. 

But in that low moment, I realized something. While this project didn’t work out, I was on the right path. I’d discovered what truly motivated me to work. Psychology and education were deeply connected to my desire to understand my childhood experiences and help others navigate similar issues.

This realization helped me refocus my research efforts on topics that were closely tied to my personal experiences, interests, and helping the students I was teaching.

Lesson #3: Meaningful work is never “wasted.” If you’re willing to look at it with a close lens, work can show you what truly matters (and what doesn’t).

Using My Experiences to Connect

This clarity of purpose invigorated me. It propelled me forward. I became deeply committed to my mission of helping others, drawing on my experiences to empathize with clients.

My journey, with all its trials and triumphs, became my most significant asset. It allowed me to connect with my clients on a deep level, understanding their struggles, and empowering them with my professional expertise and personal insights. The ability to use my life experiences as a tool for helping others became not just a professional achievement but also a personal victory.

Lesson #4: Your experiences shape you. If you’re willing to lean into them, they can serve as a powerful point of connection. They can help you help others.

Next Steps

Looking back on my journey, I see a path of self-discovery and transformation. From initially pursuing nursing to discovering my true calling in psychology, my story underlines the importance of self-reflection and following one's true calling.

By understanding and drawing upon my experiences, I've managed to turn them into a resource for helping others. This has allowed me to embody the essence of a psychologist, using my trials to create triumphs for myself and those I assist.

My journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to redefine your path. That personal experiences can be valuable resources. And that finding your calling often requires a journey inward. 

I hope my story inspires you to seek your true calling and to find purpose and fulfillment in your chosen path. Remember, your journey is your greatest strength, and your experiences, your most potent tool.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to mastering resilience, check out my book here. And feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how to get started.