Mission

Question: What is my mission in life, and how can I take a step forward to achieve that mission?

My Story:

Addison has always carried a deep well of passion, but she never felt like her life followed one clear mission. Earlier this year, after leaving her previous company, she found herself in a mental blank space. She was applying for jobs but felt untethered, uncertain of where her purpose genuinely lay.

One evening, feeling restless, Addison decided to send a cold email to the founder of a nonprofit she admired. The organization investigates ocean misconduct, a topic that had captivated her after she listened to a podcast the founder had produced. In her message, she was honest: between jobs, unsure of her next step, but eager to contribute in any way she could. She offered to help with research or PR support on a volunteer basis.

Before long, Addison was volunteering 20 hours a week. Just a month later, she landed a full-time role that felt like a decisive next step in her career —a higher-level marketing position with exciting growth potential. While thrilled about the opportunity, she felt torn. Her work with the nonprofit had sparked something meaningful, and she wasn’t ready to let it go.

She reached out to the founder to discuss her dilemma. Together, they landed on a flexible solution: she would continue volunteering five hours a week, asynchronously. It was a slight shift that made a significant difference, allowing Addison to continue nurturing the part of herself that was mission-driven, even as she stepped fully into her new professional role.

This experience reframed Addison’s view of mission. It’s not always loud, dramatic, or tied to one life-defining path. Sometimes, a mission reveals itself in quiet decisions, those rooted in curiosity, generosity, and alignment with your values. Her volunteer work may not seem grand, but it’s deeply fulfilling and part of a larger goal: to live a full, rich life while inspiring others to do the same.

For Addison, her mission isn’t about choosing between passion and profession. It’s about integrating them. By following what excites her and staying open to multiple paths, she’s created a life where meaning isn’t something she waits to find. It’s something she actively builds, one intentional choice at a time.

“Mission doesn’t always shout, sometimes it’s a quiet pull toward what excites you, unfolding in small steps rather than grand moments.”

- Addison