There’s a quiet shift that happens sometimes. A woman, once vibrant and purposeful, begins to fade away. It’s not a dramatic change, but rather a subtle slipping away of the spark that once defined her.
As an observer of human behaviour, psychology says there are certain habits that can indicate this loss of purpose. These habits are less about what she does and more about what she doesn’t do anymore.
In this article, we’ll identify the 7 habits that suggest a woman is quietly losing her sense of purpose. And remember, recognizing these habits is the first step towards reigniting the spark.
Because everyone deserves to live a life full of purpose and passion.
So, let’s take a journey of understanding and compassion as we delve into these revealing habits.
1) She’s stopped setting goals
It’s a common habit among those who’ve lost their sense of purpose – the absence of goal setting. Once upon a time, she had aspirations and targets. Now, there’s just the daily grind.
Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What a man can be, he must be”. Maslow believed that we are all driven by the need to fulfill our potential. But when a woman has lost her sense of purpose, this drive diminishes.
She stops planning for the future because she no longer sees herself as an integral part of it. The absence of goal-setting isn’t always noticeable, but it’s a critical sign that she’s losing her sense of direction.
Recognizing this habit can be a significant first step towards reigniting her purpose and reclaiming her life.
2) She’s stopped taking care of herself
I remember when my friend, let’s call her Lisa, was always the first one at the gym and the last one to leave. She took pride in feeding her body nutritious meals and always took time for self-care. But then, things changed.
Lisa started skipping her workouts.
Her fridge, once filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, was now home to takeout boxes. Self-care days became non-existent. It was a clear indication that she was losing touch with her sense of purpose.
Purpose in life isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about the journey and taking care of oneself throughout.
When we lose sight of our purpose, we often neglect our physical well-being. It might be subtle at first, but it’s a telling sign that something deeper is going on.
3) She’s isolating herself from others
Have you ever noticed her slowly withdrawing from social interactions? Choosing to stay home rather than going out with friends. Preferring her own company over others.
This was something I experienced first-hand. During a particularly challenging time in my life, I found myself pulling away from the people I loved. I stopped answering calls, declined invites, and spent most of my time alone.
Famed psychologist Carl Jung once remarked, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”
Isolation can often be a sign of internal struggle, a silent cry for help from a woman who’s lost her sense of purpose.
Remember, we’re social creatures by nature. When someone starts isolating themselves, it’s often an indication of something more profound happening beneath the surface.
Recognizing this habit is crucial because connection and validation from others can play an essential role in helping her find her purpose again.
4) She’s lost interest in things she once loved
It’s heartbreaking to see the things she once loved fall by the wayside. Hobbies, passions, interests – they all seem to fade into the background.
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who engage in activities they are genuinely passionate about experience a greater sense of purpose and well-being.
So when she stops painting, quits her book club, or no longer finds joy in her garden – it’s not just about losing a hobby. It’s about losing a part of herself that once brought her joy and a sense of purpose.
This disinterest isn’t about being too busy or not having enough time. It’s a subtle sign that she’s struggling with her sense of purpose and direction. Recognizing this can prompt conversations and interventions that could help her rediscover what makes her heart sing.
5) She’s often emotionally detached
Emotional detachment can be a subtle yet powerful sign of a woman losing her sense of purpose. It’s like she’s there, but not entirely present. She smiles, but her eyes don’t light up.
I recall a period in my life when everything felt like it was in grayscale. I was there, going through the motions, but I wasn’t emotionally invested in anything or anyone.
Esteemed psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it.” But when a woman loses her sense of purpose, forming that clear picture can be challenging.
Being emotionally detached is more than just feeling blue; it’s a state of indifference, a lack of interest and emotional involvement.
6) She’s excessively busy
Now, this might sound counterintuitive. How can someone who’s lost their sense of purpose be busy all the time? But here’s the thing – excessive busyness can sometimes be a mask for a deeper issue.
Renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud once said, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” And sometimes, those unexpressed feelings of purposelessness come forth as an endless flurry of activities.
She may be filling her schedule with tasks and errands to avoid facing the emptiness she feels inside. By staying busy, she’s creating noise to drown out the silence of her lost purpose.
This excessive busyness isn’t about being productive or efficient; it’s about avoiding the uncomfortable truth. Noticing this habit can open up opportunities to help her slow down, reflect, and reconnect with her sense of purpose.
7) She’s stopped dreaming
Dreams are the seeds of purpose. When she stops dreaming, it’s a sign that she’s lost her sense of direction.
As psychologist Albert Bandura said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”
But when there are no dreams, there’s no struggle, no resilience.
Recognize this habit. It’s not just about her losing her dreams; it’s about her losing her sense of self. Help her dream again, and you help her rediscover her purpose.
Wrapping up
The journey through life is a complex tapestry of experiences, emotions, and purpose.
When a woman loses her sense of purpose, it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that gradually unfolds, subtly presenting itself through various habits.
These habits aren’t a sign of weakness, but a call for understanding and compassion. Recognizing them can open doors to conversations, interventions, and eventually, rekindling the spark that once defined her.
So as we conclude our exploration of these habits, let’s pause for a moment. Let’s reflect on the women around us, their habits, their struggles, and how we can be there for them.
Because every woman deserves to live a life full of purpose and passion. And sometimes, the first step towards rediscovering that purpose is acknowledging its loss.
