The Simmonds Signal

Alternate education for creators (that school can’t teach you)

Microwriter → Microbrand → microbusiness

Last week, I was nearly moved to tears.

Someone on X messaged me, asking for guidance on finding his life's purpose.

It hit me hard because I see my younger self in him.

The version of me who was lost.

Falling into the bad habits of binge eating, watching porn, and loathing in regret.

Maybe his message speaks to you as well.
Maybe you're in a similar place.

Struggling to answer the question:

"What do I do with my life?"

If that is you, then keep reading.

What I say next will surprise you…

Why You Haven't Found Your Life's Purpose (Yet)

Purpose is the story that governs your life.

Don't believe me?

Last summer, I attended a 6 day Ayahuasca retreat.

It was the most profound experience of my life.

During the ceremony, I heard the voice of a wise, female serpent god inside my head.

We spoke about purpose.

It went something like this:

"What is my purpose?" I asked.

"What do you think it is?" she replied.

"To create meaningful media that gives people hope they can improve their life and the world."

"Then why are you asking for permission? Go do that."

Profound.

Purpose is not a grand cosmic destiny determined by god, the universe, your parents, or society.

In real life, there are no 'chosen ones' like Anakin Skywalker.

Only the paths you choose to walk.

But for some reason, like me, you search for purpose outside yourself.

Asking others:

"What do I do with my life?"

Hoping someone or something has the answers.

There's even a mega best selling book "The Alchemist" written about an ambitious young boy who goes looking for treasure - purpose.

Spoiler alert.

After years of searching, experimenting, and failing forward he finds his treasure.

But not by following a map.

He finds it by looking inside himself.

And that, is also where your purpose is found…

The Journey Inward - Be The Alchemist

Purpose is not a story you are told.
It's a story you create.

The story about what is worth doing with the short time you have on this Earth.

You haven't found it yet because you're waiting…

… Waiting, for a sign from the universe.

You're waiting for somebody to save you (to tell you what your purpose is).

But no one CAN save you.

No one can tell you what you are supposed to do with your life.

Only you can decide that for yourself.

You just haven't been taught how to save yourself…

The other day I attended a breath work session.

A few minutes in, I started feeling waves of intense negative emotions.

Anger.
Sadness.
Regret.
And disappointment.

Then a valuable question popped into my head:

"Why am I afraid to feel?"

We'll get to my answer in a second.

First, I'd like to flip the question back to you:

⇢ Why are you afraid to feel?

⇢ Why do you avoid the discomfort of improving your life?

⇢ Why do you avoid the struggle that comes with learning a life-changing skill?

You know these things are healthy.
You know they're good for you.

So why are you afraid to feel?

Emotions are signals.

Negative emotions show you what to move away from.
Positive emotions show you what to move towards.

Most people go through life, running from their feelings.

They distract themselves with Netflix, social media, and music.

Hiding from the signals that will guide them towards their life's purpose.

If you want to find purpose, you need to listen.

But not to others.
To yourself.

Purpose is Pain (You Just Don't Know It Yet)

Mark Manson is my hero.

His advice has improved my life more than anyone else.

A few years ago, I read his article on purpose.

But it wasn't until my breath work session that it clicked for me.

A big part of your life's purpose is found in meaningful struggle.

The pain you find a strong reason to tolerate.

I don't enjoy writing every day.
I don't enjoy sending warm DMs to attract leads.
I don't enjoy the daily grind of building an online business.

But I do find purpose in it.

I find purpose in providing for my future family.
I find purpose in pushing myself beyond my limits.
I find purpose in improving my small little corner of the world.

I no longer avoid this pain.

I embrace it because I have a strong reason to do so.

Is this reason scientifically true?
No.

Is this reason something chosen by god?
No.

Is this reason conditioning from my parents?
No (well, maybe).

But it's the story that has allowed me to achieve the 'success' I have.

Without that story, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Pain + Reason = Purpose.

Embrace The Age of Experimentation

To find what you need to DO - your purpose.
You need to know what NOT TO DO - experimentation.

When I started writing online, I shared men's dating advice.

But after 2 weeks, I hated writing it.

Instead of wasting years wondering if this was my purpose, I crossed it off my list in 14 days.

I didn't lose time.
I gained time (and clarity).

The same is true of ghostwriting.

I did it for 2 years.

Realized it isn't what I'm meant to do.

And now I'm moving into alternate education.

Stop thinking you need to have it all figured out before you take action.

Remember, purpose is the story you create (but knowing the ending would take away all the fun).

The goal isn't to find your purpose today.
It's to take a step towards your purpose today.

1) Create a Purpose List

What do you believe your life's purpose could be?

Write it down.

Make the list at least 5 points long.

Mine from 2 and a half years ago:

❖ Scale a ghostwriting agency
❖ Become a mens dating coach
❖ Write a book on self improvement
❖ Write and direct big budget movies
❖ Start a taco business (Because TACOS)

Pick whatever resonates with you most.

Take a small step towards it today.

Start experimenting.

2) Let Intuition Be Your Guide

As you move towards your purpose, listen to your intuition.

It will tell you when you're on the wrong path.

Most people will just tell you to "listen to your intuition" like that's going to make a difference.

The truth is, it's extremely hard to teach because it's a personal experience.

But I'll do my best:

2a) Distraction is the enemy of intuition

To hear it, you need time and space.

No phone.
No computer.
No music.

Just silence.

2b) Don’t confuse intuition with anxiety

How do you know if it's your intuition or your fear speaking to you?

Anxiety is loud and uncertain.
It demands your attention but comes from a place of fear.

Intuition is quiet and trustworthy.
It comes from a relaxed state of mind, and arises out of deeper truth.

2c) Intuition can be wrong

Most people would probably disagree with me.

But I believe intuition is a combination of:

Inputs & instincts.

If you don't have enough inputs (knowledge), you might make the "wrong" decision.

The silver lining here:

The more knowledge and experience you gain, the better your intuition gets.

And personally, I think intuition-led mistakes are the best kind.

They show you exactly what you need to learn in order to move towards your goals.

3) Find Your Reason (Delay Gratification)

Anything worth doing will be hard.

Hell, building my online business is hard every single day.

But that's good!

I find great purpose in the pain.

It's about the journey, not the destination.

And if you've watched any amazing movie ever, you'll know the journey is full of pain (watch Harry Potter).

Find your reason to tolerate it.

And there you have it.

If you're still stuck, know this:

There is no greater purpose than saving yourself.

Improving your life regardless of how terrible your circumstances are.

Move in the direction of your best self.

Level up!

Life is a video game without the guarantee of a happy ending.

Don't let uncertainty stop you from improving.
Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your purpose.

Only those brave enough to try get to live a meaningful life that others dream of.

-Taylin John Simmonds

PS. My community/ cohort hybrid Microcreators is launching soon.

After the launch, I'm adding a course "The Microcreator Mentality."

With actionable steps on finding your life's purpose.
And levelling up to become valuable.

It's the primer for building an online Microbusiness that makes $1,000 per month.

Join the waitlist today for an early access discount and bonuses.