What Makes You Come Alive? Why the World Needs It Now More Than Ever

by Kristina Karlsson

I’m so excited to share this with you, from a recent podcast, because it’s built around one of my all-time favourite quotes:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

Isn’t that just so powerful?

This quote hits me right in the heart every single time I read it. And in this episode, I unpack why it’s so important—and how you can begin living by it today.

Let me explain…

What Makes You Come Alive?

We spend so much of our lives asking:

“What should I do?”

“What does the world need from me?”

“What do others expect?”

But the real question, the one that actually leads to fulfilment, is:

What makes ME come alive?

When you tap into that… magic happens. Your energy shifts. You light up. You become magnetic.

And the best part? When you come alive, you inspire others to do the same.

It’s a ripple effect. And it starts with you.

Living on Purpose Doesn’t Mean Changing the World Overnight

One of the biggest myths I hear is that “living with purpose” means making some massive, world-changing move.

But that’s not true.

Purpose isn’t a big dramatic event - it’s a way of living.

It’s about choosing things that energise you, excite you, and make you feel fulfilled. Even in the smallest ways.

If we have to work, why not do something we love?

Yes, not every task will be thrilling. But the majority of what you do—especially in your work or business - should be something that lights you up.

Purpose is a Direction, Not a Destination

Think of purpose like heading west. You’ll never arrive at “purpose” - it’s not a final stop.
Instead, it’s a guiding direction - a compass that helps you navigate daily choices.

It’s about becoming more you. More aligned. More joyful.

And it’s something you can begin today.

Three Simple Steps to Come Alive

Here are three practical tips I shared in the episode that you can start using straight away:

1. Listen Inward.
Ask yourself: When do I feel most alive?

It might be while creating, helping others, problem-solving, or being in nature. Write it down. Pen to paper is so powerful - it brings clarity and helps your dreams feel real.

And don’t rush this. Create a quiet space, maybe early on a weekend morning, before the world wakes up. Let your thoughts rise in the stillness.

2. Align with Your Values.
Once you know what matters most to you, decisions become easier.

You stop saying yes out of guilt. You stop chasing things that don’t align.

Knowing your values was a total game changer for me. It gave me clarity, confidence, and peace.

3. Start Small—but Start.
You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time. Just begin.

Take one tiny action toward what lights you up today. Because purpose doesn’t appear out of nowhere - it grows through your daily choices.

And remember: it’s always about progress, not perfection.

My 3AM Turning Point

I’ll never forget the night I woke up at 3AM - restless and full of questions.

I asked my partner Paul, for the fifth time, “What am I going to do with my life?”

His advice? Write down your dreams.

And so I did.

I gave myself permission to imagine a life that would truly make me come alive.
That list changed everything for me.

I know it can for you, too.

Ready for More?

If you’d love to go deeper into this work, October’s Dream Life Coaching theme is all about Living Your Purpose. It’s designed to help you:

• Uncover your unique purpose

• Create a clear vision

• Take inspiring, practical steps toward a life you truly love

If you’ve been feeling that little nudge - that whisper that says there’s more for me - this is your moment.

👉 You can learn more and join us at: yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course

Final Words

So this week, I invite you to pause.

Ask yourself: What makes me come alive?

And then take one brave step toward it.

Because the world doesn’t need you to be perfect.

It needs you to be alive.

With love,