What Am I Made Of vs. What Am I Made For: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Most of us have paused to ask ourselves, “What am I made of?” or “What am I made for?” At first glance, these questions might seem similar, yet they dive into two very different aspects of who we are. Understanding and answering these questions can be transformative for both our personal and professional lives.

In this article I would like to explore the differences, similarities, and why they matter and of course hear from you if you have any ideas, thoughts or contributions to the conversation around these two questions. My email is ryan@ryanavery.com. 

What Am I Made Of?

For me, this question focuses on our internal self. It’s about our core values, strengths, and the traits that define us. When we ask, “What am I made of?” we’re diving deep into our resilience, emotional intelligence, and moral compass. It’s an inward exploration of what drives us and what we bring to the table.

Examples of what this might include:

• Our character traits (e.g., empathy, determination, curiosity).

• Skills and talents we’ve honed over time.

• Lessons learned through experiences, both good and bad.

What Am I Made For?

This question shifts the focus outward. It’s about our purpose, our mission, and the impact we’re meant to have on the world. When we ask, “What am I made for?” we’re considering how our unique composition can serve others, contribute to society, or fulfill the higher calling.

Examples of what this might include:

• Our career or professional aspirations.

• Ways we can help others through our talents and drives.

• The legacy we want to leave behind.

The Key Differences

What Am I Made Of

• Focuses on internal qualities and traits.
• Reflects our identity and resilience.
• Rooted in self-awareness.

What Am I Made For

• Focuses on external impact and purpose.
• Reflects our mission and contribution.
• Rooted in vision and action.

The Overlap

While these questions are distinct, they’re deeply interconnected. Understanding what we’re made of provides the foundation for discovering what we’re made for. Our inner strengths and values often point the way to our external purpose. Similarly, pursuing our purpose can reinforce and refine our understanding of ourselves.

Why Answering These Questions Matters

1. Personal Growth

   • Knowing what we’re made of helps us navigate challenges with confidence and authenticity.

   • Understanding what we’re made for gives our lives direction and meaning.

2. Professional Development

   • Identifying our core strengths (“what we’re made of”) allows us to excel in our careers by leveraging those assets.

   • Recognizing our purpose (“what we’re made for”) helps us align our work with our motivations, making us more fulfilled and effective.

3. Resilience and Adaptability

   • When life throws curveballs, knowing what we’re made of provides the strong anchor.

   • When opportunities arise, knowing what we’re made for helps us seize them with clarity.

Practical Steps to Explore These Questions

1. Self-Reflection

   • Take time to journal about our strengths, values, and past experiences to uncover what we’re made of.

   • Reflect on moments when we felt most fulfilled to identify clues about what we’re made for.

2. Seek Feedback

   • Ask trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues to share what they see as our strengths and potential.

3. Experiment and Explore

   • Try new activities or roles that align with our values and interests. These experiences can help clarify both our internal composition and our external purpose.

Blended Approach

For me, blending these two perspectives is essential for fulfilling our life’s dream. Focusing soley on what we’re made of might lead to introspection without action, while focusing solely on what we’re made for could result in burnout or losing touch with our true selves. By integrating both, we create a harmonious journey of self-discovery and purposeful living. And no, it is not easy, I have been working on this my whole life, and expect to for the remaining time I have on Earth. 

So, answering “What am I made of?” and “What am I made for?” is not some one-time exercise rather an ongoing process. As we grow and evolve, so too will our answers. Let’s embrace the journey and let these questions guide us toward lives that are both deeply authentic and profoundly impactful.

What are your thoughts?