I recently overheard a conversation about the largest Powerball winnings (over $2 billion, I’ll have you know!) being won in California, the State I’m currently living in. It made me think about that process of taking a gamble, and buying a ticket with the hopes that randomness would be in your favor, and you’d win a life-changing amount.

Hmmm. It may just be a feeling, or maybe the overwhelming odds against me (or anyone for that matter), but I’ve come to realize I’ll never win the lottery—and honestly, I’m okay with that. Life has a way of either helping you spread your gift to the world or teaching you the lessons you need to do so. Winning the lottery, for me, would do neither.

I’ll admit, I’ve bought a few tickets at my lowest points, hoping for an escape or a shortcut. But after realizing it was just a waste of time (and money), I learned that challenges aren’t just roadblocks—they’re stepping stones too. In the perspective of life where we’re all working towards finding a higher purpose, and being of service to others, a journey with struggle has real meaning. So, instead of waiting for a big win or a magic bullet to leapfrog strife, I’ve found a key ways to get closer to my purpose:

Here are some things that have really helped me:

• Reflect on Your Strengths: Take time to identify what you’re really good at and how you can use it to create positive impact.
• Find the Lesson in Every Challenge: Tough times teach you what you need to grow—embrace them as opportunities, not setbacks.
• Commit to the journey, not just the endpoint: Life’s purpose isn’t a jackpot, it’s built through consistent effort and progress.

In the end, I don’t need a windfall that will take my troubles away. I need to find my purpose. I need a clear mind, a lot of grit, and faith that everything, even the hard stuff, is helping me grow.