How to Write Your Purpose Statement Without Feeling Cringey
Writing a purpose statement can feel like standing in front of the class and saying, “Here’s why I matter.”
No wonder most people either avoid it… or overdo it.
But your purpose statement isn’t about ego.
It’s not about proving your worth.
It’s just a short, honest way of saying:
“Here’s what I’m here to do, and who I’m doing it for.”
Let’s break it down into something that feels real (and not like you’re trying to win a slogan contest).
First, What Is a Purpose Statement?
It’s a clear sentence or two that answers:
What do you do?
Who do you do it for?
Why does it matter?
That’s it. You’re not writing your life’s mission. You’re just giving your work direction.
Whether you're a freelancer, a coach, a course creator, or building a small brand, your purpose helps people understand what you’re about quickly.
Why It Matters
A good purpose statement makes things easier, for you and your audience.
You get clearer about what you’re building
They get faster at knowing if it’s for them
Your content, offers, and branding stop feeling all over the place
It’s not just helpful, it’s foundational.
Why It Feels So Cringey
Because you think you have to sound:
Deep
Bold
Visionary
Like a TED Talk
You don’t.
In fact, the more real and unpolished it is, the more likely people will believe you.
The cringe usually shows up when we try too hard to sound “legit.”
Here’s how to skip that part.
Step 1: Use Real, Simple Words
Instead of:
“I empower visionary entrepreneurs to activate their aligned potential…”
Try:
“I help small business owners get their message out clearly so they can grow.”
Instead of:
“I exist to disrupt the industry and create paradigm shifts…”
Try:
“I teach people a simpler way to do things that usually feel complicated.”
Step 2: Answer These 3 Questions
Grab a doc or your notes app. Write your honest answers, no pressure to sound fancy.
What do I actually help people with?
Who am I most excited to help?
What changes for them when they work with me / use my thing?
Now take those answers and compress them into one or two sentences.
Example:
“I help creatives organize their business backend so they can stop spinning their wheels and focus on their work.”
Or:
“I teach beginners how to build online income using tools they already have and skills they didn’t realize were valuable.”
Feels better already, right?
Step 3: Say It Out Loud
Cringe lives in the gap between how you write something and how you’d actually say it.
So say your statement out loud. If it feels awkward, tweak it until it sounds like you, not like someone you’re trying to impress.
Step 4: Let It Evolve
You don’t have to carve this in stone. Your purpose will shift. That’s normal.
The goal isn’t to write the “perfect line.” It’s to have a starting point that keeps you focused and helps others connect.
Bottom Line
A purpose statement isn’t a brand manifesto or a tagline for your wall.
It’s a simple, honest answer to: what are you doing and why should anyone care?
Say it the way you’d say it to a friend.
If it’s true, useful, and yours, it won’t be cringey.
It’ll be clear. And that’s what people actually want.
