Discovering Your Purpose and Growing 1% Each Day: Insights from Natalie Saar

Are you feeling uncertain about your purpose? Wondering how to find that “one thing” that truly drives you? If so, you're not alone. Many of us go through periods of questioning our direction, especially as circumstances and interests evolve over time. The good news is that purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing; it can be something simple, consistent, and deeply fulfilling.

In this post, we’ll explore the core ideas uncovered in a compelling conversation with Natalie Saar, an eight-time book author who recently released 1% Better. She shares her journey of self-discovery, the importance of accepting who you are, and how small daily improvements can transform your life. Whether you're aiming to clarify your path or want practical tools to get started, these insights will help you embrace your unique journey and begin your process of purposeful growth.

Watch the full podcast episode here:

The Journey to Purpose: From Fiction to Self-Development

Natalie Saar's story begins with storytelling—puppet shows in her childhood and a lifelong love of words. Her initial foray was into fiction, but her curiosity about self-improvement drew her into the world of nonfiction. Her journey reflects how passions often lead us to unexpected places, opening doors to new opportunities and perspectives.

Her transition from fiction to nonfiction exemplifies a powerful truth: your purpose can evolve as you do. She highlights that purpose isn’t necessarily a singular, static thing but a dynamic expression of what you love and how you can serve others. For her, storytelling remains central, but she now channels it into research, writing, and helping others understand themselves better.

What Are We Really Looking For in Our Purpose?

During her self-reflective journey, Natalie encountered a critical insight: purpose isn’t necessarily about doing something big—it’s about doing what you love in a way that feels meaningful to you. She emphasises that many people associate purpose with significant contributions—changing the world or making drastic impacts—but often overlook the smaller, everyday ways we can live purposefully.

For instance, she points out that being a great parent, a diligent friend, or a reliable planner could all be your purpose. The key is recognising that your purpose might be as simple as contributing positively in your immediate circle. For example, ensuring your children feel supported and known could be a profound purpose for you.

The recipe for purpose involves curiosity and self-awareness—getting curious about what makes you come alive, then leaning into those interests without judgment or comparison.

The Power of Acceptance and Self-Discovery

A foundational step in uncovering your purpose, according to Natalie, is self-acceptance. Many feel trapped by self-doubt, comparing themselves to others' achievements or societal standards. She shares her own experience of overcoming anxiety and how reading Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind helped her observe her thoughts and accept herself without negativity.

Acceptance acts as the starting point—it allows you to see yourself clearly, recognise your innate worth, and be open to growth. She suggests that acknowledging what you can't change and embracing your unique journey paves the way for authentic self-discovery.

Once you accept who you are, you can begin the process of refining your purpose—what Natalie describes as “leaning into” your natural inclinations and curiosities.

Small Steps Toward Growth: The 1% Mindset

If you're overwhelmed by the idea of big change, Natalie recommends the concept of improving just 1% each day. This philosophy minimizes the pressure and emphasizes consistency. She shares her personal practice: journaling daily about what she did to be 1% better, whether it’s resting more, taking a small step towards a goal, or simply being more aware of her thoughts.

This incremental approach builds resilience and confidence. Over time, tiny adjustments compound into meaningful transformation. For instance, doing a one-mile run despite feeling tired signals to your brain that you can do hard things; this small victory reinforces your capacity to grow.

The key takeaway: growth isn’t about overnight success but consistent, small improvements. Every effort counts, and even the tiniest actions create momentum.

Navigating Resistance and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Natalie emphasises that resistance—a feeling of pushback or discomfort—often signals that you’re on the right track. When engaging in new pursuits, experiencing resistance doesn’t mean you're doing the wrong thing; it indicates you're stretching beyond your current limits.

She offers a helpful analogy: resistance is like weightlifting. Too much weight can cause injury, but the right amount builds strength. Pay attention to your “gut feeling”: if something feels overwhelmingly wrong or draining, it’s a sign to pause or reconsider. But if the challenge feels manageable yet uncomfortable, it’s likely a growth opportunity.

Imposter syndrome also plays a role in self-doubt, but Natalie advises that your skills, research, and lived experience give you credibility—even if you don't hold traditional titles in a field. Recognising the difference between genuine expertise and self-doubt is crucial in stepping confidently into your purpose.

Practical Frameworks for Self-Discovery

While Natalie acknowledges she hasn't found a perfect one-size-fits-all framework, she shares her approach: an alphabetical list of topics like acceptance, curiosity, laughter, and purpose. She recommends using her book as a reflective tool—reading a chapter relevant to your current state, then pondering how it applies to your life.

She also suggests that self-awareness exercises—such as journaling about resistance, reflection on daily wins, or understanding your unique biological rhythms—can help clarify your purpose. The overarching message: your journey is unique, and there's no single pathway to purpose.

The Role of Connection in Purpose

Connecting with others is a natural extension of discovering your purpose. Natalie explains that fiction and storytelling allow us to experience different perspectives safely, fostering empathy and understanding. This enhances our ability to relate to others and reinforces our sense of belonging—an essential human need.

For women especially, reading fiction can deepen empathy and emotional connection, helping bridge gaps between individual identity and societal roles. For men, engaging with characters and stories might serve different purposes, such as resourcefulness and problem-solving.

Ultimately, purpose is intertwined with connection—both inwardly, with oneself, and outwardly, with others.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Curiosity and Step Into the Unknown

The journey to purpose is ongoing and adaptable. As circumstances change—whether in relationships, careers, or health—your purpose may shift as well. The key is cultivating self-acceptance, curiosity, and resilience.

Natalie urges us all to view each day as a new beginning—approaching life with the “beginner’s mind,” free from ego and comparison. Recognise that progress comes from small, consistent steps—the 1% that compiles into profound growth. To truly thrive, embrace the uncertainty, listen to your resistance levels, and let your curiosity lead.

Enhance Your Wellness Journey with me&my wellness

At me&my wellness, we understand the deep-seated challenges that body dysmorphia presents, not just to your physical health but to your overall well-being. That’s why our holistic health coaching is designed to align with your unique health and wellness goals, offering you personalised support on your journey towards self-acceptance and well-being.

If you’re ready to embrace a holistic approach to overcome body dysmorphia and reclaim your health, book a 15-minute FREE consultation with us today. Together, we’ll explore strategies that resonate with your individual needs, fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.