By Brett Corlett | Soft Landing Podcast – Episode 14
Introduction
When we immigrated to New Zealand, I expected the hardest part to be getting here. But it wasn’t. The true challenge came after we arrived once the adrenaline wore off and survival mode ended.
After the first year of adjusting, learning new systems, and simply trying to keep our heads above water, I realized I was mentally and emotionally stuck. I had left behind everything familiar. Now that we were beginning to settle, I kept asking myself:
“Now what?”
“Why am I here?”
“What’s my purpose in this new chapter of life?”
This blog shares the journey I took to answer those questions, how I used a tool called the Wheel of Life, and how I designed a structure to turn all the mental noise in my head into meaningful action.
🌪 The Noise in My Head
I remember clearly it was about a year after settling into New Zealand when I realized my mind was full of noise. Thoughts about buying a home, providing for my family, figuring out my career, building relationships all spinning nonstop. I was waking up at night with these thoughts. I felt overwhelmed and directionless.
I’m someone who thrives on structure. That’s why planning our move helped so much. But now I needed to create a plan for my life, not just the logistics of moving.
🧠 Self-Awareness: Asking Better Questions
To figure out my purpose, I started by reflecting deeply. I asked myself:
- What do I think about most?
- Where do I spend my time and money?
- What am I most disciplined in?
- What do I talk about with others?
- What do I fill my free time with?
- What would others say I’m known for?
These questions helped me see patterns in my life like how I’m drawn to health because of my past battle with cancer, or why budgeting matters so much due to financial struggles growing up.
Most importantly, I saw a theme:
I feel most fulfilled when I’m helping others whether it’s mentoring my team, supporting my family, or sharing tips to help other immigrants settle.
🌟 Defining My Purpose and Mission
That led me to my purpose:
“To help people who are struggling do better and live fuller lives.”
And my mission:
To become financially free so I can have time and energy to serve others without becoming a burden on my family later in life.
With those two things clear, I could start planning how to live out that mission.
🎡 The Wheel of Life: My Roadmap for a Balanced Life
I returned to a tool I once used in my corporate role the Wheel of Life. It breaks life into 8 key areas:
- Health
- Finances
- Career / Business
- Personal Growth
- Friends & Family
- Significant Other / Romance
- Fun & Leisure
- Physical Environment
I reflected on each slice:
- What does a 10/10 look like in this area?
- What am I currently doing?
- What small steps can I take this year?
From there, I created SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and reviewed them quarterly using a traffic light system:
🟢 Green = On track
🟡 Amber = Needs work
🔴 Red = Off track
This structure quieted the noise in my head. I had a plan, not just ideas. And I started making real progress.
✍️ Want to Do This Yourself?
I’ve put together a free downloadable workbook based on my process. It includes:
- The same self-reflection questions I used
- A blank Wheel of Life template
- A goal planner for each area
- A space to write your own purpose & mission statement
- A quarterly review tracker
📥 Click here to download the workbook
📺 Or listen to the full podcast episode: Episode 14 – Why Am I Here? How I Found My Purpose After Moving to New Zealand
❤️ Final Thoughts
Moving to a new country resets your life but it can also make you feel lost. This method helped me regain control, find clarity, and build a life based on intention, not just survival.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be clear on your why, and consistent with your how.
Let’s stop spinning on the hamster wheel. Let’s start moving with purpose.
📢 Stay Connected
I’d love your help.
The Inner Circle App is coming soon — a free space for migrants to connect, learn, and belong in New Zealand. We’d love your input! Help us shape it so it truly supports your needs.
https://forms.gle/FuTEd7cMwv7jzSK56
Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand.
📍 All links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz
Soft Landing NZ 
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