What Is the Meaning of Life?
The following contribution is from the Poclet Mindfulness website, which defines itself as: Pocket Mindfulness consists of stopping for a moment and analyzing what is really happening around us. Because if we allow ourselves to be silent for a moment, stop analyzing the past and trying to predict the future, we gain mental clarity.
The author is Alfred James.
At first glance, this seems like the most unanswerable question, a question that torments us from beginning to end.
And paradoxically, the more we integrate mindfulness into our daily lives and realize that the only reality we have is the present moment, the more pointless life seems, because we live as if that were all there is to it.
But, judging by what we perceive, I think looking up at what «could be» is a waste of energy, because for me, life undoubtedly happens «down here.»
No matter how strong our faith in a particular religion or theory, believing in something doesn’t make it more true.
Knowing something, based on evidence that can be critically evaluated, is likely a more accurate assessment of what it is.
In short, saying «I believe» is never an adequate substitute for being able to say «I know.»
Faith is primarily about belief, as it relies on second, third, fourth (and so on) explanations for things that may or may not be true.
But let’s be clear: the goal of this post is not to question anyone’s faith or propose an alternative school of thought about what might exist in another realm, but simply to present what is real.
And by this, I mean what we are able to perceive and logically deduce from that perception.
Do we even know what we are doing?
For over 20 years, science has suggested that we might have very little control over what we do, which calls into question the concept of free will.
Studies have shown that the brain knows what you will do before the compulsion to act reaches your consciousness.
In short, our thoughts and actions are triggered by neurological processes beyond our control.
In fact, a study published in Psychological Science suggests that the very moment we make a decision, our mind rewrites history, making us believe that this decision—which was actually completed after we unconsciously perceived its consequences—was a decision we had made all along.
Realizing that we are technically on autopilot and without free will adds a new dimension to the question: «What’s the point?»
If there is nothing after this existence, and I don’t have full control of my actions in it, then what’s the point of all this doing, competing, fighting, striving, working, accumulating, etc.?
What is the point of life?
If the only reason you live is because you firmly believe you’ll go to a better place afterward, why not leave now?
Well, perhaps leaving is conditioned on living first. Still, can you truly live a life if it’s hampered by constant thoughts about what might come next?
There’s nothing wrong with having faith that there can be something better after this life, as long as it doesn’t restrict or distort your reality to the point of preventing you from living and flourishing fully in it.
And by this, I simply mean appreciating any blessing, however small and fleeting, that exists in your existence right now.
The only reality, the only thing I truly know, is this moment, here and now. There is nothing else.
And it’s at this point that science and mindfulness/being fully present merge beautifully: because, although there was a neurological process before I thought of writing this post, it still required my conscious action to act and write it.
The reality, the control I have—the living and the being—lies in doing in the moment.
I can take full control of my life in this instant. I can act with full awareness on a particular thought of my choice. I can take advantage of this moment to act.
We have a million thoughts a day, over which we have no control.
We can’t filter thoughts or discard the ones we don’t like, but we can choose which ones we act on.
Or can we?
Well, actually, I don’t think it matters.
Go back to the beginning of this post, where we talked about «believing» something versus «knowing something.»
I don’t «believe» that I will one day write this post. I «know» that I am writing it. This is reality. It exists right now, as I act.
However questionable the reality of my action may be—whether it’s by free will; whether it’s happening, or whether it’s happening in my head; or whether it’s just me, a conglomeration of atoms vibrating in a meaningless void—the perception of the action is what I know to be true.
In this simple concept, I believe (ironically), lies the meaning of life.
The meaning of life is life itself.
So it makes sense to me that the meaning of life is to live what you know is real.
Of course, what seems like reality may not actually be as we perceive it, but science allows us to continually learn about this, and our understanding will evolve with the answers.
The truth is, we don’t know what awaits us, what happens when we die, or even the true extent of the control we have over our lives.
But what we do know is that we have the awareness of being here and now.
Stop for a moment and look around you…
That’s an awareness that looks through your eyes: you are a physical being, a personality, a beautiful individual that cannot and never will be replicated. You are unique. Truly.
That awareness, that feeling of being here right now, that individual role you and I play in the world—that is the meaning of life.
That is the only answer we have.
There is nothing to look forward to in the future, because it doesn’t exist, but everything is perceived in the now.
So, to me, this is the point. You are the center of your existence, along with all the other living organisms that surround it at this moment.
The center of your life is happening now. Beyond that, it is irrelevant because it doesn’t exist.
The tiniest, seemingly insignificant insect you see on the ground is a fundamental part of the center, because you know it exists here and now.
When we begin to live from this perspective, the center of your life makes sense; it suddenly acquires context, substance, and meaning.
From this acceptance comes a profound shift in consciousness.
We are relieved of mental suffering when we see life this way. There is no need to compete, strive, or blindly grasp for anything better.
Why? Because most of these actions are based on empty beliefs about a better time, a better place, a happier, more fulfilled you; things that transcend, transform, and recede the closer you think you are to them. But let me clarify something before I sign off: My point of view doesn’t imply that reflecting on the future, life after death, or talking about faith and higher consciousness isn’t valuable—on the contrary.
But self-prophesying «beliefs» unfounded in reality, or at least in our most realistic perception of it, can prevent us from living life to the fullest.
7 Strange Questions That Help You Find Your Life’s Purpose
The following post is from the Mark Manson website, which describes itself as follows: Mark is the author of «The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,» a three-time number one New York Times bestseller, among other titles. His books have sold nearly 20 million copies, have been translated into more than 65 languages, and have reached number one in more than a dozen countries. In 2023, Universal Pictures will release a film about his life and ideas worldwide.
Written by Mark Manson
One day, when my brother was 18, he proudly walked into the living room and announced to my mom and me that he would one day be a senator. My mom probably treated him like she was saying, «That’s great, honey,» while I’m pretty sure I was distracted by a bowl of Cheerios or something. But for fifteen years, this purpose influenced all of my brother’s life decisions: what he studied, where he chose to live, who he associated with, and even what he did on vacations and weekends.
After almost half a lifetime of work, he is the president of a major political party and a judge. He also ran for state congress at 30 and narrowly lost.
Don’t get me wrong. My brother is a weirdo. This basically never happens.
Most of us have no idea what we want to do with our lives.
Even after finishing school. Even after getting a job. Even after making money. Between the ages of 18 and 25, I changed career aspirations more often than underwear. And even after owning a business, it took me another four years to clearly define what I wanted for my life.
Chances are you’re like me and have no idea what you want to do.
It’s a struggle almost every adult faces. «What do I want to do with my life?» «What am I passionate about?» «What am I not bad at?» I often receive emails from people in their 40s and 50s who still have no idea what they want to do.
The Problem with Searching for a «Life Purpose»
Part of the problem is the very concept of «life purpose.»
The idea that everyone was born with a higher purpose and that now our cosmic mission is to find it.
This is the same absurd logic used to justify things like spiritual crystals or that your lucky number is 34 (but only on Tuesdays or during full moons).
The truth is this: we exist on this earth for an indeterminate period.
During that time, we do things. Some are important. Others aren’t. And those important things give meaning and happiness to our lives. Unimportant things basically just kill time.
So when people ask, «What should I do with my life?» or «What is my purpose in life?» what they’re really asking is:
«What can I do with my time that matters?»
This is a much better question. It’s much more manageable and doesn’t have all the absurd baggage of the «life purpose» question.
There’s no reason for you to be contemplating the cosmic meaning of your life while sitting on the couch all day eating Doritos.
Rather, you should get going and figure out what matters to you.
One of the most frequent questions I get via email is people asking me what they should be doing with their lives—what their «life purpose» is.
It’s an impossible question to answer. After all, as far as I know, that person loves knitting kitten sweaters or shooting gay bondage porn in their basement.
I have no idea.
Who am I to tell them what’s right or what’s important to them?
But after doing some research, I’ve come up with a series of questions to help you figure out for yourself what’s important to you and what can bring the most meaning to your life.
These questions are by no means exhaustive or definitive. In fact, they’re a little ridiculous. But I made them that way because discovering our life’s purpose should be fun and interesting, not a chore.
So, whether you’re looking for your dream job, thinking about starting a second career, or just don’t want to spend your whole life wondering «what if…?», hopefully you’ll find some meaningful answers to these ridiculous, yet somewhat thought-provoking, questions.
What Is the Meaning of Life?: Why You Might Feel This Way
The following contribution is from the Verywell Mind portal, which defines itself as follows: Our mission is to help you prioritize your mental health and find balance. At Verywell Mind, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and well-being, because we live it with you every day. That’s why we’re the only platform dedicated to mental health and well-being, supporting you in every aspect of your life: whether you’re living with a mental illness, managing daily stress, seeking to improve your relationships, or learning about fascinating psychological theories, we hope you feel empowered to take the next steps and become your best self.
The author is Kendra Cherry, MS, a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of «Everything Psychology Book.»
Table of Contents
Signs
Why You Might Feel This Way
How It Relates to Depression
What Gives Life Meaning?
Strategies That Can Help
How to Get Help
It’s normal for all of us to wonder about our purpose. However, at times, we might question existence to the point of asking, «What is the meaning of life?»
When these feelings are accompanied by hopelessness, helplessness, sadness, and disinterest, they could indicate a mental health condition such as depression.
If you’re wondering if life has a purpose, remember that meaning is different for everyone. For some people, life’s purpose may be to make the world a better place.
Others may believe that the meaning of life is to find and achieve personal fulfillment. And some may feel that the meaning of life is simply to enjoy it to the fullest.
Finding meaning in life can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially difficult when struggling with low mood and depression.
If you struggle with finding meaning in your life and its purpose, it may be helpful to learn more about why you feel this way and what you can do to find meaning.
Signs You Feel Like Life Has No Meaning
There are several signs that you may be struggling to find meaning in life. Sometimes you might think «what’s the point?», but in other cases, these feelings may be less obvious:
– You may feel like nothing you do matters.
– You may have stopped caring about the outcome of events.
– Things that once brought you joy may ring hollow or seem empty.
– You may feel hopeless.
– You may feel like none of your efforts will help you achieve your goals and aspirations.
Why do you feel this way?
We all go through times in life when we feel unsure of our purpose.
We may feel lost.
We may be unsure of who we are.
Or we may wonder if there is a deeper meaning to life that we simply can’t see.
There are many different reasons why someone may feel like they don’t understand the point of life.
– Perhaps you are going through a stressful or difficult situation that is making you question its meaning.
– Perhaps you feel dissatisfied with your job, studies, relationships, or hobbies and wonder if you are missing out on something else.
– Perhaps you feel like your accomplishments don’t matter or don’t have much impact.
– Perhaps you feel unsure about what you should do with your life or what steps to take next.
– Perhaps you struggle with setting goals because you’re unsure of what you really want.
– Perhaps you have a mood disorder, such as major depressive disorder, dysthymia, or bipolar disorder.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Taking steps to find what feels meaningful to you is an important first step.
Why is life so difficult? How to cope with this feeling
Depression and feelings of worthlessness
People with depression frequently experience a sense of worthlessness. For many, everything seems meaningless. After all, they might think: what’s the point of life if you’re not happy?
According to some research, losing the ability to see life’s purpose may contribute to the onset of depression.
Recognizing this feeling and taking steps to combat it can help improve mood and help you find greater purpose.
In a 2019 study published in the journal Qualitative Psychology,
researchers found that many people living with depression felt their symptoms were related to life changes that affected the things they felt gave them meaning.
Loss of Energy and Physical Activity
As people lost their sense of purpose in life, they also began to experience other symptoms, such as decreased energy levels and physical activity.
Despite the adverse effects on their physical and psychological experiences, they remained focused on threats to their goals, values, and purpose.
It appears that experiencing events that affect one’s perception of meaning in life is linked to the onset of depression.
Whether this influences its development is a question that researchers still need to explore further.
Many other factors are known to influence depression, such as genetics, experiences, brain chemistry, and lifestyle.
In many cases, negative life experiences can trigger depression in people predisposed to it.
If this feeling of worthlessness is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign that what you are experiencing is actually depression.
Other signs to watch for include:
– A persistent low mood, marked by sadness or emptiness.
– Irritability.
– Feeling guilty, hopeless, or helpless.
– Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
– Fatigue or lack of energy.
– Decreased physical activity.
– Difficulty concentrating.
– Trouble sleeping.
– Changes in appetite or weight.
– Physical pain with no clear cause.
– Thoughts of death or suicide.
What gives life meaning?
There are many things that can give life meaning, and these vary from person to person.
For some, their relationships with family and friends are what gives them meaning and purpose.
Others may find meaning in their work, hobbies, or creative passions. And for still others, their spirituality or religious beliefs help them find meaning in life.
What matters most is what you believe is most important to you.
Everyone has different values and beliefs that give meaning to their life.
There is no wrong answer. What gives meaning, purpose, and fulfillment to someone else might not be helpful to you, and that’s okay.
If you feel lost or unsure about the meaning of life, it might be helpful to think about what matters most to you:
– What are your values and beliefs? – What do you like to do?
– What makes you feel happy and fulfilled?
Spending time thinking about what matters most to you can help you find meaning in your life.
It can also help you figure out what you want to do with your time and energy.
Strategies That Can Help
Finding meaning in life can be difficult when dealing with depression.
It’s important to treat yourself with kindness and compassion, even when you feel unmotivated or apathetic.
Even when you struggle to find interest in something, you can take steps to gradually improve your mood and find your purpose.
It requires time, support, and often professional interventions in the form of therapy and medication, but over time, you can rediscover your meaning.
There are many different ways to find meaning in life. These strategies can help you find ways to give your life more meaning.
Helping Others
Volunteering your time to help others can be a source of purpose.
Research has shown that people who engage in altruistic behaviors, which involve helping others, feel more connected to others and tend to have a greater sense of meaning in their lives.
Examples of prosocial actions you can take include volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, donating money to charity, or offering help to a friend in need.
Contributing to something meaningful can help you feel like your efforts are meaningful and that you’re making a difference in the world.
Cultivating Relationships
Spending time with friends and family. Healthy, supportive interpersonal relationships are essential for physical and mental health.
Research has shown that these relationships help reduce the risk of heart disease, help us be more resilient to stress, and decrease the risk of depression and suicide.²
Having the support of friends, family, partners, and others can help you feel more motivated and inspired to take care of yourself and take an interest in the world around you. Investing your energy in these relationships can be helpful when you’re searching for meaning or purpose.
Pursuing Your Interests
Pursuing hobbies or activities you enjoy can be an effective way to give your life meaning. Focus on doing work that’s meaningful to you, whether it’s pursuing a career you’re passionate about, developing your creative skills, or simply enjoying your hobbies.
Being creative can be a tool for self-expression and can also help you develop new interests.
Consider trying a new hobby or activity you haven’t tried before, such as learning to bake, paint, dance, or sculpt.
Developing Your Awareness
Becoming more aware of your own thoughts, interests, and connections to the world around you can also be helpful when you’re questioning the meaning of life.
– Practicing meditation or mindfulness are ways to become more aware of your own thoughts and how you feel in the present moment.
– Spend time reflecting and focusing on living in the present rather than worrying about the past or future.
– Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude, or the act of feeling and expressing gratitude for the things you appreciate in life, has been shown to have several benefits. It can strengthen relationships, improve happiness, increase resilience, and improve overall health.
It can also help you find greater meaning in life.
Research has shown that gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions.
This can also encourage people to savor the moment and enjoy the pleasures life can bring.
Making an effort to practice gratitude regularly, whether by taking a few moments each day to mentally focus on grateful thoughts or by writing in a gratitude journal, can help you become more aware of the good things in life.
Over time, this practice can help shift your perspective. Instead of feeling like life is meaningless, you’ll begin to see all the simple joys that give it meaning.
Other Ways to Find Meaning in Life
– Connect with nature
– Try new things
– Accept your imperfections
– Be yourself
– Accept that life is uncertain
– Enjoy the simple things in life
– Take time for yourself
– Find the humor in life and encourage yourself to laugh at yourself
– It’s important to remember that it may take time and exploration to find what works for you.
How to Get Help
Don’t be afraid to seek help. If you’re struggling to find meaning in your life, there are many resources and people who can help you.
Talk to a trusted friend or family member, a counselor, a therapist, or a religious leader. They can offer support and guidance in your search for meaning.
Remember, we all go through times when we question the meaning of life. But there’s no right or wrong answer. What matters most is how you choose to live your life and what you believe is most important to you.
What Is the Meaning of Life? Why You Feel This Way and How to Find It
The following contribution is from the ChoosingTherapy.com website, which is dedicated to creating the best evidence-based mental health articles on the web and providing a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, learning, and growing.
By reading an article on ChoosingTherapy.com, you benefit from the practical experience of licensed psychologists, therapists, and counselors. By reading one of our product reviews, you receive the honest opinions of our experts, based on their direct experience, extensive testing, and independent research.
The author is Gabrielle Giulliano Vikanis, who specializes in EMDR, polyvagal theory, and dialectical behavior therapy, and also integrates eclectic approaches such as sound healing and expressive arts.
If you’re wondering what the meaning of life is, it’s normal to wonder what we’re doing here. Finding meaning in life is different for everyone, but it’s easy to compare what we do with what other people around us or on social media are doing.
Reflecting on what fulfills you and brings you joy can help you find meaning, but it’s also important to focus on the small details.
What is the meaning of life?
Our brains are wired to make sense of what’s around us, and asking «What is the meaning of life?» can be completely normal.
It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, but remember that the «perfect» life is different for everyone.
If this question is accompanied by intense feelings of hopelessness, it could be a sign of depression, and it’s important to seek professional help.
Why You Might Ask Yourself «What Is the Meaning of Life?»
You might wonder «What is the meaning of life?» if you are going through a major transition or a time of high stress.
You might have these thoughts if you feel unsure of who you are or feel like you lack a purpose.
It could also indicate a mental health disorder, such as depression.
Reasons a person might wonder what the meaning of life is:
Experiencing a Loss
Loss is an inevitable part of life that we will all experience at some point.
There are many types of loss, such as the death of a spouse, a parent, a child, a pet, and perinatal loss.
Each comes with unique circumstances and feelings.
Coping with a loss can make you question the meaning of your own life.
It may bring to mind things you want to reconcile with before you die or even how you want to be remembered.
Someone You Know Has a Terminal Illness
If someone close to you is diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may begin to reflect on your own life and purpose.
If the diagnosis comes suddenly or without warning, it can also make you feel like your life and health could change rapidly without warning.
It can raise worries or fears about your own meaning in life.
Experiencing Trauma
Trauma can profoundly affect our identity and how we interact with the world.
Experiencing trauma can make you question why we’re here if such bad things can exist and happen.
Trauma will make you feel insecure and out of control, leading you to question the point of being here.
Battling Depression
Research shows that a lower sense of purpose in life is associated with depression and a higher number of depressive symptoms.
The feelings of hopelessness and chronic sadness associated with depression can leave someone wondering about the meaning of life.
Existential depression is a specific type of depression that goes hand in hand with questioning the meaning of life.³
Signs and symptoms of depression include:
– A sense of hopelessness
– Sleep or appetite disturbances
– Sadness
– Apathy
– Loss of energy
– Restlessness
– Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
– Isolation
– Low self-esteem
– Suicidal thoughts
Being a Spiritual Person
Being spiritual generally means being connected to something greater than ourselves (whether God, Spirit, Source, or something else) and can also include exploring the meaning of life.
Although you don’t have to be spiritual to feel this way, being connected to a higher power can cause us to question the meaning of life as we move through our lives and define what success and failure really mean.
Going Through a Life Transition
Going through a major life transition can cause us to question the meaning of life, as our world and environment are changing (sometimes beyond our control).
Failure to Launch Syndrome, when young adults remain overly dependent on their parents after high school and college, can lead to feeling stuck and questioning the meaning of life.
Similarly, going through a midlife crisis can also lead us to question our purpose as we move into the next stage of life.
Having a Child
Becoming a parent is a major life transition that comes with great responsibility, but also great rewards.
Being responsible for another person’s well-being can also make us question our values and identity as our family grows.
Personal sacrifices can make us question whether they are worth it and if there is more meaning than the daily grind.
Going Through a Divorce or a Breakup
Going through a divorce or a breakup with a partner is another time in life when we may question our decisions and our existence.
Divorce can force you to reevaluate your priorities and how you want them to be in the future.
It can also make you question your self-worth, your identity outside of marriage, and the meaning of your life outside of the relationship once it ends.
Losing Your Job
Nowadays, we often link our worth and identity to our career, even though this is only one facet of our lives.
However, losing your job can cause financial uncertainty or fear about the future, leading you to question your career decisions.
Losing your job not only disrupts your financial goals but also your daily routine, giving you more time to question what’s next and how your career fits into them.
It can also be a time to change course or make changes in your career.
Religious Exploration or Deconstruction
As we move through life, sometimes our values change.
Exploring your religious beliefs can challenge your worldview and your purpose in life.
This can create uncertainty about life and how to move forward.
You may be questioning your morals and beliefs, leading you to seek a different or more authentic way of living.
Falling into the Comparison Trap
In today’s environment, it’s easy to log on to social media and scroll through posts from people who seem to have it all.
You may feel pressured to act a certain way or conform to societal expectations in matters like getting married or having children.
Observing other people’s lives can make you question your own identity and self-worth, but it’s important to remember that everyone has a different path.
10 Ways to Find Meaning in Life
Finding your purpose in life may not be obvious and likely requires deep reflection and questioning of your beliefs and values.
Fortunately, there are tools and interventions that can help you make sense of it.
Start by reflecting on your goals, values, and passions.² Then, contemplate what your ideal life would be like and work to create that reality.
Here are ten ways to find meaning in your life:
- Volunteer somewhere meaningful
Think about your passions and research an organization that fits them to volunteer with, whether in person, virtually, or by donating financially.
Volunteering somewhere that aligns with your passions gives you purpose and allows you to use your skills in meaningful ways.
It can also connect you with others with similar interests to build community and support.
- Focus on trauma healing
It can be difficult to find meaning in life if you’ve experienced trauma, so beginning to process it is crucial to finding meaning.
By healing your inner child, you regain a sense of safety and connection to your environment and relationships.
Consider starting trauma therapy, such as EMDR or Internal Family Systems, which can help you heal.
There are also techniques, such as journaling about your PTSD and meditating for PTSD, that can speed up the process.
- Find Hobbies That Make You Happy
Pursuing a hobby you enjoy can lead to a more fulfilling and happier life.
Hobbies that allow you to be creative will encourage you to express yourself and are also an easy way to practice mindfulness.
Learning a new skill will give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Hobbies can also connect you with others with similar interests, allowing you to build meaningful relationships.
- Reconnect with Your Spirituality
Reconnecting with a higher power can give you a sense of purpose and allow you to use this connection to gain spiritual guidance and wisdom.
This can give you clarity or a sense of purpose about how to move forward in your life.
Using prayer or meditation can allow you to focus on the present moment.
Connecting with your spirituality will give you the opportunity to explore your core values and beliefs.
- Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being aware of the present moment without judgment.
Practicing mindfulness allows us to deepen our connection with our mind, body, and what is happening now.
It can be used as a way to ground ourselves or anchor ourselves through grounding techniques if you constantly worry about the future.
Using mindfulness is a way to work on accepting current circumstances and practicing compassion for ourselves and others.
- Set Big and Small Goals
Setting goals guides us on how to live our lives, what we want to achieve, and motivates us to work toward something.
You can set small or large goals for your spiritual practice, health, family, and career.
Having a goal to work toward gives you a sense of purpose, even if it’s small, and a reason to celebrate when you achieve it.
- Rediscover Your Values
Living in accordance with our values allows us to live authentically.
Our values can change over time, and we may have different personal and professional values. It may be helpful to write down your top three values and see if your career or lifestyle aligns with them.
When our values are not aligned, we can feel lost or without purpose.
- Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Humans are hardwired to connect, and we use relationships to find safety and support. We can also work on healing trauma through safe connections.
Having a network of friends you trust and lean on gives you a sense of belonging.
Being able to love and practice compassion and empathy also improves our overall well-being and deepens our connection to the world.
- Seek Guidance from a Therapist
If you find yourself questioning the meaning of life so much that it affects your ability to go to school, work, or maintain relationships, it’s a sign you may be suffering from depression or something else.
It’s normal to question life during turbulent times, but if it doesn’t resolve, contact a therapist who can provide guidance and tools to work through these feelings.
- Accept Challenges
Life will always have stressors and ups and downs, and figuring out what’s important to you in each moment can help you manage them.
Accepting life’s challenges instead of worrying about what’s next can be a way to manage existential thoughts.
Using skills like radical acceptance and mindfulness allows you to be present in the moment without attributing an emotion or judging it.
Stress management is essential for personal well-being and will allow you to have greater psychological flexibility.
When to Seek Professional Support
While it’s normal to occasionally ask yourself «What is the meaning of life?», if you find yourself obsessing over this question to the point of paralyzing you, it may be time to seek professional support.
When seeking professional support, it’s helpful to know what type of therapy you’d like to explore.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety or CBT for depression may be a good option, as they focus on developing cognitive flexibility. Alternatively, you can seek out a psychodynamic therapist with whom you can explore the reasons in your history that may be causing your existential anxiety or depression.
You can use an online therapist directory to find a therapist in your area who specializes in your chosen therapeutic modality.
Alternatively, you can explore online therapy platforms, which make therapy more accessible.
In My Experience
In my experience, having questions about the meaning of life is normal and often arises when we go through a major transition or loss.
It’s important to identify what these feelings are telling you.
I believe having clear goals and values is very important when trying to overcome existential questioning.
Seeing a professional to help you overcome these can change the course of what you’re going through and help you find purpose. Having a different perspective allows you to see things from a different perspective and move forward.
The Hidden Reason You Still Haven’t Found Your Purpose in Life
The following contribution is from The Cosmopolitan Minadset, a website that defines itself as passionate about health, personal growth, finance, creativity, and everything that revolves around the banner of self-improvement.
Losing your purpose is a common problem. It usually happens when your growth changes your goals faster than you thought. And everything that seemed clear becomes blurred until you no longer understand where you’re going.
Sometimes, you remain confused for a while. And then you find a purpose again.
But other times, the stillness lasts longer. You start to worry. And it seems you no longer have a purpose in life.
So, what is the reason that prevents you from finding your purpose in life?
The Hidden Reason You Still Haven’t Found Your Purpose in Life
There are many reasons why you no longer find your purpose:
– For example, you think you don’t have time, so you rush toward random goals. You’re discouraged by your past failures.
– Or maybe you’re failing to build a social network that supports you in achieving new goals.
But there’s a reason hiding behind your pride that’s keeping you from moving forward with your life.
Fear
You’re afraid; that’s why you haven’t found your life’s purpose yet.
Your fear consumes your dreams. So you wander in this vicious cycle. And it feels good.
In the end, living without a purpose isn’t so difficult. The beginning is the worst. But you get used to it quickly.
Until one day, you wake up with no goal or purpose. And you wish you could escape the prison you’ve built around yourself. So here are ten practical steps to find your purpose again.
How to Find Your Purpose Again in 10 Easy Steps
30-Day Challenge for the Hidden Reason You Haven’t Found Your Life’s Purpose
How to Find Your Life’s Purpose: 30-Day Challenge
You won’t find your purpose in just a few days. It took me a few months to fight for my goals again after I lost them. But within a few weeks, I was already feeling better. And by following these ten steps, I fell in love with content creation and never gave up.
So I challenge you to try these ten easy steps for a month.
I’ve put together a 30-day challenge where you dedicate three days to each step. But you can try more at a time or alternate them each day. It doesn’t matter how you do them. The important thing is that you fight your fears.
1—Quote to Find Your Soul.
Quote to Find Your Soul: The Hidden Reason You Haven’t Found Your Life’s Purpose.
Quote to Find Your Soul.
Will It Be One Day or the First Day?
I always think of this quote when I don’t know what to do because it inspired me to improve when I was in ruins.
So it became my soul quote. And it always motivates me to keep trying after every failure.
A soul quote is a simple phrase that can inspire you when you hear it. Typically, it helps you overcome your flaws. So to find it, you need many hours of introspection. But once you find it (and you’ll know when you do), you’ll never forget it.
Procrastination is one of my biggest flaws. And I love putting off tasks until the last minute and doing something else. But every time I think of my soul quote, it fills me with motivation and willpower.
So find something similar. Find something that speaks to your mind. And you will find your purpose.
2 — Look for many small failures.
Look for many small failures.
When you fail, you learn more. And nothing compares to that. But failures also awaken internal questions and a search for purpose.
If you succeed at everything, you never question your decisions or methods.
So, if you had to replicate your success, it would be impossible because you don’t know how you achieved those goals. It may have been an unconscious skill. Or it may have been pure luck.
However, no one likes to fail because if you keep doing it, you’ll eventually give up. So, seek out many small failures. And you’ll learn to succeed.
For every task, you should aim for 80-90% perfection and 10-30% failure. Therefore, you can correct mistakes and learn from your failures while still performing average work.
3—Don’t accept your flaws.
Don’t accept your flaws: The hidden reason you haven’t found your life’s purpose
Love has never been synonymous with neglect. Yet, many believe they can ignore their flaws in the name of self-love.
If you stop working on yourself, you’ll never find purpose. On the contrary, you’ll hide from the fear that haunts you. So stop accepting your flaws because they aren’t self-love.
Self-love makes you accept the intermediate steps that will make you better. It helps you overcome external events you can’t control. But it doesn’t make you tolerate your flaws or find purpose. Growth does.
4—Always say yes.
Always say yes.
Jim Carrie amazed us with his performance in Yes Man. But we may have missed the point.
How could you find your purpose if you don’t try most things?
Before writing online, I tried my hand at being a singer, guitarist, novelist, poet, DJ, graphic designer, logo designer, and video game developer. But I haven’t been successful in any of those pursuits.
Those jobs fascinated me. But as soon as I got to know them better, I realized they weren’t the right fit for me. And I moved on to the next adventure.
However, each of those pursuits left me with something useful that I could always bring to light.
First, stories I can share with people. And I often use them to connect with you and make new friends.
Second, the soft skills I use to organize my life and interact with various work environments.
And third, the hard skills I can leverage to create unique content that no one else could replicate.
So always say yes. Try many activities and learn as much as you can.
You can’t discover your purpose if you only try two or three things. So find new passions, motivate yourself to learn them, and let go of what doesn’t appeal to you. One of those passions can become your purpose.
5—Never miss the opportunity to connect.
Connect with people: The hidden reason you haven’t found your life’s purpose
Never miss the opportunity to connect with people.
One thing that kept me from having many friends in high school was that I didn’t want to leave my comfort zone.
I was afraid. And every time they invited me to do something together, I refused. So they stopped.
Years later, I discovered that spending time with people is the only way to connect with them. So when someone invited me to do something, I always accepted, no matter how shy I was.
When you start a new job, for example, and you’re invited to a party, accept it. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone. Your situation is the same at work as it is at a party. And talking to people to connect will always be a challenge.
But you’ll soon realize that joining a group is easy because you’re a breath of fresh air in its dynamic. Everyone is interested in your stories. Take advantage of this time to share your experience and you’ll create strong connections.
6 — Don’t underestimate time.
Don’t underestimate time.
Time is your most valuable currency. So don’t underestimate it.
You can use your time for many things. You can relax, exercise, work on your goals, or even waste precious minutes. And of all these options, you should avoid the last one.
When you invest your time in growing and learning, you find new ideas that could help you find new purpose. But procrastination and bad habits keep you in the comfort zone you build around yourself.
So don’t underestimate the time you spend on useless activities. Instead, develop a growth mindset.
7 — Make yourself useful.
Make yourself useful: The hidden reason you haven’t found your life’s purpose.
Make yourself useful.
There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others. And for some of you, it might even become a life purpose.
People help others daily with simple or challenging tasks. Some become Doctors Without Borders. Others work for free to provide food and shelter to the less fortunate.
But everyone finds purpose in what they do. And you might find it too.
8 — Cheat your experience.
Cheat your experience.
Reading is powerful because it allows you to cheat experience and learn lessons you’ve never experienced. Of course, they won’t have the same intensity, but they can give you clues and advice you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Publishers release hundreds of books every day. But even if the field is increasingly saturated, masterpieces remain recognizable.
So read a lot and take advantage of every experience you can. Reading is the most powerful skill you have. And it can save you a lot of time finding your purpose.
9 — Connect mind and body.
Connect mind and body.
Your physical and mental health come first. Everything else can wait.
It took me years to accept that I couldn’t think only about my goals, leaving everything else aside. But over time, you realize you’ll never be as fast as you imagined.
The most meaningful dreams take time. And you can’t take it away from your relaxation or sleep.
If you do, your lack of focus will only delay the results. So take time to connect with your mind and body. Let them recover. And you’ll achieve results faster.
10 — Be grateful.
The hidden reason why you haven’t found your life purpose yet
Be grateful.
Fear is the hidden reason why you haven’t found your life purpose yet. You can overcome it with many tools, but the most powerful is gratitude.
If you are grateful for your goals, you don’t fear what comes next. You don’t worry because you can achieve anything. And even if you don’t, you will be grateful for the lessons learned. This way, you will come back stronger.
Therefore, use gratitude to overcome fear and you will find your purpose.
Final thoughts
Losing your purpose can be a common problem. But you can overcome it with a few simple steps.
– Find the inspirational quote that keeps you motivated.
– Seek out failures and learn from them.
– Don’t accept your flaws as self-love.
– Always embrace new experiences.
– Never miss an opportunity to connect with people.
– Don’t underestimate the power of time and the growth it can bring.
– Make yourself useful. Read to overcome the experience and learn new lessons.
– Take care of your mental and physical health.
– And be grateful for what you’ve achieved.
Fear is the hidden reason why you haven’t yet found your life’s purpose. But it won’t be the end.
How to Live Your Purpose, Even If You Have No Idea What It Is
The following post is from Meredith Walters’ website, which describes herself as follows: I am a certified Integrative Coach and hold an MBA from USF. In addition to individual coaching, I also coach groups and lead workshops for organizations such as Emory University and the United States Peace Corps. I served on the board of directors of the Georgia Chapter of the ICF and was an adjunct professor at the New Ventures West coaching school in San Francisco.
If you’ve struggled to figure out your purpose in life, don’t worry. You’re not alone. And, what’s more, you don’t need to figure it out to find what you’re looking for.
When we talk about finding our life purpose, we often look for an organizing principle that gives direction and meaning to all the chaos. We want to find a noble aspiration to dedicate ourselves to, something that tells us who we are and why we were born. We search for something that makes us feel like we belong on this planet and that our lives are complete.
Finding your purpose can’t do this for you. Living it can.
Where Fulfillment Comes From
In my early twenties, I worked for several nonprofit organizations doing work I truly believed in.
I dedicated myself to advancing important missions like ending homelessness, empowering Mexican factory workers, and creating a more just and humane economy.
I loved working on causes I believed in, but I still didn’t feel fulfilled.
I didn’t feel like my life was complete, and what I was doing at work didn’t give me meaning or purpose in any other area of my life.
What I’ve discovered as the key to fulfillment and meaning is making choices that align with what’s most important to me.
Purpose hasn’t become an external goal or aspiration. Rather, it’s a living, breathing part of me that I can express at any moment.
It’s less grandiose, more discreet, and harder to define than I used to imagine, but if I listen to it, it brings me much more joy and fulfillment.
The Secret to Finding Your Purpose
The wonderful thing about purpose is that the process of finding it is the same as living it, and you don’t need to know it to begin.
You live your purpose by expressing who you are in every action and every moment.
To do this, first listen to what your inner guidance tells you to do. What action feels good when you’re connected to your wisest self and your innate goodness? What draws you in? What fulfills you? What gives you joy? What brings you life?
How can you cultivate what matters deeply to you?
After listening, you act. You act on the guidance you receive or find ways to do more of what feels best for you in every decision and every moment.
It doesn’t matter if you see a pattern, if you can identify what you’re doing, or if you know what’s next.
What matters is that each action resonates with you on a deep level and expresses who you truly are.
The Listen-Do process works both in everyday life and on a broader level.
You can use the questions to decide what to eat or to see what activities, commitments, ideas, professions, organizations, job opportunities, or career paths you feel called to pursue.
No matter what you decide or where you end up, if you follow this process again and again, you will be living your purpose.
And you don’t have to do it perfectly (I certainly don’t). In my experience, simply making a sincere effort brings me so much joy, meaning, fulfillment, and a sense of doing what you’re meant to do, even if you have no idea what it is.
And if you still want to truly know what your purpose is…
I don’t blame you. Sometimes you need to communicate it to others. Sometimes, you just want to know. Here are three things you can try:
What Is the Purpose of Life? The Truth About Finding Your Purpose
The following post is from Hack Spirit, one of the world’s leading personal development sites. The author is Lachlan Brown, the founder and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a conscious and better life. I have a degree in Psychology and have spent the last 15 years reading and studying everything I can about human psychology and practical ways to change our mindsets. Discover my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How It Saved My Life. If you’d like to contact me, please write to me on Facebook or Twitter.
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, «Why am I doing this? Why am I here? What is my purpose?»
The answer may not come immediately. In some cases, it may not come at all.
Some people live for years without knowing their purpose. This can lead to depression and dissatisfaction: they are unaware of the reason they are here and believe that perhaps they have no reason at all.
Without a reason, why should you subject yourself to the struggles and pains that life offers you?
In this article, we explore the eternal question: what is the purpose of life?
From understanding why we ask these questions to what philosophers say and what we can do to find our own meaning in the life we want to live.
What is life and why do we need a purpose?
What is the purpose of life? In short, the meaning of life is to commit to a purpose, pursue the goals of that purpose, and then reflect on its why.
But before we get to that point, it’s important to understand life itself and, from there, why we seek purpose in it.
So, what is life? Without going into too much philosophical detail, life is everything that is alive.
Everyone we meet is a bearer of life. Every person, every child, every man and woman.
Animals, plants, insects, microbes, and all biological organisms are examples of life, and as far as we know, all life that exists in the universe is found on the planet we call home.
For billions of years, life has grown and evolved on Earth.
What began as simple single-celled organisms eventually evolved into the countless variations of life we’ve seen throughout our planet’s history.
Species arose and became extinct, individual organisms lived and died, and since time immemorial, life has always found a way to persevere.
And perhaps that is the unifying characteristic of all life as we know it: the inherent will to persevere and the automatic struggle to keep going.
Our world has gone through five extinctions—we are now on the sixth—the worst of which occurred more than 250 million years ago, resulting in the death of 70% of terrestrial species and 96% of marine species.
It may have taken millions of years for such biodiversity to recover, but it did, as it always seems to do.
But what drives life to fight for survival, and what makes organisms crave life despite lacking the capacity to even process what it is? And why are we different?
Although it is impossible to say for sure, we are the earliest examples of life that have evolved far beyond satisfying the basic instincts of feeding, reproduction, and shelter.
Our unusually large brains make us unique in the animal kingdom and the most singular life form our world has ever seen.
We do not live just to eat, reproduce, and protect ourselves—qualities that even the simplest and tiniest organisms seem to inherently understand.
We live to talk, interact, love, and laugh. We live to find joy and share it, to create opportunities and provide them, to discover meaning and share it.
While other animals spend their days resting and conserving energy after eating, seeking shelter, and mating with their chosen partners, we need more.
We need meaning and purpose, satisfaction beyond the basic needs of survival.
And we’ve all asked ourselves, in those peaceful moments between tasks: why?
– Why do we need, want, and desire more?
– Why does satisfying our happiness and fulfillment seem almost as necessary as satisfying our hunger and excitement?
– Why are we the only example of life that isn’t content with simply being alive?
Here are some of the most common reasons we ask ourselves these questions:
- We need our struggle to mean something.
Much of the life many of us live is filled with struggle, hardship, and pain. We push through years of discomfort and unhappiness, celebrating any small achievements we reach along the way.
Purpose acts as a light at the end of the tunnel, a reason to stay committed even when your mind and body tell you to stop.
- We fear the finite nature of our lives. Unlike animals, we understand their limited nature.
We understand that the time we spend alive is just a drop in the ocean of human history and that, ultimately, the things we do, the people we love, and the deeds we perform will mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Meaning helps us face that fear and smile for the limited time we can.
- We need the validation of being more than an animal
We are humans, not animals. We have thought, art, introspection, and self-awareness.
We have the ability to create, dream, and imagine in ways animals never could. But
— why?
Why do we have these abilities and talents if not for a greater purpose?
If we were created to live and die like any other animal, why were we granted the ability to think to this extent?
There must be a reason for the pain of our own self-consciousness, and if not, wouldn’t it be better for us to be like any other animal?
The Four Main Ideologies for Identifying Meaning
To address meaning, we analyze the philosophies that have been forged around meaning throughout human history and what our great thinkers have said about purpose and purpose.
It was Friedrich Nietzsche who once reflected that the question of whether life has meaning is meaningless because any meaning it may have could never be understood by those who live it.
In other words, if there is a greater meaning or program behind our lives, whether individually or collectively, we could never understand the concept of that program because we are the program itself.
However, there are many schools of thought that have attempted to address the question of meaning. According to Thaddeus Metz’s Stanford Dictionary of Philosophy, there are four main ideologies for identifying meaning. These are:
- Theocentric: For those who seek meaning in God and religions. Theocentric ideologies are perhaps the easiest to identify, as they offer a simple model for their followers to adopt and apply in their lives.
It requires belief in one God, that is, one Creator, and being a child of a Creator is a relationship we are all familiar with: child and parent, and most people experience both roles at some point in their lives.
- Soul-Centered
For those who seek meaning in religiosity and spirituality, without the need for a particular God. There are many who believe in a spiritual world without necessarily believing in any religion.
Therefore, they believe that our existence continues beyond our physical life on earth and find meaning in this spiritual immortality.
- Naturalist-Objectivist
There are two naturalist schools of thought that debate whether the conditions that give meaning are created by the individual and the human mind or whether they are inherently absolute and universal.
Objectivists believe in absolute truths that exist throughout life, and by accessing them, anyone can find life’s meaning.
Some might believe that living a virtuous life universally leads to a meaningful life; others might believe that living a creative or artistic life universally creates a meaningful life.
- Naturalist – Subjectivist
Subjectivists argue that if meaning is not spiritual or God-centered, then it must come from the mind, and if it comes from the mind, it must be an individual decision or preference that creates meaning.
It is the moment a mind grasps an idea or purpose that a person finds meaning in their life.
This means that no matter who you are, where you are, or what activity you are engaged in: if your mind believes it has discovered the meaning of life, that is the meaning of life for you.
Other Answers on Meaning and Purpose
The four main ideologies mentioned above are not the only schools of thought that can be found among philosophers and thinkers. While these are the most general sets of ideas, there are other ways of understanding meaning that you can explore, from the simplest to the most complex.
– “The meaning of life is not to be dead.” – Professor Tim Bale, Queen Mary University of London
The above quote resonates with what other philosophers have reflected on over the years. In Good and Evil, philosopher Richard Taylor writes, “The day was sufficient unto itself, and so was the life.”
In simpler terms, because we are alive, our lives have meaning. Although some might reject the simplicity of an answer to a seemingly overwhelming question, simplicity might be the best option we can come up with.
– “What gives meaning or significance to a human life is not simply to live it, but to reflect upon it.” – Professor Casey Woodling, Coastal Carolina University
While some might explain that the pursuit of a goal is the meaning of life, Woodling’s philosophy believes this is only half the battle toward true purpose.
To truly commit to a purpose, one must pursue a goal and then reflect on its why.
A person must ask themselves, «Why do I value the goals I pursue? Why are these the activities I believe are worth my limited time on this earth?»
And once they arrive at an answer they can accept, once they have examined their life honestly and truthfully, they can say they live a meaningful life.
—»He who persists is a person of purpose.» —Lao Tzu, 6th-century Chinese sage, Tao Te Ching
Lao Tzu resembles Woodling in arguing that the goals you choose to pursue are insignificant in identifying the meaning of your life.
However, he disagrees that one must reflect on their pursuits to find a purpose. Instead, one must simply live in awareness of its existence.
Lao Tzu believed in the mystery of existence. All of nature is part of the «way,» and the «way» is incomprehensible.
It’s enough to be aware of it and our role in it, and live recognizing that we are part of a greater whole.
Through this awareness, we understand that life has intrinsic meaning: it matters because our existence is a unit that is part of a greater whole: universal existence.
Being alive, we breathe as part of the universe, and that’s enough to give our lives meaning.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Discovering Your Life’s Purpose
- Following Someone’s Path
When you’re inspired by someone’s life, it’s tempting to copy everything they’ve done to try to replicate the results.
Perhaps you see yourself reflected in an inspiring figure because you share the same story, face the same challenges, and aspire to the same goals.
However, you must keep in mind that no matter how similar your lives are, there are small nuances that can drastically change the outcome for two people.
Following the same path as this person doesn’t guarantee you’ll end up in the same place.
Be inspired by someone’s success, but don’t take it as a guide to living your life from start to finish.
- Focus on Personal Success
Finding your life’s purpose is a personal journey. However, it doesn’t mean it’s a solitary one.
When we talk about finding a person’s purpose, it’s really about a juxtaposition between you and other people.
There’s no better way to understand your true essence than to understand your impact on the people and world around you.
The skills you develop and the accomplishments you achieve are entirely yours, but what truly transforms them into a clear purpose is how they translate into real life.
– Can you use your resources, unique skills, and advantages to make the world a better place?
– Are you having a positive impact on the world around you?
Your personal success is limited to the confines of your personal and private life. It’s when you can relate it to things outside of yourself that you begin to define your life’s purpose.
- Live Through Your Career
Building a successful business or achieving new career goals are great life goals, but they only involve one part of you, leaving every other facet of your personality obscured.
Workaholics who hit a stumbling block often feel lost because their primary source of pride—their work—no longer brings them the same satisfaction.
To create a purposeful life, it’s crucial to cultivate other aspects of yourself that have nothing to do with your job.
You need to invest time and effort in activities that allow your deepest self to surface: the one that is creative, compassionate, kind, or caring.
Even if you’re ambitious, there are many ways to excel and reach your full potential without having to be immersed in work.
Passion projects, hobbies, and other activities can be just as challenging as your job while allowing you to contribute something completely your own to the world.
- Expecting a Simple Process
Some people seem to discover their life purpose from the moment they are born, while others take years to find it exactly.
In some cases, it is recognized instantly; in other cases, it will take bouts of trial and error before finding «the right thing.»
The search for life’s meaning is complicated enough without your existence depending on finding your «it.» Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to get there.
If after years of searching, you still haven’t found what’s right for you, take a step back and relax.
The answer may have been right in front of you all along, or it may be just a couple of steps away; it doesn’t really matter. In the end, the important thing is to treat this «process» as a learning opportunity, and you’ll find it before you know it.
- Ignoring the Obvious
Finding your life purpose may be a process, but in the end, it will still feel natural. Your purpose will align perfectly with who you are.
When it happens, you may not even recognize it because you’re not paying attention or trying to create an inauthentic self-image.
Either way, you’ll organically position yourself, meet the right people, or have experiences that will be instrumental in forging your life’s purpose.
You may not always consciously participate (or enjoy it), but it will evolve little by little, one sign after another.