“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
– Fyodor Dostoyevsky
What truly matters? Have you taken time to sit with yourself and answer this question? We rarely add seeking meaning and purpose to our list of goals. But why not? It should be at the top of the list, seeking clarity on your existence. Our truths are unique; one person may strive for a quiet life with family and community. Another may seek a life filled with action and adventure. Yet, without direction and clarity, how will we know when we have found our purpose? Is it a decision we make, a divine calling, or a predetermined destiny? What is the purpose and meaning?
Finding meaning is a lifelong pursuit. It is growing and becoming the best version of ourselves. Your sense of meaning will grow over time as you grow and change. As we set goals for our lives, finding meaning and purpose should be a part of the plan. A goal to live your best life. This plan should include your unique strengths, skills, knowledge, and abilities. It should also be based on intentional living which means making deliberate choices and taking full responsibility for your life’s direction.
Designing Tomorrow – The Path to Intentional Living
We each have to define and find this on our own, as our answer to what truly matters differs from all the others around us. The answer could be about people or work, or it could be about the impact we have on the world. With age, the answer may become more defined. But why wait until you are older? Why not start the pilgrimage now?
Philosophical and Worldview Perspectives
We see the world through our eyes, and each of us has developed a worldview; the way we see the world. We also have a personal philosophy about life: our answers to the deepest questions about our existence.
Two existentialist philosophers, Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sartre, believed that life has no inherent meaning, and it is up to each individual to create their values and purpose. This freedom can be both empowering and overwhelming, as it puts the responsibility of finding meaning on each person’s shoulders.
Many religious traditions believe that our lives have a divine purpose or calling. In Christianity, it is often believed that God has a plan for each individual and that discovering and fulfilling our calling is our life’s purpose. Others think we find meaning through personal growth, our relationships, contributions to our community, or our achievements.
The inherent meaning of our existence is a deeply personal question. If you embrace the idea that meaning is created and not found, you can design the life you want. First, you must truly know yourself, who you are today, and who you want to be tomorrow. What is your worldview? Where do you fit into the world? What do you really want to do with your life?
Craft your worldview
The Art of Self-Reflection: Defining Your Worldview
Seek inspiration by reading about other people’s experiences and how they have found meaning in their lives. See the recommended reading at the end of this essay. Use the tools you have, such as books, podcasts, movies, and conversations. You can learn from the ancient philosophers to the modern influencers and personal growth gurus. Learning about different paths can inspire you to forge your own path. This is your personal pilgrimage, a journey of self-discovery and growth. As you develop a clearer definition of who you are, you can design the life you want. Ensure that you have purpose and meaning built into the plan, as well as intentional living and quality of life.
Steps to Clarify your Search for Meaning and Purpose
Identify what you care about; What truly matters? Reflect on your values and passions. Self-reflection is vital to uncovering what truly matters to you and what gives your life meaning. Are there activities where the world fades away, and you lose track of time – a passion where you are in the flow and so fulfilling that it becomes your total focus? Following your passion may lead to your purpose.
“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”
– Winston S. Churchill
Identify your strengths, recognizing your skills, knowledge, and abilities. How can you use your strengths in daily life, work, and relationships? What areas do you want to seek personal growth?
Establishing meaningful goals that align with your values can create a sense of purpose. Set both short-term and long-term goals; in the long-term goals, connect to a broader vision of your life – what do you want tomorrow to look like, or a tomorrow five years from now? Imagine the end of your life looking back, what stands out, what was most important? Using this vision, set goals. Setting and achieving goals leads to personal growth, skill development, and a sense of progress. Life is dynamic, so your definition of meaning and purpose may change over time.
Cultivate a Positive Outlook!
Contribute to others, to something larger than yourself, and can bring great satisfaction and purpose to your life. Seek activities where you can have a positive impact; you could become a mentor, a coach, or a leader in your community. There are many child advocacy organizations where your influence can be a powerful source for a child’s future. For instance, by joining Big Brother Big Sisters, you can serve as a role model, guiding a child to stay on the right path and helping them with skills to become the best version of themselves. Consider sharing your skills, knowledge, and abilities to uplift one another.
Imagining your best possible self is a tool for clarifying what truly matters. It helps you to visualize your potential and shows you what you value the most. You create a picture of where you want to go in life. Seeing an image of your ideal self inspires you to act toward becoming that person. To help you maintain that vision, try a vision board for inspiration.
How to make a vision board and manifest your dream life, by Mikayla Balk
Embrace challenges – step out of your comfort zone. Explore new experiences; you may find your passion by trying new things. Broadening your horizons often leads to new insights about yourself and what truly matters. Join classes or groups of like-minded people, volunteer, or travel.
Cultivate strong relationships. Your social circles, whether family, friends, or co-workers, are connected to greater well-being, happiness, and joy. Your ties to your community are just as valuable. For most of us, people are most important; they truly matter.
Conclusion
Finding your purpose is an ongoing process. We are all a work in progress; no matter your age, you can always grow. It is ok to take small steps. Finding your purpose does not magically happen overnight. You may have found your purpose and have yet to see it clearly. Seeking clarity and defining what is most important is a starting point. Refining the definition as you grow is a process.
You can see the common theme in crafting a better self. Knowing yourself through self-reflection and discovery. Setting meaningful goals provides an anchor and a practical structure for actualizing your purpose. Connecting with others, collaborating, and serving our community are all a part of our well-being. Improving our mental, physical, and emotional health can create a foundation for finding greater meaning and purpose. It is all connected, so your plan for a more meaningful life needs to include all areas of your existence.
Reaching our highest potential gives us a purpose. Adopt a growth mindset, focusing on strengths and exploring new challenges. The search for meaning and purpose is a profoundly individual path that combines philosophical and psychological insights into what truly matters to you. Each person will have a different answer.
Take responsibility for the direction of your life. Craft the version of yourself you want to be tomorrow. By embracing the responsibility to create meaning and engaging in self-reflection and growth, individuals can find their purpose and lead more fulfilling lives.
Recommended Reading
Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl
A Perfect Day – Becoming the Best Version of Yourself, by Linda L. Pilcher
The Power of Passion: Work, Play, Learn, and Create, by Linda L. Pilcher
15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning, by Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D.
Finding Purpose in Life: The Long Guide to Finding Your Life’s Work, by Dan Cumberland
Citations
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
Photo by Zack Minor on Unsplash
Photo by Masaaki Komori on Unsplash