How to find a sense of purpose in life
The idea of life’s purpose is a classic moot point – does life have a purpose? Is it predetermined? And do we need to have one?
Multiple studies have shown that having a sense of purpose is associated with longer lifespan as well as better physical health, reduced stress and improved coping abilities. One found that a sense of purpose lowers risk of death, even after the researchers controlled for other factors that could influence longevity such as age, emotional wellbeing and gender.
However, finding the reason to wake up every morning can be an elusive task. Cultivating meaning is indeed not an easy feat when today’s life offers no shortage of stress, pressures and responsibilities.
According to experts, identifying the activities that make you lose track of time is a good starting point. Clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior suggests finding things that get you in “flow”.
“When you are in flow, you are so fully engaged and immersed in an activity that you feel relaxed, but also challenged, interested but not stressed,” Bonior wrote on Psychology Today. “What types of activities bring you to this place?”
Indeed, a 2017 study found that engaging in “personally treasured activities” is also one of the most effective factors in encouraging meaning and purpose in life.
Finding a community is also popular advice. Surrounding yourself with the people you care for, share dreams and values with or want to help can inspire your desire to step forward in life. “Take a look at the people around you,” said Jeremy Adam Smith, editor of Greater Good.
“What do you have in common with them? What are they trying to be? What impact do you see them having on the world? Is that impact a positive one? Can you join with them in making that impact?” If the answers do not satisfy you, it might be time to find a new community, he said.
Some also recommend thinking about what you want out of life, or the things you wish to accomplish. Leadership coach Kristi Hedges advises to consider factors such as, “How’s your work today getting you closer to what you want for yourself? What do you hope is possible for you, without setting limitations? What could you do next with what you’re learning now?”
However, not everyone is in favour of the idea of creating goals and targets. Author Heather Havrilevsky wrote in one of her advice columns, “As long as you imagine that the outside world will one day deliver to you the external rewards you need to feel happy, you will always perceive your survival as exhausting and perceive your life as a long slog to nowhere.”
Instead, she advises to focus on the journey, savouring the small but blissful moments we experience on our daily life.
Life coach Max Daniels shares a similar sentiment. “What if there is no pre-defined life purpose? What if you don’t need to spend your precious life searching for one, because there isn’t one to discover?” she wrote in an essay.
“How might life be if your only ‘job’ here on earth is simply to show up and participate, just as you desire?”
Do you know the purpose of your life? Share with us in the comments.