Issue #44: Finding Purpose in Your Life
Learn about understanding your own meaning of life and how you can try to find it
Dear mental health advocate,
Have you ever wondered about the meaning of life? Or you own specific reason to live? Chances are likely that you have. In today’s free edition of The Present Psychologist Paper I want to explain and examine the concept of purpose and look at what is needed to help find your own. Many of us struggle with it, so it is always good to contemplate your individual purpose.
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Finding Purpose in Your Life
Have you ever wondered why we are on this world? Probably you have. Many of us experience an existential crisis likely at least once in our life (and possibly even more often). Thoughts arise like ‘what is the reason I exist?’ or ‘what is the meaning of life?’. If you have the answers to these questions, well, you’d be rich. It’s very common to question our behavior, existence and place in the universe. Especially when you are older these thoughts can be become more pressing, as we are more likely to have experienced loss. When someone close to us passes away (for example a parent) we often look for answers about life.
Also, we try to find ways to spend our time. In our current society it is likely that you are working to make money and provide for yourself and your family. This is often a necessity to survive. But, as we need to spend so much time in our week working, we try to find a job that at least brings us some meaning. Otherwise, it is quite difficult to keep going. I know many of us are struggling in our careers. Why? Because we often are unable to find real purpose in it. The quest for purpose really is a fundamental and timeless journey that can be deeply rewarding and, at times, challenging.
What is purpose actually?
From a psychological perspective, the search for purpose is a multifaceted exploration of one's values, passions, and sense of self. In this article I will delve into the psychological aspects of finding purpose in life, shedding light on the processes and factors that play a crucial role in this journey. So what is it exactly?
Purpose is a concept that encompasses a deep sense of meaning and direction in one's life. Psychologists often refer to it as the "why" behind our actions, the driving force that gives our lives significance and fulfillment. It goes beyond fleeting happiness and delves into the more enduring aspects of well-being.
How can we find purpose?
If we are looking for purpose, it is good to really introspect and put effort in. It probably will not just magically appear in your life. Some people suddenly have a realization what their purpose is, but many need to do some work. If you have not found it yet, then it could help to focus on the following aspects:
Self-Reflection: The journey to finding purpose often begins with self-reflection. It's essential to ask questions such as, "What makes me happy? What are my core values? What are my strengths and weaknesses?" This introspection helps individuals understand themselves better and identify the things that truly matter to them.
Passion and Interests: Passion and interests are integral components of purpose. When we engage in activities or pursuits that genuinely interest us and ignite our passion, we are more likely to experience a sense of purpose. Psychologists suggest that aligning your interests and your life's work can lead to greater life satisfaction.
Contribution and Service: One of the most profound sources of purpose is contributing to something larger than oneself. Engaging in acts of service, helping others, or working toward a cause can provide a profound sense of purpose. It's a way to connect with the world and leave a lasting impact.
Theories in psychology that talk about purpose
In the psychological field there are various interesting theories that attempt to explain the nature of purpose and how it can be achieved. There are many, but in this article today I want to give a short introduction about two specific ones, the self-determination theory (SDT) and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
Self-Determination Theory (SDT): developed by Deci and Ryan, this framework claims that individuals have intrinsic motivation to pursue activities that are personally meaningful. According to this theory, autonomy, competence, and relatedness are critical for developing a sense of purpose. When individuals have the freedom to make choices that align with their values, feel competent in their endeavors, and form meaningful connections with others, they are more likely to find purpose.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs places self-actualization at the pinnacle of human development. Self-actualization involves realizing one's full potential and finding a sense of purpose. Maslow argued that individuals who have their basic physiological and safety needs met are in a better position to explore higher-level needs like purpose and self-fulfillment.
What can stand in the way of finding purpose?
It’s not always a walk in the park. Many of us find years to find our purpose, and some never do. The journey towards it is not always smooth, and there are several common obstacles. Reflect on your own situation. If you have not found your purpose, could these be the reasons for it?
Fear of Failure: The fear of failing or making mistakes can hinder one's ability to explore new paths or take risks, which are often necessary to find purpose.
Social Comparisons: Constantly comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hinder the development of a unique sense of purpose.
External Expectations: Sometimes, societal or familial expectations can override one's personal desires and values, making it challenging to find genuine purpose.
Ultimately, the search for purpose is a lifelong journey, and it is okay for it to evolve and change over time. It is in this ever-evolving quest for meaning that individuals can find the richness and depth that make life truly fulfilling. By understanding the psychological aspects of purpose, we can embark on this journey with greater self-awareness and a greater chance of success in finding our own unique sense of meaning and direction in life.
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My name is Alf Lokkertsen and I am a psychologist and writer, creating mental health content for you. My passion is to raise awareness about topics related to psychology, as it has helped me greatly in my personal life. I strongly believe that many problems could be avoided or dealt with better if everyone had some in-depth psychology knowledge.
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