“To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are.” ― Roy T. Bennett. Have you ever felt demotivated? Like you do not have the energy to do your daily routine? Do you feel you need a change and to aim at your full potential?
If that’s the case, you’re in the right place! In this article, I will talk about that uneasy feeling when it seems like you have everything, that you are on top of the world, but you feel so empty inside, as if something is sorely missing. So what’s that all about? Find out in Purpose and Meaning: Why Lacking Them is Dangerous to your mental health!
We Want Purpose!
Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’. -Viktor E. Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning).
It is time to take responsibility for your life, Viktor Frankl mentions how even in the most miserable moments of our lives, what drives human beings is the “will for meaning.” After talking with health professionals (psychologists), reading and doing some research about it; the disconcerting sadness in our society comes from the lack of meaning.
It seems like we have become a superficial society where we value an expensive shirt more than a true friendship or relationship. Our values are upside down! But not to worry, we all have that little spark of something special inside of us, but to become that fire, you must listen first to what it needs to make it burn bright.
So, ask the question: What makes me happy? What makes my heart sing and smile? Is it writing, drawing, creating, helping others? Whatever it is, make sure you have that in your life and you will see how your mood, your relationships, your body, your face and everything will change. There’ll be nothing ‘wrong with your picture’ anymore!
When it Comes to Your Chief Aims, Meaning, and Purpose, Aim for The Stars
“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” -W. Clement Stone
Going back to the last point, it will not be easy. One has to fight for their dreams and, you must know, not everyone will reach them, but here comes the fun part. William Clement Stone, American businessman and advocate of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) once said, “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star”. But what does that mean exactly?
It means that what is important is not the outcome but the process, the journey. MMA champ, Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya mentions how depressed he was before, even after winning fights!
He mentioned a feeling of emptiness and then he realized that the real aim and focus was on the path to becoming a real warrior – the people you meet, your family and friends who stick with you no matter what, and all the lessons and wisdom you learn on the way. This takes us to the next point.
The Mundane Little Things…
“[The] appearance of triviality is deceptive: it is the things that occur every single day that truly make up our lives, and time spent the same way over and again adds up at an alarming rate.” -Jordan Peterson (12 Rules for Life).
Jordan Peterson talks about the little details in a relationship, but we can apply this idea in life too. During an interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast (The Joe Rogan Experience), he says (paraphrasing) that life is not daisies in Hawaii, it’s every single “good morning” at every breakfast, it’s every single “good night” before going to sleep.
Remember, The Devil is in the Details!
Here’s an example: If you want to be a writer, it’s not just going to happen overnight, you have to write every day; you have to read and learn about how to be interesting to the public while being true to yourself.
If you want to be an athlete, it’s not just about scoring every single game, talent helps but waking up every single morning and going to the gym to train, and proper eating is better than just talent. And with any other goal it’s just the same.
Meaning & Purpose Key Points and Takeaways
- What we lack in our society which makes us feel empty is “purpose.”
- Look for what makes you feel alive and light the spark, do something about it.
- Learn to love the process, if you do it, the outcome will come easily.
- Learn from others; read good books and talk with people who went through the same kind of life that you want.
- Surround yourself with good people and be grateful.
- After you’ve set your major ideals and goals, the rest is all in the daily details, so be conscientious.
I hope this article inspires you to move forward and search for your personal purpose so you can reach your goals and fulfill your potential!
What gives your life meaning and purpose? Let us know in the comments below!
