Finding Meaning & Purpose

Many of us spend a lot of time in the pursuit of happiness, striving towards a goal of a better paid job, greater status, or obtaining the latest possession. An unfulfilled life might mean an unhealthy and unhappy life, but that’s not necessarily the case.

However, lack of meaning and purpose can result in anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

Lack of Purpose.

There have been, and still are, times when terrible events happen to a community or a country, and our lives are shaken to the core.

What really matters at those times?

We hear about the community spirit of the London Blitz, of that shared purpose of coming together and working towards a common goal, helping others and contributing to the “war effort”.

Modern life can lack that community spirit and togetherness, and we can wander aimlessly through the routine of daily life, looking for something we don’t even know we’re missing.

The Pursuit of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness can lead us to feel stressed, frustrated, depressed, anxious.

Happiness is usually about trying to satisfy our wants and needs – looking towards ourselves, an inward-looking focus.

We can learn from the rich and famous that money, fame and possessions often don’t go hand in hand with happiness.

Search for Meaning

Where are you heading?

Would you start out on a year-long journey to an unknown destination?

Or would you ask questions about the journey, and about the destination?

Finding purpose and fulfilment is more about giving, to others, to the community, to the environment, to the world. We often become more outward focused to find meaning and purpose. In giving, in finding purpose, we find fulfilment and satisfaction, but not necessarily happiness…. although it can be a by-product.

Finding purpose gives us exactly that – a purpose to go on in spite of life circumstances.

Viktor Frankl found meaning and purpose even as a Nazi concentration camp prisoner. He noticed that those fellow prisoners lacking a sense of purpose gave up and died more quickly than those with purpose.

Those with purpose were the people more likely to survive – they looked back on their lives with a sense of satisfaction and looked forward to future achievements. Frankl found his purpose in helping his fellow prisoners to find meaning and purpose, even in those extreme conditions of suffering.

For example, the scientist who decided he wanted to finish his book, and the father who desperately wanted to be reunited with his child (safely) overseas.

Frankl found that even in extreme suffering, we can change the way we think about that situation, to give us a sense of purpose.

Find YOUR purpose

In order to find your purpose, try doing and experiencing different things. Find your passion! You will know when you find it, from how you feel, and that sense of fulfilment and deep satisfaction.

Ask yourself what do you really enjoy doing?

What is your passion? What really inspires you? What are you really skilled at?

What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want to be your legacy?

Be open minded and flexible in how you think about things.

Don’t discount anything! We often have several different purposes, or life values.

For example: Being a good wife and mother, being a writer, being a teacher.

Each one can give you that sense of fulfilment.

Meaning and purpose can change over time.

Ask yourself how important certain aspects of your life are. Which of these (or others) are MOST important to you? Score them on a scale of 0 – 5 with 0 being not at all important, and 5 being most important.

• Relationships: partner, children, parents, siblings, friends etc
• Work and career
• Education and achievement
• Spirituality
• Connecting with nature
• Helping others
• Caring for the environment
• Health living / lifestyle choice
• Caring for animals

You may find that you have several life values or purposes.

You might find it useful to identify the 1 or 2 that are MOST important to you. Those you feel most passionate about. You have found your life’s purpose!

One of the sites I use to help with my Life coaching clients is

www.getselfhelp.co.uk

When I do a life coaching session, I ask you what your life purpose is, goals etc and very often my clients get confused and lose their way in life and this is useful to help you find that purpose or goal.

If you need help, book a life coaching session and let me help you find that happy medium in life.

Derek holds Diplomas in Life Coaching, Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) advanced, Past life & this life regression, Hypnotherapy, also hold certificates in Reiki spiritual healing, Advanced & Basic counselling. Is fully insured and follows national operational and ethical guidelines with in the laws of the UK.

Derek is often asked to do Motivational & Spiritual Workshops, Psychic shows and events with music from the past present & future.

His motto is ” Enlightening others to succeed through life’s challenges “