You might be lucky enough to find true meaning from your work, but most of us desire greater fulfillment and something “more.”
We’re all searching for some kind of meaning in life.
But, how do you find it?
Try incorporating these tips into your routine and schedule to find greater meaning in your day-to-day life:
-
Volunteer.
Your interests are a reflection of your passions. Do a quick search for local organizations that need assistance and give whatever resources you have the capacity for – your time, your energy, or your money. Put your attention on others and you’ll feel better overall. It feels good to help other people and to make a difference in someone else’s life. Adding to someone else’s meaning will add meaning to your own life in exchange.
-
Live by your values.
Be a person of your word and hold yourself accountable for that. When you ignore your values, it’s easy for your life to get off track. You quickly find yourself living a life that doesn’t fulfill you and you’re then lost and lacking direction. Write out a literal list of your values and make your decisions based on the Pros and Cons of alignment or lack thereof to your values.
-
Spend more time with others.
Simply put – people need people. The human experience is not one that is very enjoyable without others around you, adding and complimenting you. It’s not that you can’t have a meaningful life without other people, but it’s highly less likely. We’re programmed to be part of a community. It wasn’t that long ago that it was impossible for a human to survive on his own. People and communal efforts can add meaning to life.
-
Strip away the excess.
Sometimes less truly is more. It’s easy to get caught up in the little things that don’t matter – especially if they are materialistic or superficial. Go through your house and get rid of everything except the things you need or love. If something is on your table and it no longer serves you or a necessary purpose, why not rid your space of it? Do the same with your social circle and activities. If you don’t need it or love it, let it go.
-
What brings you joy?
The more time you spend on things that bring you joy, the more meaningful your life will feel to you. Make a list of the things, people, places, and activities that you enjoy and schedule more of those delights into your life.
-
Be a part of something that is bigger than yourself.
What do you think is really important? Saving the whales? Writing letters to your local lawmakers and congress officials? Cleaning up the neighborhood and helping the environment? Toy drives for needy children? Feeding the homeless? Find a cause that you find highly significant and give it all that you’ve got.
-
Be grateful.
Nothing feels quite as filling as gratefulness. It’s a warm, calming sensation like a bowl of your mom’s chicken noodle soup. Spend a few minutes each day and make a list of everything that makes you feel grateful. Try to identify at least one new thing each day.
-
Consider all the people that benefit from your existence.
There are a lot of people that might depend on you.
—The customers that your business serves
—The people in your family, especially your spouse/partner, children, and fur-babies
—Your aging parents
—Your coworkers
—Your friends
These are just a few of the people that need you each day. Make a list of all the people that rely on you and appreciate your existence.
Believing that your life has meaning has real implications on your physical and mental health.
Multiple studies on those over 65 years of age have shown that those who believe their life has meaning score better on mental and physical health questionnaires. They also show higher cognitive function.
As you age, it becomes increasingly important to your well-being that you live a life with purpose.
You don’t have to save the world to find deeper meaning in your life. Notice the contributions that you’re already making. Create a life that you find meaningful and it will also bring you more joy, happiness, and fulfillment.
