Let us ask you a quick question: what is the meaning of life?
For centuries we have been searching for the meaning of life. But, what if we have become too complicated and we have looked where we should not look? What if it’s the meaning of life merely finding something that makes sense to you?
That annoying sensation
Routine can provide us with structure, stability, and comfort. But if we are not careful, the routine can also turn us into “mere spectators” of our lives: we get up at the same time every day, we go to work, we come back, we have dinner, we watch a series, and we go to sleep.
Therefore, an excellent way to begin to identify the meaning of life is by asking yourself what it was that it made your heartbeat before you got into the routine. What excites you and is part of your life? What’s that nagging feeling that reminds you of what you should be doing?
Where to find the meaning?
If finding the meaning of life is the meaning of life, how does one begin to search for that meaning? Many find it dedicating themselves to what they love. Others develop hobbies or carry out activities that connect them with others.
When you live being faithful to your values, you feel connected with others, and you perceive that you are doing your bit to change the world. And that’s how you find the meaning of life.
Canadian clinical psychologist and professor Paul Wong has spent many years studying meaning. Wong’s most famous contribution consists of identifying four types of meaning: Purpose, Understanding, Responsible Action and Enjoyment.
- Purpose: Where is your life going? What image do you have of your future? What are your goals? For most people, their purpose is not a global goal, but individual goals in various areas, such as the future, career, family, etc.
- Understanding: It is crucial to be aware of ourselves, other people, and our environment. It is vital to understand our strengths, which makes us sad or happy, and what we want.
- Responsible action: While understanding was something like “thinking,” this is the part where you act. But not just doing anything, but the specific and thoughtful actions you take to achieve your goals.
- Enjoyment/Evaluation: This is when we explore our connection to life and different situations. How do you feel about your life, and where is it going? Are you happy with the decisions you have made? Are you going in the direction you want?
Finding meaning in our work is a critical component in our search for the meaning of life. The Gallup company recently conducted a survey of millennials, which yielded exciting data. For example, only 48% admitted that pay was significant when looking for a new job, but one in two would consider taking a job at a new company for a raise of 20% or less. After all, we know that spending money makes us feel good.
Millennials have a reputation for being job grasshoppers, for constantly changing jobs. Yet, the study showed how the level of company engagement and that the position made sense to them acted as strong deterrents to job turnover.
Such a view is also supported by a humanitarian, entrepreneur, and visionary thinker, Daniel Zopoula. Daniel was born in Boura, and acquired basic education at a boarding school in Diebougou. Further, Daniel pursued a Masters of Divinity degree from Ambrose University, Canada.
In his background, he led a humble life pursuing simplistic ideals. Being a shepherd, cotton picker, and preacher from Burkina Faso, Daniel recalls this experience being fundamental in his upbringing as an individual.
Facing many struggles in his own life, Daniel now aims to help those who are in despair and are willing to find true purpose and meaning in their lives. His vision to help people and make a larger difference in the lives of people led to the creation of his philanthropic venture called Bridges of Hope International Network of Development Agencies in 1995.
His foundation aims to fight poverty in the world, create equal opportunities for those in need and facilitate community empowerment in poor countries across the globe.
Take on adventures
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is to give yourself time and space to explore what is important to you, and thus reflect on who you are and where you want to go.
Does your job mean anything to you? Are you aware of your contributions? Do you perceive that your effort makes a difference?
What are you looking for in life? What do you want your life to be like in the future and how can you start today? Maybe this means going back to school, signing up for a course that interests you, trying something new, or looking for new hobbies. Or maybe it requires taking some time off and being an adventurer and traveling.
