6 Ways to Live With Greater Meaning and Purpose

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What makes life meaningful?

How can we have a life filled with purpose?

These are age old questions, yet many people go through life without giving them much thought. We don’t stop to ask ourselves what’s most important or why we do what we do.

We end up on autopilot living a lifestyle we didn’t intend to live. We mindlessly go through the motions and end up feeling stuck with no clear purpose or future direction. Ultimately, we loose sight of our ability to create a life that really matters to us - a life that is intentional and deliberately fruitful.

Fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way. Psychological research shows that there are ways to create greater meaning and purpose. Some research points out that using our strengths in service of others is how can we live a meaningful life. While other research reveals that it is the amount of flow or engagement in life, and whether we feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to others, that impacts our feeling of purpose.

There are many ways to take back the reigns of the precious life you’ve been given. Here are six ideas to help you do so.

Live more, want less.

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Instead of placing your well-being on external things, try to be present and live fully in the moment. Throw yourself into life despite not having all the you want. Meaning and purpose don’t come from things. They are the byproduct of experiences and living life to the fullest.

I’m sure you’ve met someone whom, even with a big television, custom built house, and new car, is still unfulfilled with life. They’re seeking meaning and purpose externally in material things, and the more they get, the more they want. We become habituated and disinterested in our once new possessions, and they lose their luster. It becomes a never ending cycle.

When it comes to “stuff” and a meaningful life maybe less can give us more. As Joshua Fields Millburn said in his article on The Minimalists, “It was C.S. Lewis who, 50 years ago, eloquently said, ‘Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose.’ In today’s material world, a world of fear-fueled clinging, his words seem more apropos than ever.”

Rejoice! You're alive.

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It’s easy to take things for granted - to get bogged down, busy, and distressed. When this happens we get distracted from our purpose and loose perspective on how miraculous life is. We get stuck in self-pity instead of living with joy.

The fact that you can read this article means you’re more fortunate than 4 billion people who don’t have internet access, or the estimated 285 million people who are blind!

Rejoice! You’ve been invited to the the biggest, most extraordinary celestial party. It’s called life! Celebrate your life right now! Be grateful you’re alive and acknowledge the opportunities you’ve been given for a good quality of life.

The philosopher Voltaire said, “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” It’s time to kick off the party with God! Let in the joy! Sing, dance, and love your life, even when things aren’t exactly how you want them to be.

“Make friends with the butterflies.”

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How often do you step out of your comfort zone? When have you challenged and stretched yourself lately?

If we’re going to live with purpose and meaning we have to grow our courage muscle. We need to keep growing and evolving as people. The best way to do this is to expand our comfort zone. We are meant to keep growing - to reach for our potential and to become the best version of ourselves.

It will be scary and uncomfortable to step to the edge, but according to Rob Bell, author of How to Be Here Now, “Nerves are God’s gift to you, reminding you that your life is not passing you by. Make friends with the butterflies.” What if you befriended the “butterflies,” instead of avoiding them like your 15 year old crush? Discomfort and challenges aren’t bad. They are the prerequisite to living a full and rich life. Stop holding back. Stop playing it safe and see how your life blossoms.

Make it about others.

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It’s natural to view ourselves as the center of the universe, but this isn’t how we’re going to experience greater purpose and meaning. A meaningful life is about connecting with others and being of service. When we only focus on ourselves we get trapped in our neurotic personality of worries, comparison, and judgment. We end up consumed with our own self-interest, and we miss the chance to be a blessing to others, to deeply connect and learn about them.

This will get in the way of both external success and internal happiness. Whether you’re a parent, a business owner or have a deep mission to change the world, your meaning and purpose will increase from a positive impact on other people.

Stop focusing on yourself and put your attention on serving someone else today. Do something kind and caring. Choose to be generous and help someone in need. A true purpose is beyond our self.

Realize your creative potential.

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Everything you see around you started as a creative thought in someone’s mind. Isn’t that amazing?! The human mind and brain is made for creation. It is part of our purpose to create and express ourselves. Creative expression doesn’t always feel natural though. There will be resistance to releasing your creativity into the world. It will feel vulnerable and even dangerous, but don’t let that stop you.

Creativity is the primary channel to experience a more rewarding life. Whether you find a creative outlet through your career or from hobbies, the more you use your creativity muscle the more meaning and purpose you can unearth. Tap into your self-expression by building creative habits. Use your imagination more often and start that creative project you’ve been putting-off. Take up hobbies you’re interested in or learn about technology, art, and science. Anyone can become more creative if they’re willing to try.

Stand for something.

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A meaningful life comes from standing for what you believe in. It comes from living aligned with your values. Do you wake up in the morning and feel like you’re up to something important?

Whether it’s a relationship, a vocation, or an important cause, we all have something we really care about. What do you care about? What direction do you want the world to go? What change do you want to make?

Be up to something that matters to you. Find a mission you’re passionate about! Do you care about the environment, animal rights, or children’s well-being? It doesn’t have to be a prolific life altering mission. Do what you can with the resources and influence you have. Maybe you can create art with a social message or start a socially conscious business. It may come down to simply doing your part each day to make the world a little bit better place to live. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

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A full, rich, and meaningful life is a choice and a process. Purpose won’t come knocking at your door. A passionate and fruitful life won’t magically appear out of thin air. It’s up to you to engage fully in life. If you want more meaning and purpose, make it a goal and intention to create more of it.

If this idea feels like a long-shot, remember that all you have to do is start. To the best of your ability take the next step to change a habit and to align your life with what you really care about. Show just a little more kindness to others. Be more grateful and find meaning in the small things. Scoot a little closer to the edge of your comfort zone and get those creative juices flowing! Start to grow your self-awareness and seek your truth about what will fill your life with purpose and meaning.