"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."
Friedrich Nietzsche
What is my Purpose? Am I living a Meaningful Life?
Have you ever asked these questions to yourself? Most people don’t. Life offers endless opportunities, but it brings moments of doubt, confusion, and a deep yearning to understand why we are here, what does this mean and what truly matters. When left unanswered, these questions can make life feel aimless, leading to habits that erode both mental and physical well-being.
Meaning of life Vs Purpose of Life
Meaning is the value we attach to our actions, relationships, and existence. Our life gets meaning when we find our trueness. This is an inward journey, requiring deep reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to experiment with life. Finding your “gift” is not about conforming to societal standards but about discovering your authentic self. Purpose, on the other hand, is the direction we give to our lives, a guiding force that aligns with our values and passions. Nietzsche aptly calls it the theme of our life—a thread that runs through our existence, shaping our decisions and actions. True Purpose emerges when it is shared because sharing your gift connects you to others and to something larger than yourself. To understand our Purpose, it requires us to first know ourselves better, reflection is the key to this discovery.
Ask yourself:
• Who am I when I’m at my best?
• What do I value?
• How do I want to be remembered?
• What inspires me?
• If I were to die today, what would my mission have been?
The answers to these questions reveal the deeper motivations that drive us and point toward a Purpose aligned with our most authentic selves. You start living purposefully when you have a why in life, a meaningful philosophy that drives you forward. Living purposefully means engaging your best self in service of your life’s mission. It is not about grand achievements but about aligning your actions with what truly matters. It brings clarity and direction to our lives.
Purpose, Philosophy, and Science
Classical Indian traditions have long believed that focusing or meditating on the point between our eyebrows, which is called the point of Ātman, connects individuals to their higher self—a state of alignment with their Purpose and essence. However, Purpose is not just a philosophical concept but also deeply connected to biology, and by extension, to our health. The brain’s ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is activated when we reflect on purposeful questions like those mentioned earlier. This activation triggers behaviour changes, helping us align our actions with our goals. Modern science supports these ideas.
Having a clear sense of Purpose has been shown to reduce cortisol levels. Even in the face of stress, a strong sense of Purpose serves as a buffer against life’s challenges, reducing the likelihood of despair or self-destructive behaviour. People living with Purpose are more likely to thrive, experience less internal conflict, and achieve a state of harmony between their mind, body, and spirit.
When you have a why, you can endure any how. This truth resonates with the understanding that purposeful individuals are more resilient in the face of adversity. A sense of Purpose allows us to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for growth.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Meaning and Purpose
1. Clarify Your Values: Reflect on what truly matters and align your actions with your core beliefs.
2. Set Goals with Intention: Define purposeful goals to navigate life with clarity and focus.
3. Seek Connections: Build meaningful relationships and contribute to your community.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Be present and fully embrace the moments that make life meaningful.
5. Embrace Growth: View challenges as opportunities for self-discovery and progress.
Picasso’s words, The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. beautifully captures the dual nature of fulfilment in life. It speaks to both self-discovery and selflessness as essential aspects of living a meaningful existence and, encourages balance—personal fulfilment through self-discovery. The search for meaning and purpose is not about reaching a final destination but embracing a lifelong journey.
By reflecting on who we are, what we value, and what drives us, we can create a life of significance and fulfilment—one that inspires us and those around us to live more authentically and purposefully. When we find our Purpose, we not only thrive personally but also create a positive ripple effect that touches lives beyond our own.
