Finding Purpose: Unlock Your Passion and Fulfill Your Potential
As a therapist, I hold the conviction that the quest for purpose is a deeply personal odyssey. My clients typically fall into two different categories: younger adults who are grappling with a balance between careers and happiness vs. older middle-aged adults who have reached the pinnacle of their professional and personal lives but do not feel fulfilled. The one very common characteristic between both groups is that they are often contending with fleeting feelings of happiness and a lack of meaning in their lives.
This search for fulfillment is one that necessitates a profound exploration of one's passions, values, and beliefs. It's also a journey that requires careful introspection, honesty, and authenticity. Often, it's helpful to have a tour guide such as a therapist or a life coach to help navigate your innermost desires, beliefs, and barriers toward growth.
The Psychology Behind Purpose and Meaning
Before we dive into the different philosophies, teachers, and theories regarding purpose, it’s important to take a moment to review some of the research on the correlation between a robust sense of purpose and enhanced motivation, happiness, and overall mental well-being.
According to a 2019 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology, individuals who described their lives as having more purpose and meaning also reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. A 2019 study from Harvard Medical School also found that individuals with a sense of purpose had a lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular issues, linking a sense of meaning directly to better physical health outcomes.
Additional research also attributes that a robust sense of purpose is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, and higher levels of resilience, happiness, and a longer life expectancy. Individuals with a clear purpose exhibit superior life goals and a pronounced sense of direction. This enables them to pursue diverse endeavors and cultivate a profound sense of fulfillment.
Theories and Frameworks on Purpose:
Purpose and passion are concepts that have been studied by great teachers for years. Finding your purpose in life is a deeply personal and often transformative journey, and over time, many theories and frameworks have emerged to help people navigate this search. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some prominent theories and notable teachers that have explored purpose at great length:
1. Ikigai
"Ikigai" is a Japanese concept that translates roughly to “a reason for being.” It suggests that the key to finding purpose is the intersection of four elements:
What you love (your passions)
What you're good at (your talents)
What the world needs (your contribution)
What you can be paid for (your vocation)
By identifying where these four areas overlap, you can discover a fulfilling purpose that aligns with both personal fulfillment and societal contribution.
2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow’s theory posits that human beings are motivated by a hierarchy of needs, with self-actualization (achieving one's full potential and purpose) sitting at the top. According to Maslow, once your basic needs (physiological, safety, social, and esteem needs) have been met, you move toward self-actualization, where purpose and personal fulfillment emerge. It suggests that finding purpose often involves personal growth and realizing your fullest potential.
3. Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy
Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, developed Logotherapy, which emphasizes that the primary drive in human beings is not pleasure (as Freud suggested) but the pursuit of meaning. Frankl argued that even in the most challenging circumstances, finding meaning or purpose in life is essential for survival and happiness.
Frankl believed that purpose can be found by:
Creating work or deeds that contribute to others.
Experiencing love and connection with others.
Finding meaning in suffering, by reinterpreting challenges as opportunities for growth or learning.
4. Arthur Brooks’ Macronutrients for Happiness
Arthur Brooks, a social scientist, author, public speaker, and a professor at Harvard Business School who teaches the sold-out course on leadership and happiness, stated that the macronutrients for happiness are enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. He further defines purpose as the most important one of the three, allowing us to face life with “hope and inner peace.”
Additionally, Brooks believes that a meaningful life is built around the four pillars: faith, family, friends, and work. A strong sense of purpose often comes from cultivating deep relationships, engaging in work that serves others, and having a sense of faith or philosophy that provides direction and hope. He also stresses that purpose is not a fixed destination but a journey over time; what your purpose was in your 20s is not the same as what your purpose will be in your 50s.
Lastly, Brooks argues the importance of letting go of attachment to status and worldly success as you age and instead focusing on wisdom, relationships, and spiritual growth.
5. Martha Beck’s Inner Compass
Martha Beck is a well-known life coach, author, and social scientist, who has written extensively about how to find your purpose. Her approach to finding your purpose is about listening to your inner compass, trusting your intuition, and taking inspired action based on what feels most authentic to you. She believes that by following the clues your body, passions, and curiosity give you, you can move toward a life that feels truly meaningful. Her approach to finding purpose is to:
Listen to your body: Your body gives you signals about what feels aligned with your true self.
Follow curiosity and passion: Look for what excites and interests you without worrying about external expectations.
Let go of societal pressures: Your purpose isn’t confined to a label or conventional idea of success.
Trust the process: Life will show you the way when you follow your authentic desires.
Create space for clarity: Reduce distractions and declutter to allow your true purpose to emerge.
Embrace change: Your purpose evolves with you over time, and it’s okay if it shifts.
Identifying Your Core Values and Beliefs
To uncover your purpose, it's crucial to grasp what propels you and what you uphold. This entails delving into your personal values, which dictate your choices and actions. When your actions resonate with your beliefs, you'll feel a profound sense of direction and fulfillment. Your inner self will find solace, and you'll be more inclined to pursue your vocation with fervor and commitment.
When examining your values, consider pivotal aspects such as relationships, professional pursuits, and personal development. Pose inquiries like:
What are my non-negotiables in life?
What am I most curious about?
Where do I feel a natural pull?
What am I interested in learning more about?
What kind of person do I aspire to be?
What kind of lifestyle do I wish to pursue?
What are my values and strengths?
What are my passions and interests?
Embracing Your Journey to Purpose
Regardless of the theory applied or reason for pursuing a deeper meaning in your life, remember, your purpose is unique to you, driving you to make a positive impact in the world. By staying true to your values and passions, you can create a life filled with motivation, happiness, and a strong sense of purpose.
In the words of Lau Tzu ”The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. Get out there and take your first step towards your most authentic and meaningful life.
~ Victoria Roger, LCSW - Therapist and Founder of Inner Harmony NY based in Massapequa, NY and serving clients across New York State
