🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 190 (from laksa014)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa190.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important","crawl_time":1777029069,"first_indexed_time":1672219574,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"me,unwantedlife!\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important s443","src_root_hash":"2429588707212706790","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?","meta_descriptions":["It's been argued that one of the fundamental factors in our wellbeing is finding meaning and purpose in life. To find out why, keep reading"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Much like how beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder, so is meaning and purpose. That’s why we often can’t find the same sense of fulfilment in the things that give other people that feeling. Finding meaning in life is as personal as it gets.\nTable of Contents\nTerror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning\nThe idea of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life has given me the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite theories,\nterror management theory\n. So I’m not going to let that opportunity pass.\nAccording to \nRyan and Deci\n (2004), for the longest time, \nterror management theory\n was one of few theories that investigated under the surface of\ngoals\nand cultural values to try to answer the existential concerns that come with being human. And there’s nothing more existential than needing to find meaning and purpose in life. It allows us to feel connected.\nThe basic premise of \nterror management theory\n, is that humans are acutely aware of death, and that awareness causes \ndeath anxiety\n. The theory then goes on to tell us about how we manage our \ndeath anxiety\n by using psychological buffers to this fear, such as believing in an afterlife.\nHowever, \nJuhl and Routledge\n(2016) suggest that another of these psychological buffers of our \ndeath anxiety\nis for us to find meaning and purpose in life. If we perceive that our life has worth, then it can help us to transcend that of the corporeal self, and that our existence has a broader, enduring purpose and significance.\nAdvertisements\nJuhl and Routledge\n (2016) also explained how \nterror management theory\nemphasises that our meaning and sense of purpose is based on our worldviews. Worldviews ground individuals in their values, much like our core values. Our worldviews are where we get our self-worth from, so if we live by our worldviews, then we can grow our sense of meaning.\nRyan and Deci\n (2004) argued that a search for meaning isn’t just about defending against our \ndeath anxiety\n, but is a significant part of our intrinsic developmental processes. They added that\nself-esteem\nconsists of a sense of meaning and significance that aptly explains certain defensive forms of\nself-esteem\n.\nHowever, they also state that\nself-determination theory\nsuggests that the healthy development of self is more (unfolding of intrinsic growth tendencies) significant than our defensive\nself-esteem\n. These tendencies toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness can fuel our feelings of meaning and purpose.\nIn other words, \nRyan and Deci\n (2004) believe that \nterror management theory’s\n well-documented work on people’s feelings of significance when reminded of mortality isn’t enough to explain the process of growth and finding meaning.\nNevertheless, the study performed by \nJuhl and Routledge\n (2016) found that people with low perceptions of meaning of life had higher \ndeath anxiety\n than those with high perceptions of meaning of life. Which could explain why people with conditions like \ndepression\n can struggle with feeling\nempty\n, joylessness, and lost.\nAdvertisements\nYour Identity And Finding Meaning\nBecause of how the world works, must of us are in jobs that might not give us the sense of meaning and purpose we’d like. For some people that can be a quite an issue, whereas for others it doesn’t really matter. They work to live rather than live to work, although that’s an oversimplification. For those of us that define ourselves by our careers, then getting meaning and purpose from our work is a significant factor in the satisfaction they experience or don’t experience (\nKosine, Steger, and Duncan\n, 2008).\nMiller, Townsend, and Grenyer\n(2021) found that when someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic\nemptiness\ngrows around their lack of\nidentity\n. This lack of (or unstable)\nidentity\nwould affect their self-direction, values, and\ngoals\n.\nBecause I endured a\nchildhood full of racism\n, my identity was in pieces and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. As my identity became more stable, I found my meaning in life, and that was to help people to avoid ending up like me. The scars of my childhood will be with me forever, and although I can still feel lost and empty from time to time, my meaning in life remains the same.\nBuzzFeed\nreported on someone having a similar story, whereby someone experiencing\nanxiety\n,\ndepression\n, and OCD since the age of 15 managed to find meaning and purpose. They found this meaning and purpose when returning as a camp counsellor to a camp they went to as a child. Previously, they’d struggled with connecting with other people, but this wasn’t the case when they were working as a camp counsellor. Being a mentor and support system to these children gave them their meaning and sense of purpose, making them feel “happy, confident, and valued”.\nKosine, Steger, and Duncan\n(2008) argued that identity is a critical component of our personal meaning systems, which affects our development of\ngoals\nand purpose. It’s hard to have a sense of purpose and meaning when your identity is unstable.\nThe issue of\nidentity\nand finding your meaning in life and your sense of purpose can be hard for young people as they transition from childhood to adulthood. According to\nSchippers and Ziegler\n(2019), people often find themselves trapped in the social media game of ‘living the perfect life’. Resulting in people trying hard to make their lives look perfect on Instagram and\nFacebook\n, often with the reality being very different, instead of living up to their core values, life meaning, and purpose.\nOne of the most common complaints about people who are experiencing poor mental health is how other people seem to have it all figured out, referencing social media sites like\nFacebook\n. This is why I often go on about how making\ncomparisons\nis bad for us. For starters,\ncomparisons\noften don’t make sense if you don’t have the same core values.\nI want to help others, but there isn’t very good money in that.\nComparing\n \nmyself to someone who’s rich but doesn’t care about how their behaviours after others, is just a waste of time. Even if you do have the same core values, you’re still not going to feel good about the\ncomparisons\nyou’re making. It’s a lose-lose thing to do.\nThis is best emphasised by a story created by\nSchippers and Ziegler\n(2019). This story is about Brian, a CEO of a bank that seems to have it all. They have a great salary, a fantastic house, and a family. Yet, Brian\nisn’t happy\nwith their life. Just because Brian has money and status, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re finding satisfaction in that life. Brian eventually realises that they’ve been living a life their parents wanted for him, rather than what Brain wanted for themselves. How many of us can relate to this?\nUnfortunately, although our parents think what they’re doing might be the best for us, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And in some cases, this pressure to live the life our parents want for us can be incredibly\ntoxic\n.\nBecause our identity plays such an important role in finding meaning and purpose for us as individuals,\nKosine, Steger, and Duncan\n(2008) suggest there should be a reciprocal relationship between the development of identity and the development of purpose throughout adolescence. However, they argue that this should be done to help young people find a line of work they can attach their sense of meaning to, so they can better fulfil their work roles.\nI’d argue that this shouldn’t just be about work. In fact, education shouldn’t just be about making us good little workers either. We can find meaning in life that doesn’t have to be bound to our jobs, and still live a fulfilled life. It’s simply not possible for everyone to work their dream job that gives them meaning and purpose their whole lives. But we can all hopefully find that meaning and purpose outside of work if we can’t get it from our work.\nAdvertisements\nIn The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by \nDouglas Adams\n, 42 is the meaning of life. And to a computer, that could very well be the case. No one can really tell you what the meaning of life is, so 42 is as good an answer as any.\nAlthough no one, or no thing, can tell you what the meaning of life is, that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible for us to find out for ourselves. Finding meaning and purpose is a very personal experience, and can be very important to our quality of life (\nKosine, Steger, and Duncan\n, 2008), especially in the long run.\nWhy is finding meaning and purpose important? Well, according to the \nUniversity of Minnesota\n, having a sense of purpose will guide your life decisions, influence your behaviours, shape your \ngoals\n, offer you a sense of direction, and create meaning. In short, it gives you a reason for being and to do things (\nCambridge Dictionary\n).\nFinding meaning and purpose is considered so important that people like\nSchippers and Ziegler\n (2019) argue that finding meaning and purpose is a fundamental human need. A view shared by \nLängle\n (2004) who said that people are fundamentally searching for a greater context and values for which they want to live.\nThis is supported by \nKosine, Steger, and Duncan\n(2008), who found that finding meaning and a sense of purpose provides people with a way to connect their present to their future aspirations,\naccomplishments\n, and\ngoals\n. In their article, they claimed that there’s substantial evidence that shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life have fewer psychological problems and experience a greater sense of \nhappiness\n.\nAlso, according to \nSchippers and Ziegler\n(2019), prior research has shown how personal \ngoal setting\n and \ngoal achievements\nhelp people gain a sense of meaning and purpose in life.\nAdvertisements\nFurthermore, \nKang, Strecher, Kim, and Falk\n(2019) stated that those of us with meaning and purpose in our lives are better at self-regulating when making decisions. They also experience fewer conflicts regarding making health-related decisions. The result being that having a sense of purpose and meaning leads to better health and mental health outcomes.\nA lack of meaning and purpose can lead to \nstress\n, \nanxiety\n, \ndepression\n, and other mental wellbeing issues (\nSchippers and Ziegler\n, 2019). Therefore, having a sense of purpose can have a protective effect in avoiding poor mental health and recovering from it.\nIt can help to think of finding meaning and purpose in life as being like having a core value (\nKosine, Steger, and Duncan\n, 2008). This core value then becomes the foundations that you build on throughout your life.\nFor example, if you got your sense of purpose and meaning from helping others, then helping others would be your core value that shapes how you go through life trying to fulfil this. This could lead you to donating money, volunteering, adopting,\nbeing a supportive friend\n, or even working in the caring sector. Using your life’s meaning and sense of purpose like this will also help you\nglow up\n.\nFinding meaning and purpose isn’t just about discovering what you like, but rather about finding out what’s important to you. Finding what’s important is better at igniting your passion than just doing what you like (\nSchippers and Ziegler\n, 2019). People dedicate their lives to what they think is important, which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to a whole new level.\nIt should be noted that just because someone may realise they’re lacking meaning and purpose in their life, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a good life. It also means that the journey to find that sense of purpose and meaning isn’t always going to be an easy one (\nSchippers and Ziegler\n, 2019).\nAdvertisements\nHow To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose\nAn article by\nLängle\n(2004) talks about\nLogotherapy\n, where they outlined how personal existential meaning comes from several key areas in life. These areas are: the real world in which we live in and its potentiality; the networks we form with people and the feelings they create; existing as our unique selves; and the future we shape through our development and activities.\nIn short, having the right people in our lives, taking action to shape our futures the way we want them to turn out, and living true to ourselves, are all we need to live a life of meaning and purpose. They’re also the best ways to live a life where we feel\nhappy\nand in control.\nFor a while now, psychologists have been talking about the significance of meaning in life for\npositive psychological\nfunctioning (\nSchnell and Becker\n, 2006). Resulting in\nSchippers and Ziegler\n(2019) creating what they call “life crafting”, which is an evidence-based approach to finding meaning and purpose. Life crafting, is a\npositive psychology\napproach to interventions, whereby they want to support and enhance wellbeing, rather than tackling the cause like you would a disease.\nThey outlined seven interventions, which could be done as\njournal\ntasks.\n1. Discover values and passions\nWrite about the things you like to do, what relationships (private and work) you’d like to have, what career you’d want, and about your lifestyle choices\/preferences.\n2. Reflect on current and desired competencies and habits\nThis is one of the few times you can kind of make a\ncomparison\nbecause its self-improvement is the focus. Write about the qualities you admire in others, what they might do well that you’d like to do too, and write about what good and bad habits they have.\n3. Reflect on present and future social life\nWrite about what relationships have a positive and negative effect on your life, what relationships does and doesn’t boost your energy, what kinds of friendships you’d like in the future, and what your family and social life would look like.\n4. Reflect on a possible future career\nWrite about what you find important about a job, what you’d like to do, what kind of colleagues you’d like, and what kinds of people you’d like to meet through work.\n5. Write about the ideal future\nWrite about your best possible self and the best possible future you could have if there were no constraints (self-imposed) and compare that to a future where no changes are made to make that better future happen.\n6. Write down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans\nCreate\ngoals\nusing\nSMART goals\n, identify as many obstacles as you can and problem solve how to overcome them, and keep track of your progress towards your\ngoals\n.\n7. Make public commitments to the goals set\nMake a public statement to others about your\ngoals\nand create a vision board.\nAdvertisements\nSummary\nIf you’ve ever experienced a feeling of emptiness or feeling lost, then you’ve likely had a period of time where you’ve lost your sense of meaning and purpose. You might not have even realised it at the time, you might not have realised it at all, but not having a reason to do something can be detrimental to our wellbeing.\nHaving meaning and purpose is massively important to how we live our lives. When you have a total lack of meaning and purpose in our lives, that lack of a reason can stop you looking after yourself, and in extreme cases, lead to\nsuicidal ideation\nand attempts.\nI know some of you might be thinking that you don’t have the luxury of finding meaning and purpose in life. But let me say this: finding that sense of meaning and purpose has far-reaching effects on not just your\nhappiness\nand wellbeing, but of those around you as well (\nSchippers and Ziegler\n, 2019).\nFurthermore, children learn by the examples we set them, so ditch the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mentality, and show them that finding your meaning and purpose can be a great way to live by doing it yourself.\nAs always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with finding meaning and a purpose in the comments section below as well. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, then sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, get push notifications for new articles by clicking the red bell icon in the bottom right corner.\nLastly, if you’d like to support my blog, you can make a donation of any size below. Until next time,\nUn\nwanted Life readers.\nReferences\nJuhl, J., & Routledge, C. (2016). Putting the terror in terror management theory: Evidence that the awareness of death does cause anxiety and undermine psychological well-being. \nCurrent Directions in Psychological Science\n, \n25\n(2), 99-103. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/eprints.soton.ac.uk\/385875\/1\/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf\n.\nKang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E., & Falk, E. B. (2019). Purpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making. \nHealth Psychology\n, \n38\n(6), 545. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/manuscript\/2019-21849-001.pdf\nand\nhttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/hea0000729\n.\nKosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. \nProfessional School Counseling\n, \n12\n(2), 2156759X0801200209. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/2156759X0801200209\nand\nhttps:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_\nFinding_Meaning\n_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-\nFinding-Meaning\n-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf\n.\nLängle, A. (2004). The search for meaning in life and the existential fundamental motivations. \nInternational Journal of Existential Positive Psychology\n, \n1\n(1). Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/www.meaning.ca\/web\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/93-13-457-1-10-20171212.pdf\n.\nMiller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study. \nBorderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation\n, \n8\n(1), 1-9. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/bpded.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00164-8\nand\nhttps:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00164-8\n.\nRyan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Avoiding Death or Engaging Life as Accounts of Meaning and Culture: Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004). \nPsychological Bulletin, 130\n(3), 473–477. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/0033-2909.130.3.473\nand\nhttps:\/\/selfdeterminationtheory.org\/SDT\/documents\/2004_DeciRyan_CommentPysz.pdf\n.\nSchippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. \nFrontiers in Psychology\n, \n10\n, 2778. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2019.02778\/full\n.\nSchnell, T., & Becker, P. (2006). Personality and meaning in life. \nPersonality and individual Differences\n, \n41\n(1), 117-129. Retrieved from\nhttps:\/\/www.uibk.ac.at\/psychologie\/mitarbeiter\/schnell\/docs\/article_pdfs\/as2485531466792961436271096683_content_1.pdf\n.","attrs_markdown":"[ko-fi.com\/unwantedlife](https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/unwantedlife)\n\n[ko-fi.com\/unwantedlife](https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/unwantedlife)\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#content \"Skip to content\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cropped-website-test-logo-banner-3-1.png)](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/ \"Unwanted Life\")\n\n[Search](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/about-me \"About Me\")\n- [Shop](https:\/\/shop.unwantedlife.me\/)\n- [Sponsors](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/sponsors)\n  - [How To Sponsor Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/sponsors\/how-to-sponsor-unwanted-life)\n  - [Meet The Sponsors](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/meet-the-sponsors)\n- [Crisis Lines](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/global-crisis-lines \"Global Crisis Lines And Support\")\n  - [UK Crisis Lines](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/global-crisis-lines\/uk-crisis \"UK Crisis Lines And Support\")\n- [Resources](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/resources)\n- [Stories](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories)\n  - [Unwanted And Unreciprocated: The Life Of Beth](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/unwanted-life-of-beth \"Stories\")\n  - [The Runt Of The Litter: An Unwanted Life Story](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/runt-of-the-litter \"Stories\")\n  - [My Broken Mind: An Unwanted Life Story](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/my-broken-mind-an-unwanted-life-story \"Stories\")\n  - [The Impact Of Trolls: Sumo Cyco’s Unwanted Life Story](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/the-impact-of-trolls-sumo-cycos-unwanted-life-story)\n  - [Unwanted Moments: An Unwanted Life Story](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/unwanted-moments-an-unwanted-life-story)\n  - [An Unwanted Life Story: Zac Thraves’s Acceptance Journey](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/an-unwanted-life-story-zac-thravess-acceptance-journey)\n  - [An Unwanted Life Story: A Eulogy For My Socially Distant Father](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/stories\/an-unwanted-life-story-a-eulogy-for-my-socially-distant-father)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/subscribe)\n- [Petitions](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/petitions \"Petitions And Campaigns\")\n- [Contact](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/contact-page \"Contact Page\")\n- [Search](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important)\n\n![An image of a person planting a small green plant in the ground to represent the topic of the article - Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/feature-Finding-Meaning-What-Makes-Having-A-Purpose-So-Important-Life-Advice-Unwanted-Life.jpg)\n\n# Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?\n[6 June 202428 December 2022](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important \"07:00\")\n\nby [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/author\/satanic_tendencies_666 \"View all posts by Unwanted Life\")\n\nMuch like how beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder, so is meaning and purpose. That’s why we often can’t find the same sense of fulfilment in the things that give other people that feeling. Finding meaning in life is as personal as it gets.\n\nTable of Contents\n\n[Toggle](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important)\n\n- [Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Terror-Management-Theorys-Take-On-Finding-Meaning)\n- [Your Identity And Finding Meaning](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Your-Identity-And-Finding-Meaning)\n- [Why Finding Meaning And Purpose Is Important](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Why-Finding-Meaning-And-Purpose-Is-Important)\n- [How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#How-To-Go-About-Finding-Meaning-And-Purpose)\n- [Summary](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Summary)\n- [References](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#References)\n## Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning\nThe idea of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life has given me the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite theories, [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory). So I’m not going to let that opportunity pass.\n\nAccording to [Ryan and Deci](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004), for the longest time, [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) was one of few theories that investigated under the surface of [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and cultural values to try to answer the existential concerns that come with being human. And there’s nothing more existential than needing to find meaning and purpose in life. It allows us to feel connected.\n\nThe basic premise of [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory), is that humans are acutely aware of death, and that awareness causes [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory). The theory then goes on to tell us about how we manage our [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) by using psychological buffers to this fear, such as believing in an afterlife.\n\nHowever, [Juhl and Routledge](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) suggest that another of these psychological buffers of our [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) is for us to find meaning and purpose in life. If we perceive that our life has worth, then it can help us to transcend that of the corporeal self, and that our existence has a broader, enduring purpose and significance.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n[Juhl and Routledge](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) also explained how [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) emphasises that our meaning and sense of purpose is based on our worldviews. Worldviews ground individuals in their values, much like our core values. Our worldviews are where we get our self-worth from, so if we live by our worldviews, then we can grow our sense of meaning.\n\n[Ryan and Deci](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) argued that a search for meaning isn’t just about defending against our [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory), but is a significant part of our intrinsic developmental processes. They added that [self-esteem](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas) consists of a sense of meaning and significance that aptly explains certain defensive forms of [self-esteem](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas).\n\nHowever, they also state that [self-determination theory](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Self-determination_theory) suggests that the healthy development of self is more (unfolding of intrinsic growth tendencies) significant than our defensive [self-esteem](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas). These tendencies toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness can fuel our feelings of meaning and purpose.\n\nIn other words, [Ryan and Deci](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) believe that [terror management theory’s](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) well-documented work on people’s feelings of significance when reminded of mortality isn’t enough to explain the process of growth and finding meaning.\n\nNevertheless, the study performed by [Juhl and Routledge](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) found that people with low perceptions of meaning of life had higher [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) than those with high perceptions of meaning of life. Which could explain why people with conditions like [depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression) can struggle with feeling [empty](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness), joylessness, and lost.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## Your Identity And Finding Meaning\nBecause of how the world works, must of us are in jobs that might not give us the sense of meaning and purpose we’d like. For some people that can be a quite an issue, whereas for others it doesn’t really matter. They work to live rather than live to work, although that’s an oversimplification. For those of us that define ourselves by our careers, then getting meaning and purpose from our work is a significant factor in the satisfaction they experience or don’t experience ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008).\n\n[Miller, Townsend, and Grenyer](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Miller) (2021) found that when someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic [emptiness](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness) grows around their lack of [identity](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable). This lack of (or unstable) [identity](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) would affect their self-direction, values, and [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals).\n\nBecause I endured a [childhood full of racism](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/suicidal-child), my identity was in pieces and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. As my identity became more stable, I found my meaning in life, and that was to help people to avoid ending up like me. The scars of my childhood will be with me forever, and although I can still feel lost and empty from time to time, my meaning in life remains the same.\n\n[BuzzFeed](https:\/\/www.buzzfeed.com\/sydrobinson1\/mental-health-glow-ups-thatll-give-you-hope) reported on someone having a similar story, whereby someone experiencing [anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/anxiety), [depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression), and OCD since the age of 15 managed to find meaning and purpose. They found this meaning and purpose when returning as a camp counsellor to a camp they went to as a child. Previously, they’d struggled with connecting with other people, but this wasn’t the case when they were working as a camp counsellor. Being a mentor and support system to these children gave them their meaning and sense of purpose, making them feel “happy, confident, and valued”.\n\n[Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) argued that identity is a critical component of our personal meaning systems, which affects our development of [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and purpose. It’s hard to have a sense of purpose and meaning when your identity is unstable.\n\nThe issue of [identity](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) and finding your meaning in life and your sense of purpose can be hard for young people as they transition from childhood to adulthood. According to [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), people often find themselves trapped in the social media game of ‘living the perfect life’. Resulting in people trying hard to make their lives look perfect on Instagram and [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Unwanted.Life.me), often with the reality being very different, instead of living up to their core values, life meaning, and purpose.\n\n![The picture is split in two, with the top image being of a persons hand holding a small green plant. The bottom image being of a person who holding a compus in the woods. The two images are separated by the article title - Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pin-0-Finding-Meaning-What-Makes-Having-A-Purpose-So-Important-Life-Advice-Unwanted-Life-400x600.png)\n\nOne of the most common complaints about people who are experiencing poor mental health is how other people seem to have it all figured out, referencing social media sites like [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Unwanted.Life.me). This is why I often go on about how making [comparisons](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) is bad for us. For starters, [comparisons](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) often don’t make sense if you don’t have the same core values.\n\nI want to help others, but there isn’t very good money in that. [Comparing](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) myself to someone who’s rich but doesn’t care about how their behaviours after others, is just a waste of time. Even if you do have the same core values, you’re still not going to feel good about the [comparisons](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) you’re making. It’s a lose-lose thing to do.\n\nThis is best emphasised by a story created by [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019). This story is about Brian, a CEO of a bank that seems to have it all. They have a great salary, a fantastic house, and a family. Yet, Brian [isn’t happy](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) with their life. Just because Brian has money and status, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re finding satisfaction in that life. Brian eventually realises that they’ve been living a life their parents wanted for him, rather than what Brain wanted for themselves. How many of us can relate to this?\n\nUnfortunately, although our parents think what they’re doing might be the best for us, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And in some cases, this pressure to live the life our parents want for us can be incredibly [toxic](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/how-to-handle-toxic-family-members).\n\nBecause our identity plays such an important role in finding meaning and purpose for us as individuals, [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) suggest there should be a reciprocal relationship between the development of identity and the development of purpose throughout adolescence. However, they argue that this should be done to help young people find a line of work they can attach their sense of meaning to, so they can better fulfil their work roles.\n\nI’d argue that this shouldn’t just be about work. In fact, education shouldn’t just be about making us good little workers either. We can find meaning in life that doesn’t have to be bound to our jobs, and still live a fulfilled life. It’s simply not possible for everyone to work their dream job that gives them meaning and purpose their whole lives. But we can all hopefully find that meaning and purpose outside of work if we can’t get it from our work.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## Why Finding Meaning And Purpose Is Important\nIn The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by [Douglas Adams](https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/whatis\/definition\/42-h2g2-meaning-of-life-The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy#:~:text=In%20Douglas%20Adams'%20The%20Hitchhiker's,everything%22\\)%20can%20be%20derived), 42 is the meaning of life. And to a computer, that could very well be the case. No one can really tell you what the meaning of life is, so 42 is as good an answer as any.\n\nAlthough no one, or no thing, can tell you what the meaning of life is, that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible for us to find out for ourselves. Finding meaning and purpose is a very personal experience, and can be very important to our quality of life ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008), especially in the long run.\n\nWhy is finding meaning and purpose important? Well, according to the [University of Minnesota](https:\/\/www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu\/what-life-purpose), having a sense of purpose will guide your life decisions, influence your behaviours, shape your [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals), offer you a sense of direction, and create meaning. In short, it gives you a reason for being and to do things ([Cambridge Dictionary](https:\/\/dictionary.cambridge.org\/dictionary\/english\/purpose)).\n\nFinding meaning and purpose is considered so important that people like [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) argue that finding meaning and purpose is a fundamental human need. A view shared by [Längle](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) who said that people are fundamentally searching for a greater context and values for which they want to live.\n\nThis is supported by [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008), who found that finding meaning and a sense of purpose provides people with a way to connect their present to their future aspirations, [accomplishments](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself), and [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals). In their article, they claimed that there’s substantial evidence that shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life have fewer psychological problems and experience a greater sense of [happiness](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not).\n\nAlso, according to [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), prior research has shown how personal [goal setting](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and [goal achievements](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself) help people gain a sense of meaning and purpose in life.\n\nAdvertisements\n\nFurthermore, [Kang, Strecher, Kim, and Falk](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kang) (2019) stated that those of us with meaning and purpose in our lives are better at self-regulating when making decisions. They also experience fewer conflicts regarding making health-related decisions. The result being that having a sense of purpose and meaning leads to better health and mental health outcomes.\n\nA lack of meaning and purpose can lead to [stress](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/manage-stress), [anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/anxiety), [depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression), and other mental wellbeing issues ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Therefore, having a sense of purpose can have a protective effect in avoiding poor mental health and recovering from it.\n\nIt can help to think of finding meaning and purpose in life as being like having a core value ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008). This core value then becomes the foundations that you build on throughout your life.\n\nFor example, if you got your sense of purpose and meaning from helping others, then helping others would be your core value that shapes how you go through life trying to fulfil this. This could lead you to donating money, volunteering, adopting, [being a supportive friend](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/always-there-for-a-friend-bethemateyoudwant), or even working in the caring sector. Using your life’s meaning and sense of purpose like this will also help you [glow up](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/how-to-glow-up-your-mental-health-this-new-year).\n\nFinding meaning and purpose isn’t just about discovering what you like, but rather about finding out what’s important to you. Finding what’s important is better at igniting your passion than just doing what you like ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). People dedicate their lives to what they think is important, which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to a whole new level.\n\nIt should be noted that just because someone may realise they’re lacking meaning and purpose in their life, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a good life. It also means that the journey to find that sense of purpose and meaning isn’t always going to be an easy one ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019).\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose\nAn article by [Längle](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) talks about [Logotherapy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Logotherapy), where they outlined how personal existential meaning comes from several key areas in life. These areas are: the real world in which we live in and its potentiality; the networks we form with people and the feelings they create; existing as our unique selves; and the future we shape through our development and activities.\n\nIn short, having the right people in our lives, taking action to shape our futures the way we want them to turn out, and living true to ourselves, are all we need to live a life of meaning and purpose. They’re also the best ways to live a life where we feel [happy](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) and in control.\n\nFor a while now, psychologists have been talking about the significance of meaning in life for [positive psychological](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/positive-psychology) functioning ([Schnell and Becker](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schnell), 2006). Resulting in [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) creating what they call “life crafting”, which is an evidence-based approach to finding meaning and purpose. Life crafting, is a [positive psychology](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/positive-psychology) approach to interventions, whereby they want to support and enhance wellbeing, rather than tackling the cause like you would a disease.\n\nThey outlined seven interventions, which could be done as [journal](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/improve-your-wellbeing-with-these-8-easy-journal-ideas) tasks.\n\n**1\\. Discover values and passions**\n\nWrite about the things you like to do, what relationships (private and work) you’d like to have, what career you’d want, and about your lifestyle choices\/preferences.\n\n**2\\. Reflect on current and desired competencies and habits**\n\nThis is one of the few times you can kind of make a [comparison](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) because its self-improvement is the focus. Write about the qualities you admire in others, what they might do well that you’d like to do too, and write about what good and bad habits they have.\n\n**3\\. Reflect on present and future social life**\n\nWrite about what relationships have a positive and negative effect on your life, what relationships does and doesn’t boost your energy, what kinds of friendships you’d like in the future, and what your family and social life would look like.\n\n**4\\. Reflect on a possible future career**\n\nWrite about what you find important about a job, what you’d like to do, what kind of colleagues you’d like, and what kinds of people you’d like to meet through work.\n\n**5\\. Write about the ideal future**\n\nWrite about your best possible self and the best possible future you could have if there were no constraints (self-imposed) and compare that to a future where no changes are made to make that better future happen.\n\n**6\\. Write down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans**\n\nCreate [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) using [SMART goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals), identify as many obstacles as you can and problem solve how to overcome them, and keep track of your progress towards your [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals).\n\n**7\\. Make public commitments to the goals set**\n\nMake a public statement to others about your [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and create a vision board.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## Summary\nIf you’ve ever experienced a feeling of emptiness or feeling lost, then you’ve likely had a period of time where you’ve lost your sense of meaning and purpose. You might not have even realised it at the time, you might not have realised it at all, but not having a reason to do something can be detrimental to our wellbeing.\n\nHaving meaning and purpose is massively important to how we live our lives. When you have a total lack of meaning and purpose in our lives, that lack of a reason can stop you looking after yourself, and in extreme cases, lead to [suicidal ideation](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/suicidal-ideation-what-its-like-living-with-suicidal-thoughts) and attempts.\n\nI know some of you might be thinking that you don’t have the luxury of finding meaning and purpose in life. But let me say this: finding that sense of meaning and purpose has far-reaching effects on not just your [happiness](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/are-hobbies-important-and-how-can-they-make-you-happy) and wellbeing, but of those around you as well ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019).\n\nFurthermore, children learn by the examples we set them, so ditch the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mentality, and show them that finding your meaning and purpose can be a great way to live by doing it yourself.\n\nAs always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with finding meaning and a purpose in the comments section below as well. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, then sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, get push notifications for new articles by clicking the red bell icon in the bottom right corner.\n\nLastly, if you’d like to support my blog, you can make a donation of any size below. Until next time, ~~Un~~wanted Life readers.\n\n## References\nJuhl, J., & Routledge, C. (2016). Putting the terror in terror management theory: Evidence that the awareness of death does cause anxiety and undermine psychological well-being. *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, *25*(2), 99-103. Retrieved from [*https:\/\/eprints.soton.ac.uk\/385875\/1\/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf*](https:\/\/eprints.soton.ac.uk\/385875\/1\/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf).\n\nKang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E., & Falk, E. B. (2019). Purpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making. *Health Psychology*, *38*(6), 545. Retrieved from [*https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/manuscript\/2019-21849-001.pdf*](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/hea0000729) and <https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/hea0000729>.\n\nKosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. *Professional School Counseling*, *12*(2), 2156759X0801200209. Retrieved from <https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/2156759X0801200209> and [*https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826\\_Purpose-Centered\\_Career\\_Development\\_A\\_Strengths-Based\\_Approach\\_to\\_*](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding\\_Meaning*[*\\_and\\_Purpose\\_in\\_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-*](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding-Meaning*[*\\-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf*](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf).\n\nLängle, A. (2004). The search for meaning in life and the existential fundamental motivations. *International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology*, *1*(1). Retrieved from <https:\/\/www.meaning.ca\/web\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/93-13-457-1-10-20171212.pdf>.\n\nMiller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study. *Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation*, *8*(1), 1-9. Retrieved from <https:\/\/bpded.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00164-8> and <https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00164-8>.\n\nRyan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Avoiding Death or Engaging Life as Accounts of Meaning and Culture: Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004). *Psychological Bulletin, 130*(3), 473–477. Retrieved from [*https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/0033-2909.130.3.473*](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doi\/10.1037\/0033-2909.130.3.473) and <https:\/\/selfdeterminationtheory.org\/SDT\/documents\/2004_DeciRyan_CommentPysz.pdf>.\n\nSchippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. *Frontiers in Psychology*, *10*, 2778. Retrieved from <https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2019.02778\/full>.\n\nSchnell, T., & Becker, P. (2006). Personality and meaning in life. *Personality and individual Differences*, *41*(1), 117-129. Retrieved from <https:\/\/www.uibk.ac.at\/psychologie\/mitarbeiter\/schnell\/docs\/article_pdfs\/as2485531466792961436271096683_content_1.pdf>.\n\n### Sharing The Love:\n- [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=facebook&nb=1)\n- [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=twitter&nb=1)\n- [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=pinterest&nb=1)\n- [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=reddit&nb=1)\n- [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=tumblr&nb=1)\n- [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=linkedin&nb=1)\n- [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=telegram&nb=1)\n- [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1)\n- [Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=threads&nb=1)\n- [Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=mastodon&nb=1)\n- [Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=nextdoor&nb=1)\n- [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=bluesky&nb=1)\n- [More](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important)\n\n- [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#print?share=print&nb=1)\n\n### Like this:\nLike Loading...\n\n[![A photo of a grave stone to represent - What Is Terror Management Theory](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/feature-What-Is-Terror-Management-Theory-Psychology-Theory-Death-Anxiety-Unwanted-Life.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1)](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory \"What Is Terror Management Theory?\")\n\n#### [What Is Terror Management Theory?](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory \"What Is Terror Management Theory?\")\nApparently, all humans suffer from death anxiety, and in order to explain this anxiety and how we manage it, Terror Management Theory was created\n\nIn \"General\"\n\n[![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/feature-Nudge-Theory-Self-nudging-Our-Way-To-Better-Wellbeing-Mental-Health-And-Wellness-Unwanted-Life.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1)](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/nudge-theory-self-nudging-our-way-to-better-wellbeing \"Nudge Theory: Self-nudging Our Way To Better Wellbeing\")\n\n#### [Nudge Theory: Self-nudging Our Way To Better Wellbeing](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/nudge-theory-self-nudging-our-way-to-better-wellbeing \"Nudge Theory: Self-nudging Our Way To Better Wellbeing\")\nNudge Theory has been having its moment in the spotlight recently. But what if I told you that it has self-care applications?\n\nIn \"Advice\"\n\n[![A photo of a Black child holding a butterfly in their hands to represent the topic of the article - The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/feature-The-Interesting-Applications-Of-Chaos-Theory-On-Our-Wellbeing-Self-Care-and-Wellness-Unwanted-Life.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1)](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-interesting-applications-of-chaos-theory-on-our-wellbeing \"The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing\")\n\n#### [The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-interesting-applications-of-chaos-theory-on-our-wellbeing \"The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing\")\nI love chaos theory, and I've been thinking of ways to apply it to mental health since I read James Gleick's book. Here are my musings on it\n\nIn \"General\"\n\nCategories [Advice](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/category\/advice), [General](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/category\/general), [Me](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/category\/me), [Mental Health](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/category\/mental-health), [Research](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/category\/research-and-facts), [Theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/category\/theory)Tags [Anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/anxiety), [Depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression), [Relationships](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/relationships), [What is...](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/what-is)\n\nPost navigation\n\n[How To Glow Up Your Mental Health This New Year](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/how-to-glow-up-your-mental-health-this-new-year)\n\n[Identity Crisis: What Happens When Our Identity Is Unstable?](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable)\n\n### 31 thoughts on “Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?”\n1. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/33bee8652326c9d210e6ad015ea4735fbe5d3321ae50df5fbaef3cf07a0694c1?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [Ezioma Kalu](https:\/\/bookishpixie.com\/)\n   \n   [28 December 2022 at 09:18](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10202)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10202)\n   \n   Thank you so much for this post. Most times people live meaningless lives because they’re not living their truth. But what their parents make them to live. Parents should understand that no matter how well they mean for their children, they cannot live their lives for them. They should give them the freedom of choosing their own dreams and being themselves.\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [28 December 2022 at 20:15](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10205)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10205)\n     \n     Indeed. We have one life and we all should be able to live it the way we want\n     \n     Loading...\n2. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5da2046b611fcfd7629c502a772457ffe0a02be67db32b1639f352640a65687?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [Fadima Mooneira](https:\/\/fadimamooneira.com\/)\n   \n   [28 December 2022 at 11:19](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10203)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10203)\n   \n   So true! Life is like driving a car. You must have a desire destination. That’s why it is important to visualise your dreams and follow the right path.\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [28 December 2022 at 20:20](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10206)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10206)\n     \n     Thanks for commenting\n     \n     Loading...\n3. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2e07044993cdd27112e75f4e86457fa8716ba013787b1235911f82ce1d039572?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [Fransic verso](https:\/\/querianson.com\/)\n   \n   [28 December 2022 at 19:58](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10204)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10204)\n   \n   I’m working on building up the commitments and then I go public with it and share with friends and family. These are great tips\\!\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [28 December 2022 at 20:24](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10207)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10207)\n     \n     Thanks for commenting\n     \n     Loading...\n4. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/702b6ec14110c1db3cf01f50bc46ec7d2d21def08bcba27eee0beb058a776164?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [mindbeautysimplicity](https:\/\/mindbeautysimplicity.wordpress.com\/)\n   \n   [29 December 2022 at 18:13](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10208)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10208)\n   \n   great post! this is perfect to read before the new year as it’s a time for people to set goals. thanks for sharing.\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [30 December 2022 at 20:43](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10211)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10211)\n     \n     That was my thinking too\n     \n     Loading...\n5. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/17c561d73bf3bf8a784f0c8304b32d51e22a8ce5a8063e508b51eb9db447e793?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [Winnie](https:\/\/helloitswinnie.com\/)\n   \n   [31 December 2022 at 14:23](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10212)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10212)\n   \n   This was an insightful post. I have lost my purpose in life multiple times and it is truly the saddest thing. I’m still trying to find my purpose, and hopefully I’ll find it soon.\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [1 January 2023 at 21:55](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10216)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10216)\n     \n     Sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination, that gives us the biggest rewards. Happy New Year\n     \n     Loading...\n6. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1e37b7c13dca705a01dbc9795414aafa55c8b5fea4724cf13c03ef7fffd54423?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [Fritzie](https:\/\/lifewithfritzie.com\/)\n   \n   [1 January 2023 at 17:34](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10213)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10213)\n   \n   This is a very informative and thought provoking post. After the recent death of my dad, I began to question a lot of things in my life. I find this article quiet helpful as I try to find the answers. Thanks for sharing\\!\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [1 January 2023 at 22:03](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10217)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10217)\n     \n     I’m sorry to hear about your dad, but I’m glad to hear my little article played a tiny role in helping you heal\n     \n     Loading...\n7. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0091b0877914c1546cb7179ae5b530355679b1e7cc6cb0312e873154b904b647?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   Aspen Hite\n   \n   [1 January 2023 at 18:35](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10214)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10214)\n   \n   Insightful and interesting! I had never heard of the Terror Management Theory, so that was fascinating (and makes tons of sense). I recently read “The Great Work of Your Life” by Stephen Cope, a thought-provoking ‘guidebook’ to finding your dharma\/purpose, chronicling famous, influential people as well as regular people like us. Really a great read to explore the idea of finding and living your dharma\/purpose. A lot of similarities and overlapping ideals. Another GREAT post! Wishing you a wonderous 2023! ![✌️](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/270c.svg)\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [1 January 2023 at 22:35](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10218)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10218)\n     \n     Sounds like an interesting book. Happy New Year\n     \n     Loading...\n8. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3fe79e0dfcb3e8ddc330676651147b6866833e10cc0e07d35de8986d7296ff52?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [Claudie](https:\/\/www.definingmyessence.com\/)\n   \n   [1 January 2023 at 21:29](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10215)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10215)\n   \n   2022 and the pandemic made me realize how much I needed to do what is meaningful to me and I’ve been happier since\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [1 January 2023 at 22:40](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10219)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10219)\n     \n     That’s good to hear\n     \n     Loading...\n9. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9f84c2094f43c26d5ae0826249c2f0a8c6c49e46fb1b229f2ed42443fddbc8c6?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n   \n   [middleagefanclub](https:\/\/middleagefanclub.wordpress.com\/)\n   \n   [3 January 2023 at 09:38](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10220)\n   \n   \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10220)\n   \n   Such an interesting read. I struggled for a few years with finding purpose when I was younger. Then I kind of fell into teaching and from very early on, knew I had found something very special.  \n    Thanks for sharing.\n   \n   Loading...\n   - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n     \n     [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n     \n     [3 January 2023 at 11:40](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10222)\n     \n     \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10222)\n     \n     It’s great when you can find something, but do you also get purpose from anything outside of work?\n     \n     Loading...\n     - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9f84c2094f43c26d5ae0826249c2f0a8c6c49e46fb1b229f2ed42443fddbc8c6?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n       \n       [middleagefanclub](https:\/\/middleagefanclub.wordpress.com\/)\n       \n       [3 January 2023 at 17:34](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10225)\n       \n       \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10225)\n       \n       Yes. Before my operation I coached a kids’ football team and lived that.\n       \n       Loading...\n10. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a7de71eb40233af882e9464ffa4dd63db24403525246bb57871171ed1e4dda43?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n    \n    [Sue Berk Koch](https:\/\/susanberkkoch.com\/)\n    \n    [3 January 2023 at 11:22](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10221)\n    \n    \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10221)\n    \n    I agree with this quote, ‘…someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic emptiness grows…’  \n     Putting pressure on oneself to find a goal can be anxiety-provoking in and of itself. I’m not altogether convinced that everyone needs a specific goal to find happiness, but I do agree with your number 1 above, finding what we value and enjoy doing–not what anyone else thinks we should be doing– is the way to decrease anxiety and distress. If that results in one’s life work or goal, all the better.\n    \n    Loading...\n    - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n      \n      [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n      \n      [3 January 2023 at 11:46](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10223)\n      \n      \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10223)\n      \n      Thank you for sharing your thoughts\n      \n      Loading...\n11. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b24527fa0ccbfe5856de81a4bd834b60076ea321ef417af744f90611f4e260a9?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n    \n    [Not-So-Modern-Girl](https:\/\/notsomoderngirl.com\/)\n    \n    [3 January 2023 at 14:29](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10224)\n    \n    \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10224)\n    \n    Great post! I think we all need to find our sense of purpose- whether we actively look for it, or just feel it in our gut. This is such a helpful post for people looking to understand the process, and find out the reason why having a purpose is key to all of our lives. Thank you for sharing\n    \n    Loading...\n    - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n      \n      [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n      \n      [3 January 2023 at 19:16](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10226)\n      \n      \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10226)\n      \n      Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the topic\n      \n      Loading...\n12. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a9623a44600b4a3b904d9274c558c9ace0e00ad11d33eef88d9e2c2a5bc12c6f?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n    \n    thestoicpadawan\n    \n    [9 January 2023 at 17:04](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10238)\n    \n    \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10238)\n    \n    Excellent article with a lot to unpack. The fact that the idea of an afterlife and a purpose is a buffer for us to deal with the anxiety of death is a super interesting one. Because if life doesn’t have a bigger meaning, then it doesn’t matter what we do. But we are alive, so we might as well give it our own meaning.\n    \n    And I do think that it is important to do so and as you say that it has far reaching effects. I’ve been doing so over time and making decisions in line with it. It’s not always easy but the alternative isn’t an option.\n    \n    I think that those who have a sense of purpose live better lives and are more accepting of death and the fact that it will happen.\n    \n    Great post, thank you for sharing this. Lot of food for thought.\n    \n    Loading...\n    - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n      \n      [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n      \n      [9 January 2023 at 23:26](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10242)\n      \n      \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10242)\n      \n      As a nihilist would say, nothing matters, but what you do with the knowledge defines who you are. Nothing matters so you may think there’s no point doing anything. But nothing matters, so you may as well do whatever you want. As they say, perspective is everything. Thanks for commenting\n      \n      Loading...\n13. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3500edf554308a2ee7aa7ba0714984af652fbef4e8030bad34016fa4e25c4db5?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n    \n    [Jade MumLifeAndMe](https:\/\/www.mumlifeand.me\/)\n    \n    [9 January 2023 at 18:46](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10240)\n    \n    \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10240)\n    \n    This is a great post and resonates with what I have recently been through. I felt lost and depressed for a while trying to find meaning in life and it recently came to me. I feel more at peace with myself, so I’m taking that as a sign I have found my purpose. It’s important to reflect and write it down in points, like you’ve mentioned. That’s do helpful in figuring things out. Great post, thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeAndMe\n    \n    Loading...\n    - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n      \n      [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n      \n      [9 January 2023 at 23:36](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10245)\n      \n      \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10245)\n      \n      I’m glad you’ve been able to find your purpose. Thanks for sharing\n      \n      Loading...\n14. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1a5ed8ef0d97363b687fa102a0b1e29f895e2bb0a4339715b6d404774c643726?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n    \n    Ben\n    \n    [9 January 2023 at 23:28](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10243)\n    \n    \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10243)\n    \n    This post goes deep into the question of purpose and meaning. There are some great tips on how to start your search for it, but it also shows why it is important and has far-reaching effects if you go on the journey. Some interesting points as to its relation with death\n    \n    Loading...\n    - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n      \n      [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n      \n      [9 January 2023 at 23:29](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10244)\n      \n      \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10244)\n      \n      Thank you. I’d like to think there are some points and tips to benefit everyone in this article\n      \n      Loading...\n15. ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e1ecdb87d5ff1d159639b2a557c77302af37cfda318791144436746da42d2678?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n    \n    [Liz](https:\/\/lizsonwardjourney.blogspot.com\/)\n    \n    [11 January 2023 at 08:41](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10254)\n    \n    \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10254)\n    \n    Thank you for this very helpful post. I have been finding it difficult for some time and last year was even harder.  \n     I do vision boards. It’s my second year doing a vision board which I use a whiteboard for mine. I have it in my bedroom so it’s the first thing I see as well as the last thing I see.  \n     It’s a little bit slightly different this year because I am trying to docus on what I enjoy. So enjoyment is the theme more this year.\n    \n    Loading...\n    - ![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg)\n      \n      [Unwanted Life](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/)\n      \n      [11 January 2023 at 17:05](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10264)\n      \n      \\| [Reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10264)\n      \n      Enjoyment is a great theme to focus on. We can lose ourselves in the stuff we enjoy, which makes life easier to deal with. Thanks for sharing\n      \n      Loading...\n### Leave a Reply[Cancel reply](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#respond)\nThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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[YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC-lTjim8GDanVGb8-G3Eu9A)\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/user\/Unwanted-Life)\n\n## Policies\n[Legal Stuff](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/legal-stuff)\n\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/privacy-policy)\n\n[Disclosure Policy](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/disclosure-policy)\n\n[Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terms-and-conditions)\n\n## Blog Stats\n- 278,917 hits\n\n© 2026 Unwanted Life • Powered by [WPKoi](https:\/\/wpkoi.com\/lalita-wpkoi-wordpress-theme\/)\n\n## Discover more from Unwanted Life\nSubscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.\n\n[Continue reading](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important)\n\n%d","attrs_readable_markdown":"Much like how beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder, so is meaning and purpose. That’s why we often can’t find the same sense of fulfilment in the things that give other people that feeling. Finding meaning in life is as personal as it gets.\n\nTable of Contents\n\n## Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning\nThe idea of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life has given me the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite theories, [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory). So I’m not going to let that opportunity pass.\n\nAccording to [Ryan and Deci](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004), for the longest time, [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) was one of few theories that investigated under the surface of [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and cultural values to try to answer the existential concerns that come with being human. And there’s nothing more existential than needing to find meaning and purpose in life. It allows us to feel connected.\n\nThe basic premise of [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory), is that humans are acutely aware of death, and that awareness causes [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory). The theory then goes on to tell us about how we manage our [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) by using psychological buffers to this fear, such as believing in an afterlife.\n\nHowever, [Juhl and Routledge](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) suggest that another of these psychological buffers of our [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) is for us to find meaning and purpose in life. If we perceive that our life has worth, then it can help us to transcend that of the corporeal self, and that our existence has a broader, enduring purpose and significance.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n[Juhl and Routledge](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) also explained how [terror management theory](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) emphasises that our meaning and sense of purpose is based on our worldviews. Worldviews ground individuals in their values, much like our core values. Our worldviews are where we get our self-worth from, so if we live by our worldviews, then we can grow our sense of meaning.\n\n[Ryan and Deci](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) argued that a search for meaning isn’t just about defending against our [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory), but is a significant part of our intrinsic developmental processes. They added that [self-esteem](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas) consists of a sense of meaning and significance that aptly explains certain defensive forms of [self-esteem](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas).\n\nHowever, they also state that [self-determination theory](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Self-determination_theory) suggests that the healthy development of self is more (unfolding of intrinsic growth tendencies) significant than our defensive [self-esteem](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas). These tendencies toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness can fuel our feelings of meaning and purpose.\n\nIn other words, [Ryan and Deci](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) believe that [terror management theory’s](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) well-documented work on people’s feelings of significance when reminded of mortality isn’t enough to explain the process of growth and finding meaning.\n\nNevertheless, the study performed by [Juhl and Routledge](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) found that people with low perceptions of meaning of life had higher [death anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/terror-management-theory) than those with high perceptions of meaning of life. Which could explain why people with conditions like [depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression) can struggle with feeling [empty](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness), joylessness, and lost.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## Your Identity And Finding Meaning\nBecause of how the world works, must of us are in jobs that might not give us the sense of meaning and purpose we’d like. For some people that can be a quite an issue, whereas for others it doesn’t really matter. They work to live rather than live to work, although that’s an oversimplification. For those of us that define ourselves by our careers, then getting meaning and purpose from our work is a significant factor in the satisfaction they experience or don’t experience ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008).\n\n[Miller, Townsend, and Grenyer](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Miller) (2021) found that when someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic [emptiness](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness) grows around their lack of [identity](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable). This lack of (or unstable) [identity](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) would affect their self-direction, values, and [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals).\n\nBecause I endured a [childhood full of racism](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/suicidal-child), my identity was in pieces and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. As my identity became more stable, I found my meaning in life, and that was to help people to avoid ending up like me. The scars of my childhood will be with me forever, and although I can still feel lost and empty from time to time, my meaning in life remains the same.\n\n[BuzzFeed](https:\/\/www.buzzfeed.com\/sydrobinson1\/mental-health-glow-ups-thatll-give-you-hope) reported on someone having a similar story, whereby someone experiencing [anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/anxiety), [depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression), and OCD since the age of 15 managed to find meaning and purpose. They found this meaning and purpose when returning as a camp counsellor to a camp they went to as a child. Previously, they’d struggled with connecting with other people, but this wasn’t the case when they were working as a camp counsellor. Being a mentor and support system to these children gave them their meaning and sense of purpose, making them feel “happy, confident, and valued”.\n\n[Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) argued that identity is a critical component of our personal meaning systems, which affects our development of [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and purpose. It’s hard to have a sense of purpose and meaning when your identity is unstable.\n\nThe issue of [identity](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) and finding your meaning in life and your sense of purpose can be hard for young people as they transition from childhood to adulthood. According to [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), people often find themselves trapped in the social media game of ‘living the perfect life’. Resulting in people trying hard to make their lives look perfect on Instagram and [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Unwanted.Life.me), often with the reality being very different, instead of living up to their core values, life meaning, and purpose.\n\n![The picture is split in two, with the top image being of a persons hand holding a small green plant. The bottom image being of a person who holding a compus in the woods. The two images are separated by the article title - Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pin-0-Finding-Meaning-What-Makes-Having-A-Purpose-So-Important-Life-Advice-Unwanted-Life-400x600.png)\n\nOne of the most common complaints about people who are experiencing poor mental health is how other people seem to have it all figured out, referencing social media sites like [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Unwanted.Life.me). This is why I often go on about how making [comparisons](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) is bad for us. For starters, [comparisons](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) often don’t make sense if you don’t have the same core values.\n\nI want to help others, but there isn’t very good money in that. [Comparing](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) myself to someone who’s rich but doesn’t care about how their behaviours after others, is just a waste of time. Even if you do have the same core values, you’re still not going to feel good about the [comparisons](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) you’re making. It’s a lose-lose thing to do.\n\nThis is best emphasised by a story created by [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019). This story is about Brian, a CEO of a bank that seems to have it all. They have a great salary, a fantastic house, and a family. Yet, Brian [isn’t happy](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) with their life. Just because Brian has money and status, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re finding satisfaction in that life. Brian eventually realises that they’ve been living a life their parents wanted for him, rather than what Brain wanted for themselves. How many of us can relate to this?\n\nUnfortunately, although our parents think what they’re doing might be the best for us, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And in some cases, this pressure to live the life our parents want for us can be incredibly [toxic](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/how-to-handle-toxic-family-members).\n\nBecause our identity plays such an important role in finding meaning and purpose for us as individuals, [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) suggest there should be a reciprocal relationship between the development of identity and the development of purpose throughout adolescence. However, they argue that this should be done to help young people find a line of work they can attach their sense of meaning to, so they can better fulfil their work roles.\n\nI’d argue that this shouldn’t just be about work. In fact, education shouldn’t just be about making us good little workers either. We can find meaning in life that doesn’t have to be bound to our jobs, and still live a fulfilled life. It’s simply not possible for everyone to work their dream job that gives them meaning and purpose their whole lives. But we can all hopefully find that meaning and purpose outside of work if we can’t get it from our work.\n\nAdvertisements\n\nIn The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by [Douglas Adams](https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/whatis\/definition\/42-h2g2-meaning-of-life-The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy#:~:text=In%20Douglas%20Adams'%20The%20Hitchhiker's,everything%22\\)%20can%20be%20derived), 42 is the meaning of life. And to a computer, that could very well be the case. No one can really tell you what the meaning of life is, so 42 is as good an answer as any.\n\nAlthough no one, or no thing, can tell you what the meaning of life is, that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible for us to find out for ourselves. Finding meaning and purpose is a very personal experience, and can be very important to our quality of life ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008), especially in the long run.\n\nWhy is finding meaning and purpose important? Well, according to the [University of Minnesota](https:\/\/www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu\/what-life-purpose), having a sense of purpose will guide your life decisions, influence your behaviours, shape your [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals), offer you a sense of direction, and create meaning. In short, it gives you a reason for being and to do things ([Cambridge Dictionary](https:\/\/dictionary.cambridge.org\/dictionary\/english\/purpose)).\n\nFinding meaning and purpose is considered so important that people like [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) argue that finding meaning and purpose is a fundamental human need. A view shared by [Längle](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) who said that people are fundamentally searching for a greater context and values for which they want to live.\n\nThis is supported by [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008), who found that finding meaning and a sense of purpose provides people with a way to connect their present to their future aspirations, [accomplishments](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself), and [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals). In their article, they claimed that there’s substantial evidence that shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life have fewer psychological problems and experience a greater sense of [happiness](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not).\n\nAlso, according to [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), prior research has shown how personal [goal setting](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and [goal achievements](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself) help people gain a sense of meaning and purpose in life.\n\nAdvertisements\n\nFurthermore, [Kang, Strecher, Kim, and Falk](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kang) (2019) stated that those of us with meaning and purpose in our lives are better at self-regulating when making decisions. They also experience fewer conflicts regarding making health-related decisions. The result being that having a sense of purpose and meaning leads to better health and mental health outcomes.\n\nA lack of meaning and purpose can lead to [stress](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/manage-stress), [anxiety](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/anxiety), [depression](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression), and other mental wellbeing issues ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Therefore, having a sense of purpose can have a protective effect in avoiding poor mental health and recovering from it.\n\nIt can help to think of finding meaning and purpose in life as being like having a core value ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008). This core value then becomes the foundations that you build on throughout your life.\n\nFor example, if you got your sense of purpose and meaning from helping others, then helping others would be your core value that shapes how you go through life trying to fulfil this. This could lead you to donating money, volunteering, adopting, [being a supportive friend](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/always-there-for-a-friend-bethemateyoudwant), or even working in the caring sector. Using your life’s meaning and sense of purpose like this will also help you [glow up](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/how-to-glow-up-your-mental-health-this-new-year).\n\nFinding meaning and purpose isn’t just about discovering what you like, but rather about finding out what’s important to you. Finding what’s important is better at igniting your passion than just doing what you like ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). People dedicate their lives to what they think is important, which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to a whole new level.\n\nIt should be noted that just because someone may realise they’re lacking meaning and purpose in their life, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a good life. It also means that the journey to find that sense of purpose and meaning isn’t always going to be an easy one ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019).\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose\nAn article by [Längle](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) talks about [Logotherapy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Logotherapy), where they outlined how personal existential meaning comes from several key areas in life. These areas are: the real world in which we live in and its potentiality; the networks we form with people and the feelings they create; existing as our unique selves; and the future we shape through our development and activities.\n\nIn short, having the right people in our lives, taking action to shape our futures the way we want them to turn out, and living true to ourselves, are all we need to live a life of meaning and purpose. They’re also the best ways to live a life where we feel [happy](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) and in control.\n\nFor a while now, psychologists have been talking about the significance of meaning in life for [positive psychological](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/positive-psychology) functioning ([Schnell and Becker](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schnell), 2006). Resulting in [Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) creating what they call “life crafting”, which is an evidence-based approach to finding meaning and purpose. Life crafting, is a [positive psychology](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/positive-psychology) approach to interventions, whereby they want to support and enhance wellbeing, rather than tackling the cause like you would a disease.\n\nThey outlined seven interventions, which could be done as [journal](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/improve-your-wellbeing-with-these-8-easy-journal-ideas) tasks.\n\n**1\\. Discover values and passions**\n\nWrite about the things you like to do, what relationships (private and work) you’d like to have, what career you’d want, and about your lifestyle choices\/preferences.\n\n**2\\. Reflect on current and desired competencies and habits**\n\nThis is one of the few times you can kind of make a [comparison](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) because its self-improvement is the focus. Write about the qualities you admire in others, what they might do well that you’d like to do too, and write about what good and bad habits they have.\n\n**3\\. Reflect on present and future social life**\n\nWrite about what relationships have a positive and negative effect on your life, what relationships does and doesn’t boost your energy, what kinds of friendships you’d like in the future, and what your family and social life would look like.\n\n**4\\. Reflect on a possible future career**\n\nWrite about what you find important about a job, what you’d like to do, what kind of colleagues you’d like, and what kinds of people you’d like to meet through work.\n\n**5\\. Write about the ideal future**\n\nWrite about your best possible self and the best possible future you could have if there were no constraints (self-imposed) and compare that to a future where no changes are made to make that better future happen.\n\n**6\\. Write down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans**\n\nCreate [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) using [SMART goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals), identify as many obstacles as you can and problem solve how to overcome them, and keep track of your progress towards your [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals).\n\n**7\\. Make public commitments to the goals set**\n\nMake a public statement to others about your [goals](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/smart-goals) and create a vision board.\n\nAdvertisements\n\n## Summary\nIf you’ve ever experienced a feeling of emptiness or feeling lost, then you’ve likely had a period of time where you’ve lost your sense of meaning and purpose. You might not have even realised it at the time, you might not have realised it at all, but not having a reason to do something can be detrimental to our wellbeing.\n\nHaving meaning and purpose is massively important to how we live our lives. When you have a total lack of meaning and purpose in our lives, that lack of a reason can stop you looking after yourself, and in extreme cases, lead to [suicidal ideation](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/suicidal-ideation-what-its-like-living-with-suicidal-thoughts) and attempts.\n\nI know some of you might be thinking that you don’t have the luxury of finding meaning and purpose in life. But let me say this: finding that sense of meaning and purpose has far-reaching effects on not just your [happiness](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/are-hobbies-important-and-how-can-they-make-you-happy) and wellbeing, but of those around you as well ([Schippers and Ziegler](https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019).\n\nFurthermore, children learn by the examples we set them, so ditch the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mentality, and show them that finding your meaning and purpose can be a great way to live by doing it yourself.\n\nAs always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with finding meaning and a purpose in the comments section below as well. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, then sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, get push notifications for new articles by clicking the red bell icon in the bottom right corner.\n\nLastly, if you’d like to support my blog, you can make a donation of any size below. Until next time, ~~Un~~wanted Life readers.\n\n## References\nJuhl, J., & Routledge, C. (2016). Putting the terror in terror management theory: Evidence that the awareness of death does cause anxiety and undermine psychological well-being. *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, *25*(2), 99-103. Retrieved from [*https:\/\/eprints.soton.ac.uk\/385875\/1\/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf*](https:\/\/eprints.soton.ac.uk\/385875\/1\/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf).\n\nKang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E., & Falk, E. B. (2019). Purpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making. *Health Psychology*, *38*(6), 545. Retrieved from [*https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/manuscript\/2019-21849-001.pdf*](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/hea0000729) and <https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/hea0000729>.\n\nKosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. *Professional School Counseling*, *12*(2), 2156759X0801200209. Retrieved from <https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/2156759X0801200209> and [*https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826\\_Purpose-Centered\\_Career\\_Development\\_A\\_Strengths-Based\\_Approach\\_to\\_*](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding\\_Meaning*[*\\_and\\_Purpose\\_in\\_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-*](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding-Meaning*[*\\-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf*](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Michael-Steger\/publication\/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers\/links\/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31\/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf).\n\nLängle, A. (2004). The search for meaning in life and the existential fundamental motivations. *International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology*, *1*(1). Retrieved from <https:\/\/www.meaning.ca\/web\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/93-13-457-1-10-20171212.pdf>.\n\nMiller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study. *Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation*, *8*(1), 1-9. Retrieved from <https:\/\/bpded.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00164-8> and <https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00164-8>.\n\nRyan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Avoiding Death or Engaging Life as Accounts of Meaning and Culture: Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004). *Psychological Bulletin, 130*(3), 473–477. Retrieved from [*https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/0033-2909.130.3.473*](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doi\/10.1037\/0033-2909.130.3.473) and <https:\/\/selfdeterminationtheory.org\/SDT\/documents\/2004_DeciRyan_CommentPysz.pdf>.\n\nSchippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. *Frontiers in Psychology*, *10*, 2778. Retrieved from <https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2019.02778\/full>.\n\nSchnell, T., & Becker, P. (2006). Personality and meaning in life. *Personality and individual Differences*, *41*(1), 117-129. Retrieved from <https:\/\/www.uibk.ac.at\/psychologie\/mitarbeiter\/schnell\/docs\/article_pdfs\/as2485531466792961436271096683_content_1.pdf>.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/People_and_Society\":948,\"\/People_and_Society\/Self-Help_and_Motivational\":912}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":999,\"\/Article\/Opinion_Piece\":477}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en-gb","attrs_author":"Unwanted Life","attrs_publish_time":1672210800,"attrs_original_publish_time":1672210800,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"5182","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"3057","body_ext_links_number":66,"body_int_links_number":141,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":1,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":1900,"download_ttfb_msec":1871,"download_size":102024}

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Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?

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Much like how beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder, so is meaning and purpose. That’s why we often can’t find the same sense of fulfilment in the things that give other people that feeling. Finding meaning in life is as personal as it gets. Table of Contents Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning The idea of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life has given me the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite theories, terror management theory . So I’m not going to let that opportunity pass. According to Ryan and Deci (2004), for the longest time, terror management theory was one of few theories that investigated under the surface of goals and cultural values to try to answer the existential concerns that come with being human. And there’s nothing more existential than needing to find meaning and purpose in life. It allows us to feel connected. The basic premise of terror management theory , is that humans are acutely aware of death, and that awareness causes death anxiety . The theory then goes on to tell us about how we manage our death anxiety by using psychological buffers to this fear, such as believing in an afterlife. However, Juhl and Routledge (2016) suggest that another of these psychological buffers of our death anxiety is for us to find meaning and purpose in life. If we perceive that our life has worth, then it can help us to transcend that of the corporeal self, and that our existence has a broader, enduring purpose and significance. Advertisements Juhl and Routledge (2016) also explained how terror management theory emphasises that our meaning and sense of purpose is based on our worldviews. Worldviews ground individuals in their values, much like our core values. Our worldviews are where we get our self-worth from, so if we live by our worldviews, then we can grow our sense of meaning. Ryan and Deci (2004) argued that a search for meaning isn’t just about defending against our death anxiety , but is a significant part of our intrinsic developmental processes. They added that self-esteem consists of a sense of meaning and significance that aptly explains certain defensive forms of self-esteem . However, they also state that self-determination theory suggests that the healthy development of self is more (unfolding of intrinsic growth tendencies) significant than our defensive self-esteem . These tendencies toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness can fuel our feelings of meaning and purpose. In other words, Ryan and Deci (2004) believe that terror management theory’s well-documented work on people’s feelings of significance when reminded of mortality isn’t enough to explain the process of growth and finding meaning. Nevertheless, the study performed by Juhl and Routledge (2016) found that people with low perceptions of meaning of life had higher death anxiety than those with high perceptions of meaning of life. Which could explain why people with conditions like depression can struggle with feeling empty , joylessness, and lost. Advertisements Your Identity And Finding Meaning Because of how the world works, must of us are in jobs that might not give us the sense of meaning and purpose we’d like. For some people that can be a quite an issue, whereas for others it doesn’t really matter. They work to live rather than live to work, although that’s an oversimplification. For those of us that define ourselves by our careers, then getting meaning and purpose from our work is a significant factor in the satisfaction they experience or don’t experience ( Kosine, Steger, and Duncan , 2008). Miller, Townsend, and Grenyer (2021) found that when someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic emptiness grows around their lack of identity . This lack of (or unstable) identity would affect their self-direction, values, and goals . Because I endured a childhood full of racism , my identity was in pieces and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. As my identity became more stable, I found my meaning in life, and that was to help people to avoid ending up like me. The scars of my childhood will be with me forever, and although I can still feel lost and empty from time to time, my meaning in life remains the same. BuzzFeed reported on someone having a similar story, whereby someone experiencing anxiety , depression , and OCD since the age of 15 managed to find meaning and purpose. They found this meaning and purpose when returning as a camp counsellor to a camp they went to as a child. Previously, they’d struggled with connecting with other people, but this wasn’t the case when they were working as a camp counsellor. Being a mentor and support system to these children gave them their meaning and sense of purpose, making them feel “happy, confident, and valued”. Kosine, Steger, and Duncan (2008) argued that identity is a critical component of our personal meaning systems, which affects our development of goals and purpose. It’s hard to have a sense of purpose and meaning when your identity is unstable. The issue of identity and finding your meaning in life and your sense of purpose can be hard for young people as they transition from childhood to adulthood. According to Schippers and Ziegler (2019), people often find themselves trapped in the social media game of ‘living the perfect life’. Resulting in people trying hard to make their lives look perfect on Instagram and Facebook , often with the reality being very different, instead of living up to their core values, life meaning, and purpose. One of the most common complaints about people who are experiencing poor mental health is how other people seem to have it all figured out, referencing social media sites like Facebook . This is why I often go on about how making comparisons is bad for us. For starters, comparisons often don’t make sense if you don’t have the same core values. I want to help others, but there isn’t very good money in that. Comparing myself to someone who’s rich but doesn’t care about how their behaviours after others, is just a waste of time. Even if you do have the same core values, you’re still not going to feel good about the comparisons you’re making. It’s a lose-lose thing to do. This is best emphasised by a story created by Schippers and Ziegler (2019). This story is about Brian, a CEO of a bank that seems to have it all. They have a great salary, a fantastic house, and a family. Yet, Brian isn’t happy with their life. Just because Brian has money and status, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re finding satisfaction in that life. Brian eventually realises that they’ve been living a life their parents wanted for him, rather than what Brain wanted for themselves. How many of us can relate to this? Unfortunately, although our parents think what they’re doing might be the best for us, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And in some cases, this pressure to live the life our parents want for us can be incredibly toxic . Because our identity plays such an important role in finding meaning and purpose for us as individuals, Kosine, Steger, and Duncan (2008) suggest there should be a reciprocal relationship between the development of identity and the development of purpose throughout adolescence. However, they argue that this should be done to help young people find a line of work they can attach their sense of meaning to, so they can better fulfil their work roles. I’d argue that this shouldn’t just be about work. In fact, education shouldn’t just be about making us good little workers either. We can find meaning in life that doesn’t have to be bound to our jobs, and still live a fulfilled life. It’s simply not possible for everyone to work their dream job that gives them meaning and purpose their whole lives. But we can all hopefully find that meaning and purpose outside of work if we can’t get it from our work. Advertisements In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams , 42 is the meaning of life. And to a computer, that could very well be the case. No one can really tell you what the meaning of life is, so 42 is as good an answer as any. Although no one, or no thing, can tell you what the meaning of life is, that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible for us to find out for ourselves. Finding meaning and purpose is a very personal experience, and can be very important to our quality of life ( Kosine, Steger, and Duncan , 2008), especially in the long run. Why is finding meaning and purpose important? Well, according to the University of Minnesota , having a sense of purpose will guide your life decisions, influence your behaviours, shape your goals , offer you a sense of direction, and create meaning. In short, it gives you a reason for being and to do things ( Cambridge Dictionary ). Finding meaning and purpose is considered so important that people like Schippers and Ziegler (2019) argue that finding meaning and purpose is a fundamental human need. A view shared by Längle (2004) who said that people are fundamentally searching for a greater context and values for which they want to live. This is supported by Kosine, Steger, and Duncan (2008), who found that finding meaning and a sense of purpose provides people with a way to connect their present to their future aspirations, accomplishments , and goals . In their article, they claimed that there’s substantial evidence that shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life have fewer psychological problems and experience a greater sense of happiness . Also, according to Schippers and Ziegler (2019), prior research has shown how personal goal setting and goal achievements help people gain a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Advertisements Furthermore, Kang, Strecher, Kim, and Falk (2019) stated that those of us with meaning and purpose in our lives are better at self-regulating when making decisions. They also experience fewer conflicts regarding making health-related decisions. The result being that having a sense of purpose and meaning leads to better health and mental health outcomes. A lack of meaning and purpose can lead to stress , anxiety , depression , and other mental wellbeing issues ( Schippers and Ziegler , 2019). Therefore, having a sense of purpose can have a protective effect in avoiding poor mental health and recovering from it. It can help to think of finding meaning and purpose in life as being like having a core value ( Kosine, Steger, and Duncan , 2008). This core value then becomes the foundations that you build on throughout your life. For example, if you got your sense of purpose and meaning from helping others, then helping others would be your core value that shapes how you go through life trying to fulfil this. This could lead you to donating money, volunteering, adopting, being a supportive friend , or even working in the caring sector. Using your life’s meaning and sense of purpose like this will also help you glow up . Finding meaning and purpose isn’t just about discovering what you like, but rather about finding out what’s important to you. Finding what’s important is better at igniting your passion than just doing what you like ( Schippers and Ziegler , 2019). People dedicate their lives to what they think is important, which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to a whole new level. It should be noted that just because someone may realise they’re lacking meaning and purpose in their life, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a good life. It also means that the journey to find that sense of purpose and meaning isn’t always going to be an easy one ( Schippers and Ziegler , 2019). Advertisements How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose An article by Längle (2004) talks about Logotherapy , where they outlined how personal existential meaning comes from several key areas in life. These areas are: the real world in which we live in and its potentiality; the networks we form with people and the feelings they create; existing as our unique selves; and the future we shape through our development and activities. In short, having the right people in our lives, taking action to shape our futures the way we want them to turn out, and living true to ourselves, are all we need to live a life of meaning and purpose. They’re also the best ways to live a life where we feel happy and in control. For a while now, psychologists have been talking about the significance of meaning in life for positive psychological functioning ( Schnell and Becker , 2006). Resulting in Schippers and Ziegler (2019) creating what they call “life crafting”, which is an evidence-based approach to finding meaning and purpose. Life crafting, is a positive psychology approach to interventions, whereby they want to support and enhance wellbeing, rather than tackling the cause like you would a disease. They outlined seven interventions, which could be done as journal tasks. 1. Discover values and passions Write about the things you like to do, what relationships (private and work) you’d like to have, what career you’d want, and about your lifestyle choices/preferences. 2. Reflect on current and desired competencies and habits This is one of the few times you can kind of make a comparison because its self-improvement is the focus. Write about the qualities you admire in others, what they might do well that you’d like to do too, and write about what good and bad habits they have. 3. Reflect on present and future social life Write about what relationships have a positive and negative effect on your life, what relationships does and doesn’t boost your energy, what kinds of friendships you’d like in the future, and what your family and social life would look like. 4. Reflect on a possible future career Write about what you find important about a job, what you’d like to do, what kind of colleagues you’d like, and what kinds of people you’d like to meet through work. 5. Write about the ideal future Write about your best possible self and the best possible future you could have if there were no constraints (self-imposed) and compare that to a future where no changes are made to make that better future happen. 6. Write down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans Create goals using SMART goals , identify as many obstacles as you can and problem solve how to overcome them, and keep track of your progress towards your goals . 7. Make public commitments to the goals set Make a public statement to others about your goals and create a vision board. Advertisements Summary If you’ve ever experienced a feeling of emptiness or feeling lost, then you’ve likely had a period of time where you’ve lost your sense of meaning and purpose. You might not have even realised it at the time, you might not have realised it at all, but not having a reason to do something can be detrimental to our wellbeing. Having meaning and purpose is massively important to how we live our lives. When you have a total lack of meaning and purpose in our lives, that lack of a reason can stop you looking after yourself, and in extreme cases, lead to suicidal ideation and attempts. I know some of you might be thinking that you don’t have the luxury of finding meaning and purpose in life. But let me say this: finding that sense of meaning and purpose has far-reaching effects on not just your happiness and wellbeing, but of those around you as well ( Schippers and Ziegler , 2019). Furthermore, children learn by the examples we set them, so ditch the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mentality, and show them that finding your meaning and purpose can be a great way to live by doing it yourself. As always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with finding meaning and a purpose in the comments section below as well. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, then sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, get push notifications for new articles by clicking the red bell icon in the bottom right corner. Lastly, if you’d like to support my blog, you can make a donation of any size below. Until next time, Un wanted Life readers. References Juhl, J., & Routledge, C. (2016). Putting the terror in terror management theory: Evidence that the awareness of death does cause anxiety and undermine psychological well-being. Current Directions in Psychological Science , 25 (2), 99-103. Retrieved from https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/385875/1/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf . Kang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E., & Falk, E. B. (2019). Purpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making. Health Psychology , 38 (6), 545. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/manuscript/2019-21849-001.pdf and https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000729 . Kosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. Professional School Counseling , 12 (2), 2156759X0801200209. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2156759X0801200209 and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_ Finding_Meaning _and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to- Finding-Meaning -and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf . Längle, A. (2004). The search for meaning in life and the existential fundamental motivations. International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology , 1 (1). Retrieved from https://www.meaning.ca/web/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/93-13-457-1-10-20171212.pdf . Miller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study. Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation , 8 (1), 1-9. Retrieved from https://bpded.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8 and https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8 . Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Avoiding Death or Engaging Life as Accounts of Meaning and Culture: Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004). Psychological Bulletin, 130 (3), 473–477. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.473 and https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2004_DeciRyan_CommentPysz.pdf . Schippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. Frontiers in Psychology , 10 , 2778. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full . Schnell, T., & Becker, P. (2006). Personality and meaning in life. Personality and individual Differences , 41 (1), 117-129. Retrieved from https://www.uibk.ac.at/psychologie/mitarbeiter/schnell/docs/article_pdfs/as2485531466792961436271096683_content_1.pdf .

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[6 June 202428 December 2022](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important "07:00") by [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/author/satanic_tendencies_666 "View all posts by Unwanted Life") Much like how beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder, so is meaning and purpose. That’s why we often can’t find the same sense of fulfilment in the things that give other people that feeling. Finding meaning in life is as personal as it gets. Table of Contents [Toggle](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important) - [Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Terror-Management-Theorys-Take-On-Finding-Meaning) - [Your Identity And Finding Meaning](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Your-Identity-And-Finding-Meaning) - [Why Finding Meaning And Purpose Is Important](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Why-Finding-Meaning-And-Purpose-Is-Important) - [How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#How-To-Go-About-Finding-Meaning-And-Purpose) - [Summary](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Summary) - [References](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#References) ## Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning The idea of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life has given me the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite theories, [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory). So I’m not going to let that opportunity pass. According to [Ryan and Deci](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004), for the longest time, [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) was one of few theories that investigated under the surface of [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and cultural values to try to answer the existential concerns that come with being human. And there’s nothing more existential than needing to find meaning and purpose in life. It allows us to feel connected. The basic premise of [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory), is that humans are acutely aware of death, and that awareness causes [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory). The theory then goes on to tell us about how we manage our [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) by using psychological buffers to this fear, such as believing in an afterlife. However, [Juhl and Routledge](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) suggest that another of these psychological buffers of our [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) is for us to find meaning and purpose in life. If we perceive that our life has worth, then it can help us to transcend that of the corporeal self, and that our existence has a broader, enduring purpose and significance. Advertisements [Juhl and Routledge](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) also explained how [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) emphasises that our meaning and sense of purpose is based on our worldviews. Worldviews ground individuals in their values, much like our core values. Our worldviews are where we get our self-worth from, so if we live by our worldviews, then we can grow our sense of meaning. [Ryan and Deci](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) argued that a search for meaning isn’t just about defending against our [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory), but is a significant part of our intrinsic developmental processes. They added that [self-esteem](https://unwantedlife.me/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas) consists of a sense of meaning and significance that aptly explains certain defensive forms of [self-esteem](https://unwantedlife.me/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas). However, they also state that [self-determination theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory) suggests that the healthy development of self is more (unfolding of intrinsic growth tendencies) significant than our defensive [self-esteem](https://unwantedlife.me/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas). These tendencies toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness can fuel our feelings of meaning and purpose. In other words, [Ryan and Deci](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) believe that [terror management theory’s](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) well-documented work on people’s feelings of significance when reminded of mortality isn’t enough to explain the process of growth and finding meaning. Nevertheless, the study performed by [Juhl and Routledge](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) found that people with low perceptions of meaning of life had higher [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) than those with high perceptions of meaning of life. Which could explain why people with conditions like [depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression) can struggle with feeling [empty](https://unwantedlife.me/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness), joylessness, and lost. Advertisements ## Your Identity And Finding Meaning Because of how the world works, must of us are in jobs that might not give us the sense of meaning and purpose we’d like. For some people that can be a quite an issue, whereas for others it doesn’t really matter. They work to live rather than live to work, although that’s an oversimplification. For those of us that define ourselves by our careers, then getting meaning and purpose from our work is a significant factor in the satisfaction they experience or don’t experience ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008). [Miller, Townsend, and Grenyer](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Miller) (2021) found that when someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic [emptiness](https://unwantedlife.me/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness) grows around their lack of [identity](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable). This lack of (or unstable) [identity](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) would affect their self-direction, values, and [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals). Because I endured a [childhood full of racism](https://unwantedlife.me/suicidal-child), my identity was in pieces and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. As my identity became more stable, I found my meaning in life, and that was to help people to avoid ending up like me. The scars of my childhood will be with me forever, and although I can still feel lost and empty from time to time, my meaning in life remains the same. [BuzzFeed](https://www.buzzfeed.com/sydrobinson1/mental-health-glow-ups-thatll-give-you-hope) reported on someone having a similar story, whereby someone experiencing [anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/anxiety), [depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression), and OCD since the age of 15 managed to find meaning and purpose. They found this meaning and purpose when returning as a camp counsellor to a camp they went to as a child. Previously, they’d struggled with connecting with other people, but this wasn’t the case when they were working as a camp counsellor. Being a mentor and support system to these children gave them their meaning and sense of purpose, making them feel “happy, confident, and valued”. [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) argued that identity is a critical component of our personal meaning systems, which affects our development of [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and purpose. It’s hard to have a sense of purpose and meaning when your identity is unstable. The issue of [identity](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) and finding your meaning in life and your sense of purpose can be hard for young people as they transition from childhood to adulthood. According to [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), people often find themselves trapped in the social media game of ‘living the perfect life’. Resulting in people trying hard to make their lives look perfect on Instagram and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Unwanted.Life.me), often with the reality being very different, instead of living up to their core values, life meaning, and purpose. ![The picture is split in two, with the top image being of a persons hand holding a small green plant. The bottom image being of a person who holding a compus in the woods. The two images are separated by the article title - Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?](https://unwantedlife.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pin-0-Finding-Meaning-What-Makes-Having-A-Purpose-So-Important-Life-Advice-Unwanted-Life-400x600.png) One of the most common complaints about people who are experiencing poor mental health is how other people seem to have it all figured out, referencing social media sites like [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Unwanted.Life.me). This is why I often go on about how making [comparisons](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) is bad for us. For starters, [comparisons](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) often don’t make sense if you don’t have the same core values. I want to help others, but there isn’t very good money in that. [Comparing](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) myself to someone who’s rich but doesn’t care about how their behaviours after others, is just a waste of time. Even if you do have the same core values, you’re still not going to feel good about the [comparisons](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) you’re making. It’s a lose-lose thing to do. This is best emphasised by a story created by [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019). This story is about Brian, a CEO of a bank that seems to have it all. They have a great salary, a fantastic house, and a family. Yet, Brian [isn’t happy](https://unwantedlife.me/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) with their life. Just because Brian has money and status, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re finding satisfaction in that life. Brian eventually realises that they’ve been living a life their parents wanted for him, rather than what Brain wanted for themselves. How many of us can relate to this? Unfortunately, although our parents think what they’re doing might be the best for us, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And in some cases, this pressure to live the life our parents want for us can be incredibly [toxic](https://unwantedlife.me/how-to-handle-toxic-family-members). Because our identity plays such an important role in finding meaning and purpose for us as individuals, [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) suggest there should be a reciprocal relationship between the development of identity and the development of purpose throughout adolescence. However, they argue that this should be done to help young people find a line of work they can attach their sense of meaning to, so they can better fulfil their work roles. I’d argue that this shouldn’t just be about work. In fact, education shouldn’t just be about making us good little workers either. We can find meaning in life that doesn’t have to be bound to our jobs, and still live a fulfilled life. It’s simply not possible for everyone to work their dream job that gives them meaning and purpose their whole lives. But we can all hopefully find that meaning and purpose outside of work if we can’t get it from our work. Advertisements ## Why Finding Meaning And Purpose Is Important In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by [Douglas Adams](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/42-h2g2-meaning-of-life-The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy#:~:text=In%20Douglas%20Adams'%20The%20Hitchhiker's,everything%22\)%20can%20be%20derived), 42 is the meaning of life. And to a computer, that could very well be the case. No one can really tell you what the meaning of life is, so 42 is as good an answer as any. Although no one, or no thing, can tell you what the meaning of life is, that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible for us to find out for ourselves. Finding meaning and purpose is a very personal experience, and can be very important to our quality of life ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008), especially in the long run. Why is finding meaning and purpose important? Well, according to the [University of Minnesota](https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-life-purpose), having a sense of purpose will guide your life decisions, influence your behaviours, shape your [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals), offer you a sense of direction, and create meaning. In short, it gives you a reason for being and to do things ([Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/purpose)). Finding meaning and purpose is considered so important that people like [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) argue that finding meaning and purpose is a fundamental human need. A view shared by [Längle](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) who said that people are fundamentally searching for a greater context and values for which they want to live. This is supported by [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008), who found that finding meaning and a sense of purpose provides people with a way to connect their present to their future aspirations, [accomplishments](https://unwantedlife.me/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself), and [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals). In their article, they claimed that there’s substantial evidence that shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life have fewer psychological problems and experience a greater sense of [happiness](https://unwantedlife.me/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not). Also, according to [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), prior research has shown how personal [goal setting](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and [goal achievements](https://unwantedlife.me/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself) help people gain a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Advertisements Furthermore, [Kang, Strecher, Kim, and Falk](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kang) (2019) stated that those of us with meaning and purpose in our lives are better at self-regulating when making decisions. They also experience fewer conflicts regarding making health-related decisions. The result being that having a sense of purpose and meaning leads to better health and mental health outcomes. A lack of meaning and purpose can lead to [stress](https://unwantedlife.me/manage-stress), [anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/anxiety), [depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression), and other mental wellbeing issues ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Therefore, having a sense of purpose can have a protective effect in avoiding poor mental health and recovering from it. It can help to think of finding meaning and purpose in life as being like having a core value ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008). This core value then becomes the foundations that you build on throughout your life. For example, if you got your sense of purpose and meaning from helping others, then helping others would be your core value that shapes how you go through life trying to fulfil this. This could lead you to donating money, volunteering, adopting, [being a supportive friend](https://unwantedlife.me/always-there-for-a-friend-bethemateyoudwant), or even working in the caring sector. Using your life’s meaning and sense of purpose like this will also help you [glow up](https://unwantedlife.me/how-to-glow-up-your-mental-health-this-new-year). Finding meaning and purpose isn’t just about discovering what you like, but rather about finding out what’s important to you. Finding what’s important is better at igniting your passion than just doing what you like ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). People dedicate their lives to what they think is important, which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to a whole new level. It should be noted that just because someone may realise they’re lacking meaning and purpose in their life, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a good life. It also means that the journey to find that sense of purpose and meaning isn’t always going to be an easy one ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Advertisements ## How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose An article by [Längle](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) talks about [Logotherapy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logotherapy), where they outlined how personal existential meaning comes from several key areas in life. These areas are: the real world in which we live in and its potentiality; the networks we form with people and the feelings they create; existing as our unique selves; and the future we shape through our development and activities. In short, having the right people in our lives, taking action to shape our futures the way we want them to turn out, and living true to ourselves, are all we need to live a life of meaning and purpose. They’re also the best ways to live a life where we feel [happy](https://unwantedlife.me/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) and in control. For a while now, psychologists have been talking about the significance of meaning in life for [positive psychological](https://unwantedlife.me/positive-psychology) functioning ([Schnell and Becker](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schnell), 2006). Resulting in [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) creating what they call “life crafting”, which is an evidence-based approach to finding meaning and purpose. Life crafting, is a [positive psychology](https://unwantedlife.me/positive-psychology) approach to interventions, whereby they want to support and enhance wellbeing, rather than tackling the cause like you would a disease. They outlined seven interventions, which could be done as [journal](https://unwantedlife.me/improve-your-wellbeing-with-these-8-easy-journal-ideas) tasks. **1\. Discover values and passions** Write about the things you like to do, what relationships (private and work) you’d like to have, what career you’d want, and about your lifestyle choices/preferences. **2\. Reflect on current and desired competencies and habits** This is one of the few times you can kind of make a [comparison](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) because its self-improvement is the focus. Write about the qualities you admire in others, what they might do well that you’d like to do too, and write about what good and bad habits they have. **3\. Reflect on present and future social life** Write about what relationships have a positive and negative effect on your life, what relationships does and doesn’t boost your energy, what kinds of friendships you’d like in the future, and what your family and social life would look like. **4\. Reflect on a possible future career** Write about what you find important about a job, what you’d like to do, what kind of colleagues you’d like, and what kinds of people you’d like to meet through work. **5\. Write about the ideal future** Write about your best possible self and the best possible future you could have if there were no constraints (self-imposed) and compare that to a future where no changes are made to make that better future happen. **6\. Write down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans** Create [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) using [SMART goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals), identify as many obstacles as you can and problem solve how to overcome them, and keep track of your progress towards your [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals). **7\. Make public commitments to the goals set** Make a public statement to others about your [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and create a vision board. Advertisements ## Summary If you’ve ever experienced a feeling of emptiness or feeling lost, then you’ve likely had a period of time where you’ve lost your sense of meaning and purpose. You might not have even realised it at the time, you might not have realised it at all, but not having a reason to do something can be detrimental to our wellbeing. Having meaning and purpose is massively important to how we live our lives. When you have a total lack of meaning and purpose in our lives, that lack of a reason can stop you looking after yourself, and in extreme cases, lead to [suicidal ideation](https://unwantedlife.me/suicidal-ideation-what-its-like-living-with-suicidal-thoughts) and attempts. I know some of you might be thinking that you don’t have the luxury of finding meaning and purpose in life. But let me say this: finding that sense of meaning and purpose has far-reaching effects on not just your [happiness](https://unwantedlife.me/are-hobbies-important-and-how-can-they-make-you-happy) and wellbeing, but of those around you as well ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Furthermore, children learn by the examples we set them, so ditch the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mentality, and show them that finding your meaning and purpose can be a great way to live by doing it yourself. As always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with finding meaning and a purpose in the comments section below as well. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, then sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, get push notifications for new articles by clicking the red bell icon in the bottom right corner. Lastly, if you’d like to support my blog, you can make a donation of any size below. Until next time, ~~Un~~wanted Life readers. ## References Juhl, J., & Routledge, C. (2016). Putting the terror in terror management theory: Evidence that the awareness of death does cause anxiety and undermine psychological well-being. *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, *25*(2), 99-103. Retrieved from [*https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/385875/1/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf*](https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/385875/1/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf). Kang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E., & Falk, E. B. (2019). Purpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making. *Health Psychology*, *38*(6), 545. Retrieved from [*https://psycnet.apa.org/manuscript/2019-21849-001.pdf*](https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000729) and <https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000729>. Kosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. *Professional School Counseling*, *12*(2), 2156759X0801200209. Retrieved from <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2156759X0801200209> and [*https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826\_Purpose-Centered\_Career\_Development\_A\_Strengths-Based\_Approach\_to\_*](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding\_Meaning*[*\_and\_Purpose\_in\_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-*](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding-Meaning*[*\-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf*](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf). Längle, A. (2004). The search for meaning in life and the existential fundamental motivations. *International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology*, *1*(1). Retrieved from <https://www.meaning.ca/web/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/93-13-457-1-10-20171212.pdf>. Miller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study. *Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation*, *8*(1), 1-9. Retrieved from <https://bpded.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8> and <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8>. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Avoiding Death or Engaging Life as Accounts of Meaning and Culture: Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004). *Psychological Bulletin, 130*(3), 473–477. Retrieved from [*https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.473*](https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.473) and <https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2004_DeciRyan_CommentPysz.pdf>. Schippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. *Frontiers in Psychology*, *10*, 2778. Retrieved from <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full>. Schnell, T., & Becker, P. (2006). Personality and meaning in life. *Personality and individual Differences*, *41*(1), 117-129. Retrieved from <https://www.uibk.ac.at/psychologie/mitarbeiter/schnell/docs/article_pdfs/as2485531466792961436271096683_content_1.pdf>. ### Sharing The Love: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=pinterest&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=telegram&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=threads&nb=1) - [Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=mastodon&nb=1) - [Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=nextdoor&nb=1) - [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important?share=bluesky&nb=1) - [More](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important) - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#print?share=print&nb=1) ### Like this: Like Loading... [![A photo of a grave stone to represent - What Is Terror Management Theory](https://i0.wp.com/unwantedlife.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feature-What-Is-Terror-Management-Theory-Psychology-Theory-Death-Anxiety-Unwanted-Life.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1)](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory "What Is Terror Management Theory?") #### [What Is Terror Management Theory?](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory "What Is Terror Management Theory?") Apparently, all humans suffer from death anxiety, and in order to explain this anxiety and how we manage it, Terror Management Theory was created In "General" [![](https://i0.wp.com/unwantedlife.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/feature-Nudge-Theory-Self-nudging-Our-Way-To-Better-Wellbeing-Mental-Health-And-Wellness-Unwanted-Life.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1)](https://unwantedlife.me/nudge-theory-self-nudging-our-way-to-better-wellbeing "Nudge Theory: Self-nudging Our Way To Better Wellbeing") #### [Nudge Theory: Self-nudging Our Way To Better Wellbeing](https://unwantedlife.me/nudge-theory-self-nudging-our-way-to-better-wellbeing "Nudge Theory: Self-nudging Our Way To Better Wellbeing") Nudge Theory has been having its moment in the spotlight recently. But what if I told you that it has self-care applications? In "Advice" [![A photo of a Black child holding a butterfly in their hands to represent the topic of the article - The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing](https://i0.wp.com/unwantedlife.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/feature-The-Interesting-Applications-Of-Chaos-Theory-On-Our-Wellbeing-Self-Care-and-Wellness-Unwanted-Life.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1)](https://unwantedlife.me/the-interesting-applications-of-chaos-theory-on-our-wellbeing "The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing") #### [The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing](https://unwantedlife.me/the-interesting-applications-of-chaos-theory-on-our-wellbeing "The Interesting Applications Of Chaos Theory On Our Wellbeing") I love chaos theory, and I've been thinking of ways to apply it to mental health since I read James Gleick's book. Here are my musings on it In "General" Categories [Advice](https://unwantedlife.me/category/advice), [General](https://unwantedlife.me/category/general), [Me](https://unwantedlife.me/category/me), [Mental Health](https://unwantedlife.me/category/mental-health), [Research](https://unwantedlife.me/category/research-and-facts), [Theory](https://unwantedlife.me/category/theory)Tags [Anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/anxiety), [Depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression), [Relationships](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/relationships), [What is...](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/what-is) Post navigation [How To Glow Up Your Mental Health This New Year](https://unwantedlife.me/how-to-glow-up-your-mental-health-this-new-year) [Identity Crisis: What Happens When Our Identity Is Unstable?](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) ### 31 thoughts on “Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?” 1. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33bee8652326c9d210e6ad015ea4735fbe5d3321ae50df5fbaef3cf07a0694c1?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Ezioma Kalu](https://bookishpixie.com/) [28 December 2022 at 09:18](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10202) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10202) Thank you so much for this post. Most times people live meaningless lives because they’re not living their truth. But what their parents make them to live. Parents should understand that no matter how well they mean for their children, they cannot live their lives for them. They should give them the freedom of choosing their own dreams and being themselves. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [28 December 2022 at 20:15](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10205) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10205) Indeed. We have one life and we all should be able to live it the way we want Loading... 2. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c5da2046b611fcfd7629c502a772457ffe0a02be67db32b1639f352640a65687?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Fadima Mooneira](https://fadimamooneira.com/) [28 December 2022 at 11:19](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10203) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10203) So true! Life is like driving a car. You must have a desire destination. That’s why it is important to visualise your dreams and follow the right path. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [28 December 2022 at 20:20](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10206) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10206) Thanks for commenting Loading... 3. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2e07044993cdd27112e75f4e86457fa8716ba013787b1235911f82ce1d039572?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Fransic verso](https://querianson.com/) [28 December 2022 at 19:58](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10204) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10204) I’m working on building up the commitments and then I go public with it and share with friends and family. These are great tips\! Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [28 December 2022 at 20:24](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10207) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10207) Thanks for commenting Loading... 4. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/702b6ec14110c1db3cf01f50bc46ec7d2d21def08bcba27eee0beb058a776164?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [mindbeautysimplicity](https://mindbeautysimplicity.wordpress.com/) [29 December 2022 at 18:13](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10208) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10208) great post! this is perfect to read before the new year as it’s a time for people to set goals. thanks for sharing. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [30 December 2022 at 20:43](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10211) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10211) That was my thinking too Loading... 5. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/17c561d73bf3bf8a784f0c8304b32d51e22a8ce5a8063e508b51eb9db447e793?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Winnie](https://helloitswinnie.com/) [31 December 2022 at 14:23](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10212) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10212) This was an insightful post. I have lost my purpose in life multiple times and it is truly the saddest thing. I’m still trying to find my purpose, and hopefully I’ll find it soon. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [1 January 2023 at 21:55](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10216) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10216) Sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination, that gives us the biggest rewards. Happy New Year Loading... 6. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1e37b7c13dca705a01dbc9795414aafa55c8b5fea4724cf13c03ef7fffd54423?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Fritzie](https://lifewithfritzie.com/) [1 January 2023 at 17:34](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10213) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10213) This is a very informative and thought provoking post. After the recent death of my dad, I began to question a lot of things in my life. I find this article quiet helpful as I try to find the answers. Thanks for sharing\! Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [1 January 2023 at 22:03](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10217) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10217) I’m sorry to hear about your dad, but I’m glad to hear my little article played a tiny role in helping you heal Loading... 7. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0091b0877914c1546cb7179ae5b530355679b1e7cc6cb0312e873154b904b647?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) Aspen Hite [1 January 2023 at 18:35](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10214) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10214) Insightful and interesting! I had never heard of the Terror Management Theory, so that was fascinating (and makes tons of sense). I recently read “The Great Work of Your Life” by Stephen Cope, a thought-provoking ‘guidebook’ to finding your dharma/purpose, chronicling famous, influential people as well as regular people like us. Really a great read to explore the idea of finding and living your dharma/purpose. A lot of similarities and overlapping ideals. Another GREAT post! Wishing you a wonderous 2023! ![✌️](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/270c.svg) Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [1 January 2023 at 22:35](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10218) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10218) Sounds like an interesting book. Happy New Year Loading... 8. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3fe79e0dfcb3e8ddc330676651147b6866833e10cc0e07d35de8986d7296ff52?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Claudie](https://www.definingmyessence.com/) [1 January 2023 at 21:29](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10215) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10215) 2022 and the pandemic made me realize how much I needed to do what is meaningful to me and I’ve been happier since Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [1 January 2023 at 22:40](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10219) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10219) That’s good to hear Loading... 9. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9f84c2094f43c26d5ae0826249c2f0a8c6c49e46fb1b229f2ed42443fddbc8c6?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [middleagefanclub](https://middleagefanclub.wordpress.com/) [3 January 2023 at 09:38](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10220) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10220) Such an interesting read. I struggled for a few years with finding purpose when I was younger. Then I kind of fell into teaching and from very early on, knew I had found something very special. Thanks for sharing. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [3 January 2023 at 11:40](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10222) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10222) It’s great when you can find something, but do you also get purpose from anything outside of work? Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9f84c2094f43c26d5ae0826249c2f0a8c6c49e46fb1b229f2ed42443fddbc8c6?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [middleagefanclub](https://middleagefanclub.wordpress.com/) [3 January 2023 at 17:34](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10225) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10225) Yes. Before my operation I coached a kids’ football team and lived that. Loading... 10. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7de71eb40233af882e9464ffa4dd63db24403525246bb57871171ed1e4dda43?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Sue Berk Koch](https://susanberkkoch.com/) [3 January 2023 at 11:22](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10221) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10221) I agree with this quote, ‘…someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic emptiness grows…’ Putting pressure on oneself to find a goal can be anxiety-provoking in and of itself. I’m not altogether convinced that everyone needs a specific goal to find happiness, but I do agree with your number 1 above, finding what we value and enjoy doing–not what anyone else thinks we should be doing– is the way to decrease anxiety and distress. If that results in one’s life work or goal, all the better. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [3 January 2023 at 11:46](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10223) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10223) Thank you for sharing your thoughts Loading... 11. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b24527fa0ccbfe5856de81a4bd834b60076ea321ef417af744f90611f4e260a9?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Not-So-Modern-Girl](https://notsomoderngirl.com/) [3 January 2023 at 14:29](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10224) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10224) Great post! I think we all need to find our sense of purpose- whether we actively look for it, or just feel it in our gut. This is such a helpful post for people looking to understand the process, and find out the reason why having a purpose is key to all of our lives. Thank you for sharing Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [3 January 2023 at 19:16](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10226) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10226) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the topic Loading... 12. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9623a44600b4a3b904d9274c558c9ace0e00ad11d33eef88d9e2c2a5bc12c6f?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) thestoicpadawan [9 January 2023 at 17:04](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10238) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10238) Excellent article with a lot to unpack. The fact that the idea of an afterlife and a purpose is a buffer for us to deal with the anxiety of death is a super interesting one. Because if life doesn’t have a bigger meaning, then it doesn’t matter what we do. But we are alive, so we might as well give it our own meaning. And I do think that it is important to do so and as you say that it has far reaching effects. I’ve been doing so over time and making decisions in line with it. It’s not always easy but the alternative isn’t an option. I think that those who have a sense of purpose live better lives and are more accepting of death and the fact that it will happen. Great post, thank you for sharing this. Lot of food for thought. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [9 January 2023 at 23:26](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10242) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10242) As a nihilist would say, nothing matters, but what you do with the knowledge defines who you are. Nothing matters so you may think there’s no point doing anything. But nothing matters, so you may as well do whatever you want. As they say, perspective is everything. Thanks for commenting Loading... 13. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3500edf554308a2ee7aa7ba0714984af652fbef4e8030bad34016fa4e25c4db5?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Jade MumLifeAndMe](https://www.mumlifeand.me/) [9 January 2023 at 18:46](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10240) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10240) This is a great post and resonates with what I have recently been through. I felt lost and depressed for a while trying to find meaning in life and it recently came to me. I feel more at peace with myself, so I’m taking that as a sign I have found my purpose. It’s important to reflect and write it down in points, like you’ve mentioned. That’s do helpful in figuring things out. Great post, thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeAndMe Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [9 January 2023 at 23:36](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10245) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10245) I’m glad you’ve been able to find your purpose. Thanks for sharing Loading... 14. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1a5ed8ef0d97363b687fa102a0b1e29f895e2bb0a4339715b6d404774c643726?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) Ben [9 January 2023 at 23:28](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10243) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10243) This post goes deep into the question of purpose and meaning. There are some great tips on how to start your search for it, but it also shows why it is important and has far-reaching effects if you go on the journey. Some interesting points as to its relation with death Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [9 January 2023 at 23:29](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10244) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10244) Thank you. I’d like to think there are some points and tips to benefit everyone in this article Loading... 15. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e1ecdb87d5ff1d159639b2a557c77302af37cfda318791144436746da42d2678?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Liz](https://lizsonwardjourney.blogspot.com/) [11 January 2023 at 08:41](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10254) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10254) Thank you for this very helpful post. I have been finding it difficult for some time and last year was even harder. I do vision boards. It’s my second year doing a vision board which I use a whiteboard for mine. I have it in my bedroom so it’s the first thing I see as well as the last thing I see. It’s a little bit slightly different this year because I am trying to docus on what I enjoy. So enjoyment is the theme more this year. Loading... - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f307f25be6872640929c5352d98346019f199ba57e07477070e2eb473616714c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg) [Unwanted Life](https://unwantedlife.me/) [11 January 2023 at 17:05](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10264) \| [Reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#comment-10264) Enjoyment is a great theme to focus on. We can lose ourselves in the stuff we enjoy, which makes life easier to deal with. Thanks for sharing Loading... ### Leave a Reply[Cancel reply](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#respond) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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Much like how beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder, so is meaning and purpose. That’s why we often can’t find the same sense of fulfilment in the things that give other people that feeling. Finding meaning in life is as personal as it gets. Table of Contents ## Terror Management Theory’s Take On Finding Meaning The idea of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life has given me the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite theories, [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory). So I’m not going to let that opportunity pass. According to [Ryan and Deci](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004), for the longest time, [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) was one of few theories that investigated under the surface of [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and cultural values to try to answer the existential concerns that come with being human. And there’s nothing more existential than needing to find meaning and purpose in life. It allows us to feel connected. The basic premise of [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory), is that humans are acutely aware of death, and that awareness causes [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory). The theory then goes on to tell us about how we manage our [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) by using psychological buffers to this fear, such as believing in an afterlife. However, [Juhl and Routledge](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) suggest that another of these psychological buffers of our [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) is for us to find meaning and purpose in life. If we perceive that our life has worth, then it can help us to transcend that of the corporeal self, and that our existence has a broader, enduring purpose and significance. Advertisements [Juhl and Routledge](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) also explained how [terror management theory](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) emphasises that our meaning and sense of purpose is based on our worldviews. Worldviews ground individuals in their values, much like our core values. Our worldviews are where we get our self-worth from, so if we live by our worldviews, then we can grow our sense of meaning. [Ryan and Deci](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) argued that a search for meaning isn’t just about defending against our [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory), but is a significant part of our intrinsic developmental processes. They added that [self-esteem](https://unwantedlife.me/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas) consists of a sense of meaning and significance that aptly explains certain defensive forms of [self-esteem](https://unwantedlife.me/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas). However, they also state that [self-determination theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory) suggests that the healthy development of self is more (unfolding of intrinsic growth tendencies) significant than our defensive [self-esteem](https://unwantedlife.me/self-esteem-workbook-an-amazing-array-of-worksheets-and-journal-ideas). These tendencies toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness can fuel our feelings of meaning and purpose. In other words, [Ryan and Deci](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Ryan) (2004) believe that [terror management theory’s](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) well-documented work on people’s feelings of significance when reminded of mortality isn’t enough to explain the process of growth and finding meaning. Nevertheless, the study performed by [Juhl and Routledge](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Juhl) (2016) found that people with low perceptions of meaning of life had higher [death anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/terror-management-theory) than those with high perceptions of meaning of life. Which could explain why people with conditions like [depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression) can struggle with feeling [empty](https://unwantedlife.me/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness), joylessness, and lost. Advertisements ## Your Identity And Finding Meaning Because of how the world works, must of us are in jobs that might not give us the sense of meaning and purpose we’d like. For some people that can be a quite an issue, whereas for others it doesn’t really matter. They work to live rather than live to work, although that’s an oversimplification. For those of us that define ourselves by our careers, then getting meaning and purpose from our work is a significant factor in the satisfaction they experience or don’t experience ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008). [Miller, Townsend, and Grenyer](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Miller) (2021) found that when someone feels disconnected from their sense of self, a feeling of chronic [emptiness](https://unwantedlife.me/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness) grows around their lack of [identity](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable). This lack of (or unstable) [identity](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) would affect their self-direction, values, and [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals). Because I endured a [childhood full of racism](https://unwantedlife.me/suicidal-child), my identity was in pieces and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life. As my identity became more stable, I found my meaning in life, and that was to help people to avoid ending up like me. The scars of my childhood will be with me forever, and although I can still feel lost and empty from time to time, my meaning in life remains the same. [BuzzFeed](https://www.buzzfeed.com/sydrobinson1/mental-health-glow-ups-thatll-give-you-hope) reported on someone having a similar story, whereby someone experiencing [anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/anxiety), [depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression), and OCD since the age of 15 managed to find meaning and purpose. They found this meaning and purpose when returning as a camp counsellor to a camp they went to as a child. Previously, they’d struggled with connecting with other people, but this wasn’t the case when they were working as a camp counsellor. Being a mentor and support system to these children gave them their meaning and sense of purpose, making them feel “happy, confident, and valued”. [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) argued that identity is a critical component of our personal meaning systems, which affects our development of [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and purpose. It’s hard to have a sense of purpose and meaning when your identity is unstable. The issue of [identity](https://unwantedlife.me/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable) and finding your meaning in life and your sense of purpose can be hard for young people as they transition from childhood to adulthood. According to [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), people often find themselves trapped in the social media game of ‘living the perfect life’. Resulting in people trying hard to make their lives look perfect on Instagram and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Unwanted.Life.me), often with the reality being very different, instead of living up to their core values, life meaning, and purpose. ![The picture is split in two, with the top image being of a persons hand holding a small green plant. The bottom image being of a person who holding a compus in the woods. The two images are separated by the article title - Finding Meaning: What Makes Having A Purpose So Important?](https://unwantedlife.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pin-0-Finding-Meaning-What-Makes-Having-A-Purpose-So-Important-Life-Advice-Unwanted-Life-400x600.png) One of the most common complaints about people who are experiencing poor mental health is how other people seem to have it all figured out, referencing social media sites like [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Unwanted.Life.me). This is why I often go on about how making [comparisons](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) is bad for us. For starters, [comparisons](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) often don’t make sense if you don’t have the same core values. I want to help others, but there isn’t very good money in that. [Comparing](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) myself to someone who’s rich but doesn’t care about how their behaviours after others, is just a waste of time. Even if you do have the same core values, you’re still not going to feel good about the [comparisons](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) you’re making. It’s a lose-lose thing to do. This is best emphasised by a story created by [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019). This story is about Brian, a CEO of a bank that seems to have it all. They have a great salary, a fantastic house, and a family. Yet, Brian [isn’t happy](https://unwantedlife.me/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) with their life. Just because Brian has money and status, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re finding satisfaction in that life. Brian eventually realises that they’ve been living a life their parents wanted for him, rather than what Brain wanted for themselves. How many of us can relate to this? Unfortunately, although our parents think what they’re doing might be the best for us, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And in some cases, this pressure to live the life our parents want for us can be incredibly [toxic](https://unwantedlife.me/how-to-handle-toxic-family-members). Because our identity plays such an important role in finding meaning and purpose for us as individuals, [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008) suggest there should be a reciprocal relationship between the development of identity and the development of purpose throughout adolescence. However, they argue that this should be done to help young people find a line of work they can attach their sense of meaning to, so they can better fulfil their work roles. I’d argue that this shouldn’t just be about work. In fact, education shouldn’t just be about making us good little workers either. We can find meaning in life that doesn’t have to be bound to our jobs, and still live a fulfilled life. It’s simply not possible for everyone to work their dream job that gives them meaning and purpose their whole lives. But we can all hopefully find that meaning and purpose outside of work if we can’t get it from our work. Advertisements In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by [Douglas Adams](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/42-h2g2-meaning-of-life-The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy#:~:text=In%20Douglas%20Adams'%20The%20Hitchhiker's,everything%22\)%20can%20be%20derived), 42 is the meaning of life. And to a computer, that could very well be the case. No one can really tell you what the meaning of life is, so 42 is as good an answer as any. Although no one, or no thing, can tell you what the meaning of life is, that doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible for us to find out for ourselves. Finding meaning and purpose is a very personal experience, and can be very important to our quality of life ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008), especially in the long run. Why is finding meaning and purpose important? Well, according to the [University of Minnesota](https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-life-purpose), having a sense of purpose will guide your life decisions, influence your behaviours, shape your [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals), offer you a sense of direction, and create meaning. In short, it gives you a reason for being and to do things ([Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/purpose)). Finding meaning and purpose is considered so important that people like [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) argue that finding meaning and purpose is a fundamental human need. A view shared by [Längle](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) who said that people are fundamentally searching for a greater context and values for which they want to live. This is supported by [Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine) (2008), who found that finding meaning and a sense of purpose provides people with a way to connect their present to their future aspirations, [accomplishments](https://unwantedlife.me/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself), and [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals). In their article, they claimed that there’s substantial evidence that shows that people with a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life have fewer psychological problems and experience a greater sense of [happiness](https://unwantedlife.me/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not). Also, according to [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019), prior research has shown how personal [goal setting](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and [goal achievements](https://unwantedlife.me/achievements-collage-a-quick-and-easy-way-to-celebrate-yourself) help people gain a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Advertisements Furthermore, [Kang, Strecher, Kim, and Falk](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kang) (2019) stated that those of us with meaning and purpose in our lives are better at self-regulating when making decisions. They also experience fewer conflicts regarding making health-related decisions. The result being that having a sense of purpose and meaning leads to better health and mental health outcomes. A lack of meaning and purpose can lead to [stress](https://unwantedlife.me/manage-stress), [anxiety](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/anxiety), [depression](https://unwantedlife.me/tag/depression), and other mental wellbeing issues ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Therefore, having a sense of purpose can have a protective effect in avoiding poor mental health and recovering from it. It can help to think of finding meaning and purpose in life as being like having a core value ([Kosine, Steger, and Duncan](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Kosine), 2008). This core value then becomes the foundations that you build on throughout your life. For example, if you got your sense of purpose and meaning from helping others, then helping others would be your core value that shapes how you go through life trying to fulfil this. This could lead you to donating money, volunteering, adopting, [being a supportive friend](https://unwantedlife.me/always-there-for-a-friend-bethemateyoudwant), or even working in the caring sector. Using your life’s meaning and sense of purpose like this will also help you [glow up](https://unwantedlife.me/how-to-glow-up-your-mental-health-this-new-year). Finding meaning and purpose isn’t just about discovering what you like, but rather about finding out what’s important to you. Finding what’s important is better at igniting your passion than just doing what you like ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). People dedicate their lives to what they think is important, which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to a whole new level. It should be noted that just because someone may realise they’re lacking meaning and purpose in their life, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a good life. It also means that the journey to find that sense of purpose and meaning isn’t always going to be an easy one ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Advertisements ## How To Go About Finding Meaning And Purpose An article by [Längle](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#L%C3%A4ngle) (2004) talks about [Logotherapy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logotherapy), where they outlined how personal existential meaning comes from several key areas in life. These areas are: the real world in which we live in and its potentiality; the networks we form with people and the feelings they create; existing as our unique selves; and the future we shape through our development and activities. In short, having the right people in our lives, taking action to shape our futures the way we want them to turn out, and living true to ourselves, are all we need to live a life of meaning and purpose. They’re also the best ways to live a life where we feel [happy](https://unwantedlife.me/happiness-isnt-a-choice-heres-why-its-not) and in control. For a while now, psychologists have been talking about the significance of meaning in life for [positive psychological](https://unwantedlife.me/positive-psychology) functioning ([Schnell and Becker](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schnell), 2006). Resulting in [Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers) (2019) creating what they call “life crafting”, which is an evidence-based approach to finding meaning and purpose. Life crafting, is a [positive psychology](https://unwantedlife.me/positive-psychology) approach to interventions, whereby they want to support and enhance wellbeing, rather than tackling the cause like you would a disease. They outlined seven interventions, which could be done as [journal](https://unwantedlife.me/improve-your-wellbeing-with-these-8-easy-journal-ideas) tasks. **1\. Discover values and passions** Write about the things you like to do, what relationships (private and work) you’d like to have, what career you’d want, and about your lifestyle choices/preferences. **2\. Reflect on current and desired competencies and habits** This is one of the few times you can kind of make a [comparison](https://unwantedlife.me/why-you-need-to-stop-making-comparisons-right-now) because its self-improvement is the focus. Write about the qualities you admire in others, what they might do well that you’d like to do too, and write about what good and bad habits they have. **3\. Reflect on present and future social life** Write about what relationships have a positive and negative effect on your life, what relationships does and doesn’t boost your energy, what kinds of friendships you’d like in the future, and what your family and social life would look like. **4\. Reflect on a possible future career** Write about what you find important about a job, what you’d like to do, what kind of colleagues you’d like, and what kinds of people you’d like to meet through work. **5\. Write about the ideal future** Write about your best possible self and the best possible future you could have if there were no constraints (self-imposed) and compare that to a future where no changes are made to make that better future happen. **6\. Write down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans** Create [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) using [SMART goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals), identify as many obstacles as you can and problem solve how to overcome them, and keep track of your progress towards your [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals). **7\. Make public commitments to the goals set** Make a public statement to others about your [goals](https://unwantedlife.me/smart-goals) and create a vision board. Advertisements ## Summary If you’ve ever experienced a feeling of emptiness or feeling lost, then you’ve likely had a period of time where you’ve lost your sense of meaning and purpose. You might not have even realised it at the time, you might not have realised it at all, but not having a reason to do something can be detrimental to our wellbeing. Having meaning and purpose is massively important to how we live our lives. When you have a total lack of meaning and purpose in our lives, that lack of a reason can stop you looking after yourself, and in extreme cases, lead to [suicidal ideation](https://unwantedlife.me/suicidal-ideation-what-its-like-living-with-suicidal-thoughts) and attempts. I know some of you might be thinking that you don’t have the luxury of finding meaning and purpose in life. But let me say this: finding that sense of meaning and purpose has far-reaching effects on not just your [happiness](https://unwantedlife.me/are-hobbies-important-and-how-can-they-make-you-happy) and wellbeing, but of those around you as well ([Schippers and Ziegler](https://unwantedlife.me/finding-meaning-what-makes-having-a-purpose-so-important#Schippers), 2019). Furthermore, children learn by the examples we set them, so ditch the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mentality, and show them that finding your meaning and purpose can be a great way to live by doing it yourself. As always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with finding meaning and a purpose in the comments section below as well. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, then sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, get push notifications for new articles by clicking the red bell icon in the bottom right corner. Lastly, if you’d like to support my blog, you can make a donation of any size below. Until next time, ~~Un~~wanted Life readers. ## References Juhl, J., & Routledge, C. (2016). Putting the terror in terror management theory: Evidence that the awareness of death does cause anxiety and undermine psychological well-being. *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, *25*(2), 99-103. Retrieved from [*https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/385875/1/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf*](https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/385875/1/Terror%2520in%2520Terror%2520Management.pdf). Kang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E., & Falk, E. B. (2019). Purpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making. *Health Psychology*, *38*(6), 545. Retrieved from [*https://psycnet.apa.org/manuscript/2019-21849-001.pdf*](https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000729) and <https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000729>. Kosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. *Professional School Counseling*, *12*(2), 2156759X0801200209. Retrieved from <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2156759X0801200209> and [*https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826\_Purpose-Centered\_Career\_Development\_A\_Strengths-Based\_Approach\_to\_*](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding\_Meaning*[*\_and\_Purpose\_in\_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-*](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf)*Finding-Meaning*[*\-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf*](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Steger/publication/327629826_Purpose-Centered_Career_Development_A_Strengths-Based_Approach_to_Finding_Meaning_and_Purpose_in_Careers/links/5c4b9d95458515a4c740eb31/Purpose-Centered-Career-Development-A-Strengths-Based-Approach-to-Finding-Meaning-and-Purpose-in-Careers.pdf). Längle, A. (2004). The search for meaning in life and the existential fundamental motivations. *International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology*, *1*(1). Retrieved from <https://www.meaning.ca/web/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/93-13-457-1-10-20171212.pdf>. Miller, C. E., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. (2021). Understanding chronic feelings of emptiness in borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study. *Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation*, *8*(1), 1-9. Retrieved from <https://bpded.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8> and <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40479-021-00164-8>. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2004). Avoiding Death or Engaging Life as Accounts of Meaning and Culture: Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004). *Psychological Bulletin, 130*(3), 473–477. Retrieved from [*https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.473*](https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.473) and <https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2004_DeciRyan_CommentPysz.pdf>. Schippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. *Frontiers in Psychology*, *10*, 2778. Retrieved from <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full>. Schnell, T., & Becker, P. (2006). Personality and meaning in life. *Personality and individual Differences*, *41*(1), 117-129. Retrieved from <https://www.uibk.ac.at/psychologie/mitarbeiter/schnell/docs/article_pdfs/as2485531466792961436271096683_content_1.pdf>.

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