Purpose & Meaning

The Why Behind Your Life

Happiness often comes from "hedonic" pleasure (feeling good), but deep fulfillment comes from "eudaimonic" well-being—living a life of meaning and purpose. Purpose is the sense that your life matters, that you are contributing to something larger than yourself. It is not necessarily a single job title or grand mission; purpose can be found in raising children, creating art, helping neighbors, or adhering to your values. Living with purpose gives us a compass for our decisions and resilience in hard times.

Core Principles

Key Concepts

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Values Alignment

Understanding your core values and ensuring your daily actions reflect them.

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Contribution

Using your unique gifts and talents to serve others or the world.

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Ikigai

The Japanese concept of a "reason for being"—the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

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Legacy

Considering what impact or mark you wish to leave on the world.

Put it into Practice

Finding Your Why

Happiness is a practice. Here are actionable ways to integratepurpose & meaning into your daily life.

Write your own obituary: What do you want to be remembered for?

Identify your top 5 core values and rate how well you are living them.

Reflect on times you felt most alive or proud. What were you doing?

Volunteer for a cause that ignites your passion or anger (injustice).

Ask friends what they think your unique strengths or "superpowers" are.

Why It Matters

The Benefits

Motivation

Purpose provides intrinsic fuel to get out of bed in the morning, even on bad days.

Longevity

Studies link a strong sense of purpose to lower risk of heart disease and longer lifespan.

Clarity

Purpose acts as a filter, helping you say "no" to things that don't align with your path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I don't know my purpose yet?

That's okay. Purpose is uncovered, not just decided. Follow your curiosity—it is usually the breadcrumb trail to meaning.

Q: Can my purpose change?

Yes. Purpose is dynamic. What brings meaning in your 20s may be different in your 50s.

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