Sense of purpose

What Is a Sense of Purpose?

A sense of purpose is the way you give meaning to your existence. It’s the feeling that you have a reason to live. It’s a journey of discovering who you are and what you want.The search for meaning stems from the need to feel that your life has value and purpose. When you understand what is meaningful to you and shape your life accordingly, it can bring you greater feelings of happiness, fulfillment, and well-being.Questions about purpose and the meaning of life arise in all aspects of your daily life — such as at work, in friendships, and in romantic relationships. Do you find satisfaction in your job? What does a particular friendship mean to you, whether it’s a close bond or a more distant connection? Feelings of purpose can also come from helping others, enjoying meaningful interactions with family members, or having a deep relationship with a partner. 

Forms of Sense of Purpose

There are generally two types: implicit and explicit purpose. 

1. Existential (Explicit) Purpose

Existential purpose revolves around fundamental questions about life’s meaning. Why do I exist? What is the value of my life? Who am I? These are deep questions that you may not think about every day. When you do, they invite philosophical reflection, as the answers are not straightforward and may evolve over time. 

2. Everyday (Implicit) Purpose

Everyday purpose comes from activities that bring meaning to moments or situations. It involves recognizing the significance of what you do. This could include celebrating your birthday, going out for dinner with your partner on your anniversary, attending the funeral of a loved one, or planting a tree in honor of your child’s birth. 

Why Is a Sense of Purpose Important?

Having a sense of purpose can indirectly contribute to greater life satisfaction and improved mental health. The connection also works the other way around — when you feel happier, it becomes easier to find meaning in life events. Research has shown a strong link between purpose and overall life satisfaction, happiness, and a positive outlook.Regularly reflecting on what gives your life meaning, what is significant to you, and what brings you happiness can enhance your well-being.When you engage in meaningful activities, you experience a sense of fulfillment. You feel connected to the world around you. This feeling contributes to a healthy and happy life. Recognizing the purpose of life helps you stay motivated and take action. 

What Happens When You Lack a Sense of Purpose?

It’s normal to sometimes do things you don’t enjoy. However, if you consistently engage in activities that feel meaningless, drain your energy, or make you uncomfortable, it can negatively impact your well-being.You may feel less energetic, easily bored, or as if you’re aimlessly going through the day. You might also experience loneliness — this is known as existential loneliness. It’s the feeling of being lost, lacking a sense of direction, and questioning your life’s significance.If these feelings persist or intensify, they can contribute to mental health struggles such as depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and stress. 

How Can I Find (More) Purpose?

Scientific research indicates that relationships — especially with family, friends, and partners — are the most important sources of purpose across all cultures and age groups.Other meaningful aspects include work, career, personal growth, health, well-being, nature, and personal goals. Finding purpose is a deeply personal journey; what is meaningful to one person may not be for another. 

Some activities have been shown to contribute the least to a meaningful life, such as gambling, excessive partying, seeking validation for personal achievements, and focusing on leaving a legacy.

 To find more purpose, it helps to become more aware of the role relationships and life themes play in your well-being. Meditation, self-reflection, and conscious decision-making can provide insights into what brings you a greater sense of purpose. 

1. Finding Purpose Through Life Questions

Life questions — also known as purpose-driven questions — can help you reconnect with a meaningful sense of life. These are questions about existence and personal fulfillment.Examples of life questions:

• Who am I?
• What do I want in life?
• What do I value most?
• Do I still enjoy my work?
• Am I happy in my relationship?
• What gets me out of bed in the morning?
• What do I want to achieve in life?
• What is holding me back from living differently?
• Who are my true friends?
• I’m not happy — what do I really want?
• Who do I feel connected to?
• Do I feel like I’m living on autopilot?

You may not consciously think about these questions every day, but they often arise naturally — especially during certain life stages, such as your twenties and thirties. They can also surface alongside feelings of sadness, loneliness, lack of motivation, emptiness, or the sense of living without direction.There are no easy answers to these questions, but reflecting on them helps with personal growth and self-awareness. Understanding what matters to you gives you clarity about the direction of your life and the motivation to pursue your needs. 

2. Finding Purpose Through Conscious Choices

Spending time on activities or with people can help you discover what holds meaning for you. Pay attention to your feelings before, during, and after an activity by asking yourself:Questions to guide conscious decision-making:

• How do I feel after this activity?
• Do I feel excited?
• Do I feel light, or rather heavy?
• Does it feel restrictive or freeing?
• Does the idea of doing this make me happy?
• Does thinking about it make me anxious?

3. Enhancing Purpose Through Meditation

Meditation can also foster a deeper sense of purpose. Research shows that meditation is linked to greater life satisfaction and happiness. By practicing meditation, you learn to observe your thoughts without attachment, which can lead to a greater sense of peace and clarity. 

Seeking Help to Find Purpose