To have a meaningful life means something different to us all, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t find value and purpose in the same things. Despite us all having different values and finding fulfillment from different things, there are some small things all of us can do in order to ensure that our lives bring as much meaning to us as possible. If you’re wondering how to live a meaningful life, here are some of the first steps you can take.
What is the Meaning of Life?
The meaning of life is incredibly subjective and varies from person to person depending on an individual’s beliefs, values, and experiences. Some people believe that the meaning of life is to pursue your full potential and enjoy the journey of growth. Others think that the meaning of life is to find purpose and significance. Some believe that it’s simply to find true happiness, and some people say that there is none.
The meaning of life is an individual belief. Everyone should take time to work out what the meaning of life is to them. It’s discussed heavily in the field of psychology, and many psychologists have similar views, though researchers at Caltech have managed to narrow it down to just three things: coherence, purpose, and significance
5 Steps to Find Meaning in Life
Even if you’re still undecided on what meaning you think life has, you may be wondering how to find point of life or simply how to make life more meaningful, a step in the right direction is to begin making your life more meaningful. Here are five different ways you can add meaning to your life.
1. Take Risks
If there’s anything you need to know about life, it’s that it is incredibly short, and in order to make the most of it, it’s actually a good thing to take risks now and again. While you don’t want to do anything that could jeopardize your health, well-being, safety, finances, or that of your loved ones, taking some small risks is a great way of trying new things and can help you discover your sense of meaning.
Things like taking a new job that might seem scary, going on a trip alone even though it’s more comfortable to wait for your friends to go with you (though spending time with loved ones and friends is still important!), and asking someone out on a date – These are all examples of risks worth taking that could have a great pay off! Who knows, you may even find a new life purpose!
2. Focus on What is Important to You
Taking risks is fun, but be sure to set aside plenty of time to focus on the things that are already most important to you. In the digital age, it’s easy to get swept up amidst a barrage of notifications, emails, texts, and your boss asking for help with things. But before all of this, there was a time before we were able to reach each other instantly. Be sure to take some quiet time away from your screen so that you can direct your energy to the places that truly deserve it.
Spend time with your loved ones, becoming a better partner, a better son/daughter, a better parent, or a better friend. It’s also important to spend plenty of time with yourself. Identifying the other most important parts of your life that you want to add more focus on going forward.
3. Live in the Present
Far too often we spend time worrying about the future. Dwelling on or thinking about things that have happened in the past, so much so that many of us fail to live in the now. But if you really stop to think about it, did you imagine you’d be right where you are now in life this time five years ago? Probably not – so stop worrying too much about the future.
Taking time to focus on the present moment, get fulfillment out of every day, and enjoy life as you live it is one of the best ways to find more meaning in your life.
4. Make Time for Your Passions
Not everyone is passionate about their jobs, but in the grand scheme of things, (and despite how it sometimes may feel) your job isn’t your whole life! Spending time doing the things you love and engaging in activities that you’re passionate about is one of the best ways of adding meaning to your life.
Engaging with your passions either for work or during your personal time helps you in finding meaning in life. Whether it’s your business, rock climbing, music, or painting, there are so many things to be passionate about.
5. Don’t Hold Grudges
Let’s face it, arguments, conflict, and falling out with people are a natural part of life. But in order to live life with meaning and fulfillment, you must learn to forgive the people who have hurt you, let go of that pain and return to living in peace and tranquility in the moment.
Holding onto grudges is a sure way to be anchored in the past. Holding on to negative feelings that you need to instead let go of. There’s a good chance you may need to take time to grieve the wrongdoings you have done to yourself. But once you do, you can continue down your own path to fulfillment!
A good way of doing this is by letting go of the negatives and focusing on the positives, such as through the art of gratitude meditation or other ways of practicing gratitude.
Final Remarks
Learning to implement these things in your life in order to make it meaningful is all a part of self-discovery. We spend so much time looking outwards, that it really takes looking inward to what we value that allows us to find meaning in life and lets us know what we need to focus on in order to be fulfilled and happy. That said, it’s really down to you to decide how will you make your life more meaningful.
About the Author: Irfan Farooq
