We live in an era marked by incessant demands and frenetic rhythms, where we often find ourselves immersed in a sea of tasks without questioning the fundamental reason for our existence. Faced with this contemporary challenge, the search for the purpose of life emerges, a desire that goes beyond the mere fulfillment of daily obligations. After all, what does it truly mean to have a purpose in life?
AThroughout history, different literary authors, philosophers, painters and theologians have explored the complex web that intertwines human existence. As much as we have interesting hypotheses on all sides, knowing our purpose seems to be increasingly linked to psychological well-being, personal fulfillment and even longevity.
It is interesting to note that, according to positive psychology studies, individuals who identify a clear purpose in their lives tend to have higher levels of happiness and resilience. Viktor Frankl, renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, argued that the search for meaning is a fundamental driving force in human existence, capable of providing resilience in the midst of adversity.
Given this context, the need arises to ask ourselves: After all, how can we find the purpose that transcends everyday trivialities? What questions should we ask ourselves to explore our own essence and discover the direction that will lead us to a meaningful life?
This is an invitation to reflection, a dive into the search for meaning and an opportunity to unravel the mysteries that permeate the incessant search for the reason for being. Let us, together, explore the crucial questions that will lead us to the heart of purpose in life.
Understand your values
To begin this topic on how to find purpose in life, it is imperative to uncover what our fundamental values are. Values are like invisible pillars that support our decisions and actions, they are the foundation on which we build our existence. Understanding these values is the first step to unlocking meaning and giving us purpose.
Aristotle wisely proclaimed: "Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom."
This phrase is a great place to start, as we are invited to observe our internal dialogue. He encourages us to question, to keep a close eye on our conscience.
Saint Augustine, in his work "Confessions", reflects on the search for God as an inner journey. By understanding our values, we get closer to the divine that resides within us, bringing to light the principles that transcend temporality and guide our lives.
In literature, Shakespeare reminds us that "the soul of the world is the book, and those who do not travel read but a page." The great novelists and poets not only provide us with compelling stories, but they also reflect the ethical and moral dilemmas we face. By identifying with characters and plots, we are led to reflect on what resonates in our souls, revealing our deepest values.
Immanuel Kant, when talking about ethics and purpose, highlights that in general we tend to want what we believe to become universal laws, it is in our nature to question what we believe and value. Understanding our values is not just an introspective exercise, but also an ethical journey that shapes our interaction with the world.
That's why we need to first understand what values underpin our thoughts, actions and beliefs. When we understand what is important to us, we are able to direct our purposes in life. For example, a man who thinks he is honest, responsible and faithful, will be able to build his professional, interpersonal and community career directed towards the common good, he will become capable of personal sacrifices around other people, he will make these difficulties a force that drives him to act increasingly within what he believes to be a position of value. This is very beneficial for social harmony.
Therefore, it is important for you to identify the cornerstones of our lives. It can be interpersonal connection, self-development, contribution to society or the incessant search for knowledge. By discerning what we truly value, we begin to carve the frame of our purpose.
The science of psychology, in particular Schwartz's theory of human values, highlights the diversity of individual values and their influence on decision-making. Recognizing and embracing these values is essential to aligning our choices with our deepest essence.
The beliefs we embrace shape not only our perceptions of the world, but also our everyday actions. Examining and understanding our beliefs is an exercise in authenticity, which allows us to discern between internalized beliefs and those that have been imposed by society, culture or past experiences.
When exploring our beliefs, it is crucial to distinguish between what we passively accept and what truly resonates with us. Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre argued that we are condemned to freedom, and it is in the responsible acceptance of that freedom that we find the fertile ground to sow our purpose.
You need to understand what motivates you. This disciplined and internal force is what drives our actions. By reflecting on what motivates us, we explore not only the tangible rewards, but also the seeds of passion and enthusiasm that bloom in our hearts.
Motivational psychology highlights the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Identifying the sources that genuinely move us, those that emanate from our deepest purposes, provides clarity about what really matters in our search for meaning.
In this first step, we are not just looking for answers; we are paving the way to an understanding of ourselves. As we probe our values, beliefs, and motivations, we begin to visualize the contours of our purpose, a discovery that not only guides us but also connects us to the essence of who we are.
Recognize your Talents
In our search for purpose, the second step takes us into the fascinating terrain of personal talents, an area that is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in the fabric of individual meaning.
Many of us believe we have no special abilities or talents. However, I believe that we are actually suppressing our abilities or not stopping to observe. I see people who resent not being able to practice a certain sport as they want, but she is capable of incredible perception and sensitivity to read other people's emotions. Or even, they are excellent communicators and don't even realize this about themselves.
That's why we must look for abilities that are ours and start valuing them, learning to channel this energy towards a greater purpose in our lives.
What do you do well?
Examining what we have accomplished with skill is like deciphering the messages inscribed on our own hands. Take for example the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "Talent develops where individual characteristics meet the right opportunity." What we do exceptionally well is often intertwined with our unique characteristics, revealing a path to purpose that harmoniously aligns with our intrinsic nature.
Neuroscience, in its studies on brain plasticity, suggests that the repetition of certain skills strengthens neural connections, transforming them into talents. By identifying our notable achievements, we are not only recognizing our competencies, but also outlining the contours of a valuable contribution to the world.
What do you like to do?
Know that it's not about just exploring activities that we don't master, but rather seeking out what engages us passionately. Let us take as a guide the words of Confucius: "Choose a job you like, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Identifying what brings us joy not only reveals our natural inclinations, but also points us to a path of fulfillment and contentment.
Positive psychology, led by Martin Seligman, highlights the importance of the experience of flow, a state of total immersion in an activity. When we recognize what this experience gives us, we are discovering a portal to purpose, where passion and proficiency intertwine.
That's why you need to have a certain discipline to do what brings you satisfaction in a certain way, because the more you do, the better you will become in this field of skill. This sense of discovery and pride increases the meaning of our lives and is a powerful fuel for purpose.
Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, proclaimed: "Education is the best provision for old age." Identifying what we absorb easily not only reveals our natural abilities, but also points to a constant process of development.
Cognitive science argues that ease of learning is often associated with the affinity between the teaching method and our cognitive style. Discovering what we assimilate naturally not only opens doors to personal growth, but also reveals a path that leads us to purpose, where the search for knowledge is intrinsically rewarding.
Thus, by recognizing our talents, we are not only exploring our abilities, but also unveiling a map that guides us in the direction of purpose.
Reflect on Your Experiences
When we reach the third step towards purpose, we will explain more about the importance of the experiences we have acquired over the years, those that shape our identity, shape our perspectives and, ultimately, foster our purpose.
Reflecting on the learning acquired throughout life is like opening the pages of a book that tells the unique story of who we are. Each challenge, triumph and disappointment are intertwined chapters that teach us valuable lessons. In the words of Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, "No wind is fair to those who know not where they are going." Identifying what we have learned is shedding light on the values that guide us and the truths we embrace.
Developmental psychology highlights that lifelong learning not only strengthens our adaptability but also plays a crucial role in the search for meaning. By understanding what life has taught us, we are able to improve our decision-making power, compassion and empathy towards others.
Having this perception makes us understand that life has no resentment towards us, that is, nothing that happens to us is something personal or done to hurt us, certain things simply happen, and it is in light of this that we give new meaning to these events in our lives. ability to understand life as a gift, a gift, in which we make mistakes and get things right, sometimes more mistakes than successes, but learning along the way.
Remarkable experiences are like a scene immortalized in a photograph, every time you look at it, a different emotion seems to take over us. As Maya Angelou stated, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Identifying what marked us not only reveals our sensibilities, but also points to areas of deeper meaning.
The psychology of memory highlights that emotionally charged events tend to be retained more vividly in our minds. By exploring what marked us, we open the doors to understanding not only our scars, but also the sources of resilience and inner strength.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." What we wish to leave behind for future generations not only reflects our current values, but also shapes the narrative that endures beyond our own existence.
Ethical philosophy, from the teachings of Aristotle to contemporary debates on global ethics, highlights the importance of positive contributions to the common good. By asking ourselves what we want to leave to the world, we are connecting to a tradition that transcends individualism, recognizing our collective responsibility in building a significant legacy.
Therefore, I advise you to seek positive experiences in your life, use reading as a way of experiencing life and through these learnings, achieve your purpose. Don't beat yourself up and compare yourself to other people, everyone has their own life and convictions, it's important that you shape and strengthen your personality. Still, whenever you are in doubt about how to act, choose to act in a way that makes a positive impact on the world. By acting like this, the chances of good things returning to you are much greater than acting in a selfish and narcissistic way.
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