The first notable existential crisis I experienced occurred during my final year of high school, as graduation approached and my eighteenth birthday neared. Previously, I had eagerly anticipated turning eighteen, viewing it as an opportunity to move out and begin a new chapter. However, when confronted with the reality of these transitions, I experienced a prolonged period of anxiety, questioning my purpose and direction: “Why am I here? What am I going to do with my life? What is my purpose?”
This search for purpose has not been limited to that stage; indeed, it appears to be a common and perhaps universal pursuit. There is likely an innate human tendency to seek personal meaning and answers to such fundamental questions.
Research indicates that possessing a sense of purpose may contribute to increased longevity and enhanced quality of life. Arthur Brooks, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, conducted studies comparing the mental well-being of young adults before and after 2008. His findings revealed that post-2008 cohorts exhibited higher levels of depression and anxiety. Brooks discovered that the post-2008 cohort struggled with a sense of purpose. He found that they were information driven rather than exploring existential issues such as the meaning of live, the power of love, and other of life’s mysteries.
It is important to distinguish between purpose and meaning. Although people often conflate the two, they are distinct. Meaning encompasses purpose but also incorporates beliefs that provide coherence to life, whether spiritual, scientific, or otherwise. Meaning involves perceiving life as sensible and recognizing significance and care from others. Purpose, conversely, relates to having clear goals and direction.
Victor Frankl, in “Man’s Search for Meaning,” recounts his struggles while imprisoned in a Nazi death camp during World War II. Despite losing his wife on the first day and facing constant uncertainty about survival, Frankl realized he could not control his circumstances but could determine his response to them. This realization provided him with purpose.
Purpose need not be associated with grand ambitions; it can be found in everyday activities. Routine tasks such as lawn maintenance can be reframed as contributing to personal and communal well-being. Similarly, taking children to school can be viewed as investing in their development and future success.
Ultimately, living with purpose can involve mindfulness and intentional actions in daily life. May this serve as an encouragement for your ongoing journey to wellness.
