Finding Purpose: The Key to a Fulfilling Life
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Chapter 1: The Necessity of Purpose
We all require a purpose, a motivating force that encourages us to rise each day. As Viktor Frankl wisely stated, “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. Each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by taking responsibility for his own existence.”
Recently, a dear friend of mine gifted me Frankl’s classic work, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Unbeknownst to him, it's one of my all-time favorite books, alongside “The Four Agreements.” Having read it multiple times, I consistently discover new insights that I can apply to enhance my life. Although I may not always succeed, I make it a point to rise, dress, and engage with my life daily.
Here are some of the key takeaways I have gathered thus far, and I anticipate uncovering even more upon future readings. Frankl, a remarkable figure, endured the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps and, from this suffering, introduced the world to “Logotherapy.” This philosophy emphasizes that we bear the ultimate responsibility for how we respond to challenges and how we contribute meaningfully to the world.
I’d like to share a few of my favorite concepts from the book, which I hope will inspire you as they have inspired me.
Section 1.1: Attitude is Everything
Frankl’s message underscores the importance of attitude, resonating with the teachings of many esteemed philosophers. Here are some poignant thoughts on meaning:
- Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations: “Your mind will be like its habitual thoughts; for the soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. Soak it then in such thoughts as, for example: Where life is possible at all, a right life is possible.” He also noted, “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
- Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, stated in The Enchiridion: “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”
- Jesus advised, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
- Lao-tzu in the Tao te Ching expressed, “Hold on to the center and make up your mind to rejoice in this paradise called life.”
Frankl exemplifies the idea that we must acknowledge our responsibility in choosing our responses. He lost his entire family and faced unimaginable horrors, yet he developed this philosophy during one of humanity's darkest periods. While we all encounter hardships, few can comprehend the depths of his suffering. If Frankl could maintain his attitude amid despair, surely we can determine our responses to our challenges.
Section 1.2: The Power of Choice
So, what’s currently troubling you? Did you receive a parking ticket? Lose a job? Experience relationship difficulties? Face health issues?
While these obstacles can be overwhelming, remember that the ultimate decision on how you respond lies with you. Avoid falling into the trap of victimhood over trivial matters. Take charge of your attitude and decide how you will react to any situation.
My suggestion? Flip the narrative and focus on gratitude. Did you get a parking ticket? Appreciate that you own a car and can contribute to someone’s livelihood for a short time. Stub your toe? Be thankful you have toes and that your life is so fulfilling that this is your biggest issue today. Finding your kids a handful? Be grateful for their health and recognize the growth you share together.
No matter the challenge, consciously select your optimal response.
Chapter 2: The Struggle for Meaning
Frankl asserts, “What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him.” Too often, we chase a state of ease through distractions like television or meditation, seeking to escape our daily challenges. However, life’s purpose is to discover a goal that inspires us to strive and grow.
This concept reminds me of Robert Fritz’s The Path of Least Resistance, where he discusses the conflict between our desires and our beliefs of unworthiness. We oscillate between these extremes, unaware that true relief comes from pursuing a goal that motivates us to rise each morning.
So, what’s your goal? Are you still fine-tuning it? Consider this: What would you do if fear were absent? What if you were guaranteed success? Take a moment to reflect on that.
………………………………….I’ll wait.
Done? Great! That’s your worthy goal. Now, get to work!
(And when you encounter your first obstacle, resist the urge to revert to old habits that seek to relieve tension. Instead, embrace the discomfort and take small steps toward your goal.)
THE “WHY”
“A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the ‘why’ for his existence and will be able to bear almost any ‘how.’”
What drives your purpose? Who awaits your contributions? What unfinished work inspires you? What dreams ignite your passion when you allow yourself to envision the possibilities of life?
Identify your “why.” Doing so will empower you to endure life’s challenges and discover your true self. It’s a journey of facing your fears and returning with your unique gifts to share with the world.
This path won’t be “easy,” but who desires ease? Instead, let’s seek a goal that ignites our passion and lights our way.
To our shared journey of discovery, my friend.
If you wish to connect with me on social media, feel free to follow me on Instagram or join the "Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude" group on Facebook.
Thank you for taking the time to engage with this post.
Mark Casey