Researchers believe that developing a sense of purpose can greatly improve an individual's life. Decades of research examining the effects of happiness and having a sense of purpose on health outcomes provide the foundation for their theory. These studies found that those who experienced both happiness and a sense of purpose had better physical and mental health than those who experienced happiness alone.
Consequently, what is required to develop a sense of purpose? There are numerous ways to accomplish this, and your optimal method may vary. However, the following are a few ways to develop a sense of purpose:
Helping others in your community, within your family, at work, or on a larger scale.
Recognition and appreciation for one's contribution. This also implies being appreciated by oneself!
Having the respect of others.
Having a strong sense of identity or discovering one's tribe.
Recognizing a sense of accomplishment from one's actions.
Having a mission enhances confidence and self-esteem. Those without purpose are frequently unhappy and lonely. A person who has retired from a career that gave her life meaning is an example of this. She may have a lot of free time and participate in a variety of leisure activities, but she is unfulfilled because she no longer has a sense of purpose. Participation in these activities simply helps to fill her day.
How often have you considered what you would buy or the problems you could solve if you won the lottery? Yes, we've all dreamt about this, and there's nothing wrong with that. They can open our minds to possibilities and sometimes inspire us to pursue goals and a plan of action to achieve them.
Yet, how frequently do we hear about people who have experienced this good fortune only to discover that their lives have not been meaningfully improved or have even deteriorated? The local press has published headlines about families that have disbanded after winning money. People who have quit their jobs and engaged in excessive shopping and drinking. People who crave the company of others who are not interested in them solely for what they can gain. The world may be their oyster in our eyes, but their sense of challenge may be diminished.
There is some validity to the adage that if you work hard for something, you will value it more.
Sometimes the most rewarding aspect of an accomplishment is not the accomplishment itself, but the process of acquiring it.
What gives a person a sense of purpose varies from person to person. For some, it may be as simple as taking care of a close friend. Others may choose to travel, engage in regular exercise, or acquire new knowledge. There are limitless options. Regardless of the option you select, your commitment will benefit you by keeping your mind active. When you engage in one of these activities, you will likely become more optimistic and hopeful as a person. Having a meaningful objective encourages individuals to persevere in the face of adversity and to seek out every possible learning opportunity.
Having a sense of purpose tends to motivate individuals to take better care of themselves. They will take care of their health. Involvement with others reduces a person's sense of isolation and increases their availability of social support. Peers can also be useful for providing feedback and highlighting aspects of yourself that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Light Love Peace
Catherine (Cat) Valliere
After a lifetime of exploration; 2020 Covid life, led me to a full time focus on the gifts of meditation, alternative health and spiritual well being. Anything I share comes from a place of healing from within myself and in no way is meant to replace professional medical advice. Please follow my journey...
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A'ho Namaste creates peace movement content and this information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any type of mental or physical issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
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