little Happy Meeting - v. 10

Leaning toward Meaning

Most of us want to be happy but do things that won’t move the happiness needle, like investing in things or solely focusing on ourselves. With all the good things associated with happiness, including improved mental and physical health, it’s no wonder it’s the holy grail of emotions. While the “how” of achieving it seems to elude many of us, we do know that it can be fostered by doing the right things. This volume of the little Happy newsletter addresses one of the most significant contributors to our happiness and well-being — purpose (or your life’s “why”). When people experience purpose and meaning in life they’re happier and more optimistic, experience more joy, contentment, and enthusiasm and are less lonely. Purpose is also related to lower mortality rates and fewer cardiovascular events and is beneficial to one’s career — workers with purpose experience greater work satisfaction, take on more challenges and learn new things.

Raison d’etre

In a recent Forbes article, the author identified three major reasons why purpose and meaning are important.

• It gives us focus. In our crazy, highly stimulated existence purpose can provide us with a focal point, and remind us why we get up in the morning.

• It connects us. Our purpose often involves or benefits others.

• It grounds us. With purpose, we feel that our small part matters and has meaning. This empowers us to act.

Finding your Why

All of this talk about finding purpose may be daunting. Just thinking about it conjures up thoughts of grand things — like, starting a dot-com, joining the Peace Corps, saving the whales, or creating a masterpiece.

But, to benefit from purpose, you don’t have to change the world. Purpose can be found in the small, ordinary things you do for your friends, family, coworkers, community, and self.

Live your Life on Purpose

I’ve assembled examples of purposeful intentions, inspired by my favorite people. Some may seem small, but they have an important impact. Note: Some days you won’t feel like you’re making much of a difference, and that’s okay. Changing the world is exhausting and we all deserve an occasional break.

Do any of these describe your purpose?

• Working to provide for your children.

• Bringing the fun to social gatherings.

• Supporting friends who are experiencing difficulties (job loss, health concerns, boyfriend troubles).

• Providing exercise classes that benefit those with disabilities.

• Helping your colleagues when they are drowning in work.

• Monitoring and caring for your mother’s physical and mental health.

• Checking on your students to make sure they feel supported.

• Working on a product that will improve people’s quality of life.

• Supporting your significant other (e.g., proofing their essays, standing up to bullies:).

• Volunteering for an organization that benefits the planet.

• Providing people with an outlet to express their creative or intellectual selves.

• Organizing a dance group to enrich the local community.

• Participating in an after-school program that provides free tutoring to underprivileged youth.

• Increasing your appreciation of different cultures by traveling the world.

• Starting an organization to raise awareness about potential threats to children.

• Expanding your viewpoint by reading.

Purpose often happens organically, but can also be coaxed along by deliberate exercises and reflection. Make sure that you choose your own purpose — it’s hard to commit to and follow through on one chosen for you.

Here are some strategies to help you find your “why.” My suggestion is to start small and find your passion — then jump, feet first, into your new life redefined by purpose.

1. Write it out. What do you care about? What matters most to you?

2. Prioritize your values and you may find your purpose. Use this list of values for inspiration.

3. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. What are you good at? What do others say you do well?

4. Try new things. Step out of your comfort zone.

5. Think about your best self. What does that look like?

6. Imagine the outcomes you desire.

7. Set goals. The best goals are difficult and specific; vague goals won’t do the trick.

8. Talk to the people you look up to or admire. Talk to or read about people who have done something you find inspiring. It may motivate you to take action.

9. Volunteer. Be sure the volunteer activity is engaging and a good fit for you.

10. Use what you have learned and write and commit to a purpose statement. Begin with “My purpose is to….”

Don’t forget that even small and ordinary intentions can pack a pretty significant punch (like showing up for your friends or family).