Purpose:The ultimate game changer
Purpose:
The ultimate game changer
Connecting to Purpose Changes Everything
Why do I lead with Purpose? And what does it mean?
When we discover a sense of purpose, it transforms the way we experience life.
Purpose provides clarity, resilience, and a deeper understanding of why we do what we do.
It motivates us, gives us hope and a sense of optimism.
Viktor Frankl, an incredible human, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, explored this idea profoundly in his ground-breaking work Man’s Search for Meaning.
Through his philosophy of Logotherapy, he demonstrated how finding meaning—even in the darkest moments—can be our greatest source of strength and fulfilment.
And how without it we're lost.
What Is Logotherapy?
Logotherapy, from the Greek word “logos,” meaning “reason” or “meaning,” is based on the premise that our primary motivation in life is not pleasure (as Freud suggested) or power (as Adler argued), but meaning.
Frankl’s work shows us that:
Meaning is Individual: What brings meaning to your life may not resonate with someone else.
Meaning Can Be Found in Any Situation: Even in suffering, we can choose how to respond and derive a sense of purpose.
Freedom Lies in Our Attitude: While we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react.
Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps taught him that the people who survived weren’t always the strongest physically, but those who found a reason to keep going—a loved one to reunite with, a project to complete, or even the hope of a better future.
Simple Ways to Apply Logotherapy to Life
Reflect on Your Values What truly matters to you? Is it love, creativity, service, or learning? By focusing on values, you align your actions with what brings meaning to your life.
Reframe Challenges Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Instead of seeing difficulties as setbacks, view them as opportunities to grow and strengthen your resilience.
Seek Meaning in the Everyday Not every day will bring grand moments of purpose, but meaning can be found in small, simple actions: helping someone, creating something, or even appreciating nature.
Ask the Big Questions When facing a decision, ask yourself: “What would make this meaningful?” This shift in perspective can guide you toward choices that resonate with your deeper values.
Accept Responsibility Frankl believed that meaning is discovered through the responsibilities we choose to take on. These could be toward others, our community, or even ourselves.
Links to Buddhism and Stoicism
Logotherapy shares intriguing parallels with Buddhism and Stoicism:
Buddhism: Both emphasise the idea of choice in how we respond to life. Buddhism teaches mindfulness and detachment from suffering, allowing us to accept life as it is. Similarly, Logotherapy empowers us to find meaning despite suffering by changing our perspective.
Stoicism: Like Logotherapy, Stoicism is rooted in the belief that we can’t control external events, only our reactions to them. Both philosophies encourage resilience through focusing on what truly matters and accepting life’s inevitable challenges.
Practical Exercise: The "Meaningful Minute"
Each day, set aside one minute to reflect on a simple question: What was the most meaningful thing I did today?
It could be as small as offering a kind word to a stranger or as significant as completing a task that aligns with your larger goals. Over time, this practice can shift your mindset toward finding meaning in the everyday.
Final Thoughts
Viktor Frankl’s legacy reminds us that even in life’s most challenging moments, we have the power to find purpose. Meaning doesn’t always come from grand achievements; it often emerges in how we live, love, and respond to life’s questions.
What’s one way you could apply Logotherapy in your life this week? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Some Inspiration for Your Journey:
🎥 Watching Recommendation: Finding Meaning in Life: Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy (YouTube overview of his work and its applications).
📘 Reading Recommendation: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – A timeless guide to finding purpose in the face of adversity.
🎧 Listening Recommendation: The Meaningful Life Podcast with Andrew G. Marshall – Thoughtful discussions on creating a purposeful life.
As always, feel free to reach out anytime for more tips or even a chat.
And if you have any recommendations or topics you’d like covered, I’d love to hear from you.
