Only around a quarter of Americans report having a clear sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, according to a study supported by the Centers for Disease Control, while 40% claim to be neutral or that they did not.
Seeking fulfillment is necessary not only for living meaningful lives but also for living healthier and longer ones.
Why a Sense of Purpose is Important
Older adults with high levels of eudaimonic well-being, or the belief that their actions have meaning and are ultimately worthwhile, enjoy many health benefits; one being a longer life. Finding purpose lowers the risk of mortality and increases an individual’s likelihood of using preventative health services and maintaining better health overall.
A sense of purpose is also linked to many positive health outcomes, including fewer heart attacks and strokes, a strengthened immune system, a lower risk of dementia, and improved sleep.
So how can you begin living a more purposeful life?
How to Find Purpose
Find out what matters to you.
Finding your purpose is not something that comes to you out of nowhere; it is acquired through deep introspection and interaction. Looking within yourself to discover what motivates and drives you takes both time and energy, but the investment is well worth it. Start by exploring the things that interest you and go from there.
Listening to the people around you and accepting feedback can help, too. Learning about yourself through others' insights can help you pinpoint the signs of your purpose and passion that you are already displaying. For example, if someone notices that you tend to help people or are the "funny guy", consider incorporating those perspectives as you explore your own motivations.
Build a community of positive, uplifting people
The people around you have a big impact on your health and well-being. Being around positive people who want to make a difference can inspire you to do the same and give you a sense of belonging. Negative people, however, have the opposite effect. Find out more about why your community is so important here.
Find meaning in the moment
When we think of our life’s purpose, we tend to imagine some grandiose, earth-shattering goal we want to achieve in the far future. But what about all the moments in between? Finding meaning in the everyday, ordinary moments that we take for granted is a huge (and fundamental) step toward purposeful living.
With a purposeful mindset, every interaction, small mishap, or inconvenience can become a meaningful event that leads you one step closer to a positive outcome.
Help others
Help yourself by helping others. Performing an altruistic act of any kind can give you a sense of meaning, whether it's volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating toys, money, or food, or simply offering your time to a neighbor. Volunteering regularly can also help you build a community of like-minded people.
Remember: your purpose in life does not need to be a life-altering goal. It could be as simple as wanting to have more fun or to connect with more people. Whatever gives you a sense of meaning is what you should pursue.
A purposeful life is not restricted by age. Anybody can live and find meaning in a purposeful life, you just need to take the steps to make it happen.
Wellzesta
Wellzesta is committed to providing all users with the resources they need to live purposeful lives. By offering uplifting articles and videos, delivering holistic wellness, holding events and activities that allow residents to explore new interests, encouraging seniors to focus on themselves, and more, Wellzesta Life delivers on that commitment.
Click here to learn more about Wellzesta or connect with a member of our Sales team.
