How To Find Purpose In Your life Without Feeling Like You Are Endlessly Chasing Your Tail

Image: AI-generated by the author. Searching for the purpose of life.

How to find your fulfilling life in a world of endless possibilities

In a world filled with endless possibilities, it's hard to know what direction to take with your life. So how do we find meaning in life?
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It's a question that has perplexed philosophers and thinkers for centuries and is still being debated today.

​What psychological theory describes how the world is interpreted?

Psychological theories help to explain how people interpret the world around them. They provide a framework for understanding how people think, feel, and behave.

​There are many different psychological theories, each with its own unique perspective. Some of the most famous psychological ideas include cognitive dissonance theory, social learning theory, and attachment theory.

These theories have contributed to understanding how people interpret the world around them.

For example, cognitive dissonance theory helps to explain why people sometimes hold contradictory beliefs. Social learning theory explains how people learn by observing others. Attachment theory helps to explain how our early experiences with caregivers can shape our later relationships.

​These theories help describe how the world is interpreted from a psychological perspective. Of course, each approach has its own strengths and limitations. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of how people understand the world around them.

In the 1940s, a group of social scientists started studying what they called 'symbolisation' to understand how people made meaning from their lives.

Symbolisation was a process that involved two of the most defining human characteristics: imagination and language.

To make sense of the events in our lives, we use language to imagine (or create) a clear picture of everything that happens. And we use imagination to fill in the details of this symbolic story.

​This picture can be as simple as a song lyric or as detailed as the exact shape of an award. But whatever it is, it's something that we put meaning into so that we can feel connected to it. It creates an experience where we have control over how our life plays out and where we could put your best self forward to have success in life.

That's why finding meaning is so important — we can use it to feel better about anything that happens to us. So basically, symbolisation meant finding what matters most in our life and making it into a picture.

The research conducted in the 1940s on symbolisation was groundbreaking at the time and has since influenced a great deal of other research in the social sciences. The idea that people use language and imagination to make sense of their lives is now widely accepted. It is a fundamental part of many theories and models in the social sciences.
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In fact, Symbolisation is still studied today as a way to understand how people make meaning from their lives and how this meaning is used to guide their behaviour.

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​How do we derive meaning in life?

Some believe that we should accept that human life is ultimately meaningless. They think life is simply about the animalistic purposes of eating, sleeping, mating and defending - dressed up as a civilised life.

In contrast, others maintain that we should strive for a higher purpose, an ultimate meaning.

For example, the Buddhist sūtras and tantras do not explicitly state the meaning or purpose of life. Instead, they emphasise the importance of accepting and working with our desires and attachments rather than trying to suppress or deny them.

According to Buddhist teaching, this is because we can ultimately let go of them and attain liberation through working with our cravings and attachments. In other words, the Buddhist teachings do not focus on providing a metaphysical answer to the question of "what is the meaning of life?". Instead, they offer a practical guide to achieving a meaningful life free from suffering.

Shinto teaches that the divine spirit is present in all things and that humans can achieve immortality through correct living. Therefore, the ultimate goal of Shinto is to preserve the divine spirit in its highest form and to prolong individual human life on earth forever. This is seen as a victory of the divine nature, as it can preserve its objective personality in its highest form.

Some theists believe that only God gives human life ultimate meaning, value, and purpose. Without God, life would be absurd. Therefore, they hold that God is the source of all meaning and purpose in the universe; everything would be pointless without Him.

These theists often argue that atheists cannot account for the existence of objective morality or the beauty of the natural world. They claim that atheists have no basis for asserting that anything is truly good or bad and that they value anything because they arbitrarily decided to do so. For them, believing in and worshipping God is the only way to live a meaningful life.

But what if there was a middle ground? One of being in touch today, for the present?

What if there was a way to find meaning in life without believing in some grand design or cosmic plan?

​What if we could find a way to live fulfilling lives without feeling like we're constantly chasing our tails?

how we make sense of the world gives our lives meaning.

What is the sense of life according to the psychology of meaning?

Such a way starts with understanding the psychology of meaning and its sister - positive psychology.

The psychology of meaning studies how we make sense of our lives and find purpose in the meaning of life.
It's based on the idea that we are constantly creating and interpreting the world around us, and how we do this affects our sense of meaning and purpose.

In other words, how we make sense of the world gives our lives meaning.

Positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses and building the good in life instead of repairing the bad. Indeed, by some definitions, positive psychology focuses on taking the lives of ordinary people up to "great" instead of focusing solely on moving those struggling up to "normal".

This may sound like a lot to take in, but don't worry, I will explain it all in this article.

First, let's look at what the psychology of meaning is all about.

As I said, the psychology of meaning studies how we make sense of our lives.

This means it looks at how we interpret and create the world around us. It also looks at how our interpretation of the world affects our sense of purpose.

​In other words, it's not just about how we make sense of the world but also how that interpretation affects our sense of purpose.

For example, imagine that you're walking through a park and you see a beautiful flower.

You may interpret the flower as a symbol of hope and beauty, or you may see it as a reminder of the fragility of life.
In the case of many Samurai, they were able to appreciate a oneness between life and death, and a Samurai's life was equated to the fragility of cherry flowers. Whichever way you "see" the flower, your interpretation of the physical imprint of the flower on your mind will affect your sense of purpose.

The psychology of meaning is about how we interpret and create the world around us and how that interpretation affects our sense of purpose. It's about finding purpose in our lives and using that knowledge to create a more fulfilling life.

Purpose of Life 1, Salvador Dali. Image: AI-generated by the author.

How to find your purpose in life

Now that we know the psychology of meaning let's look at how it can help us find purpose in life.

As I mentioned, the psychology of meaning is based on the idea that we constantly create and interpret the world around us.

In other words, we are all constantly making sense of the world. Our individual interpretation of the world affects our sense of purpose.

For example, according to existentialism, life is not determined by a supernatural god or an earthly authority. Instead, each person creates the essence (meaning) of their life; one is free. 
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This emphasis on everyday living is seen in the Confucianist scholar Tu Wei-Ming's quote, "We can realise the ultimate meaning of life in ordinary human existence."

So, to find meaning in life, we must understand how we interpret and create the world around us.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to do this.

1. One way is to look at our own interpretation of the world.
2. Another way is to look at how others interpret the world.
3. And a third way is to look at how the world is interpreted.

​Let's start with our own interpretation of the world.

When we look at our own interpretation of the world, we can see that it's often shaped by our beliefs and values.

For example, if you believe that the world is a beautiful place, you're more likely to see beauty in the world around you. On the other hand, if you believe that the world is a scary place, you're more likely to see danger in the world around you.

Our interpretation of the world is also shaped by our culture and the way we were raised.

For instance, if you were raised in a culture that values individualism, you're more likely to see the world as a competition. On the other hand, if you were raised in a culture that values cooperation, you're more likely to see the world as a community.

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How your brain finds meaning in life experiences

​Our interpretation of the world is also shaped by our experiences.

For example, if you've been through many tough times, you're more likely to see the world as a difficult place. On the other hand, if you've had many good experiences, you're more likely to see the world as a great place.

​In other words, our interpretation of the world is shaped by our own beliefs, values, culture, and experiences.

Purpose of Life 2, Salvador Dali. Image: AI-generated by the author.

The worldview of others is a reflection of their beliefs

Now that we've looked at our own interpretation of the world let's look at how others interpret the world. How do we understand the "worldview" of others?

When we look at how others interpret the world, we can see that their interpretation is shaped by their own beliefs and values.

For example, if someone believes that the world is a beautiful place, they're more likely to see beauty in the world around them. On the other hand, if someone believes that people are selfish, they're more likely to see selfishness everywhere.

Our interpretation of others' interpretations of the world is also influenced by culture and the environment we live in.
For example, when we live in an urban area, we're more likely to see crime than in rural areas.

Our interpretation of the world is further influenced by our experiences.

If we have many bad experiences, we're more likely to see the world as dangerous. On the other hand, if we have many good experiences, we're more like to see the world as safe.

​In summary, our interpretation of the word is influenced by our own beliefs, value systems, culture, and experiences and by the beliefs, value systems, cultures, and experiences of those around us.

The world actually exists independently of our beliefs

The world can be interpreted independently of human interpretation and human beliefs. This is because the world exists independently of humans and human ideas. The world is what it is, and human opinions about the world do not change the nature of the world.

There are many ways to interpret the world, many of which don't require humans at all. Beliefs and interpretation are not necessary for understanding the world; they can often get in the way. If we can learn to step back and let the world speak for itself, we can see it in a whole new light.

It is difficult to say how the world would be interpreted without human beliefs and assumptions.

Still, it is safe to say that the world will continue to be the world. The world is what it is, and human beliefs about the world do not change the nature of the world.

​This is not to say that human beliefs are unimportant, but instead that the world keeps its essence the same irrespective of human beliefs.

However, humans can only perceive and interpret the world through their own individual perspectives. Therefore, while the world can be interpreted independently of human interpretation and beliefs, humans will always interpret it through their own biases and perspectives.

Purpose of Life 3, Salvador Dali. Image: AI-generated by the author.

Paradox - searching for meaning leads to a less meaningful life

But there is a paradox.

When we search too hard, we end up focusing on the distractions of life.

When searching for meaning in everyday life, you often end up doing things that aren't meaningful. You do something because you feel like you have to rather than because you really want to.

And you spend too much time thinking about how others perceive your actions rather than focusing on yourself and what you truly value.

But there is one thing that almost everyone wants in life: to make a difference. To live meaningful lives.

There is no shortage of books offering advice on finding purpose. But most people still struggle to find meaning in their lives.

Why is this so? 

It may seem paradoxical, but to find meaning in life, we must firstly give up everything else.

By shedding our material possessions, our attachments to other people, and our notions of who we are, we open ourselves up to a life that is infinitely more meaningful. We become free to live in the present moment, appreciate the simple things in life, and connect with something much more significant than ourselves.

In giving up everything, we gain everything.

I'll say that again, as it is profound. By giving up everything else, we actually gain everything else.

Letting go is what allows us to find meaning. Letting go of our attachments and expectations makes us free to be. And in that state of being, we can connect with something much more significant than ourselves. We can find meaning in the act of living itself.

We then open up the possibility of living the life we truly want. And that, my friends, is the key to finding meaning in our lives.

Our interpretations of the world are only sometimes accurate. So we need to be conscious of these biases.

​Our biases shape our meaning of life

So now that we know what influences our interpretation of the world, here's one last thing:

• We should remain alert to our own biases.

Because our interpretation of the world isn't always accurate, we need to be aware of any biases that might influence our perception of the world. As a result, we can become more objective and make better decisions.

​For example, suppose you're trying to decide whether or not to buy a house. In that case, you may have an unconscious bias against purchasing homes with a basement because you think basements are dangerous. You may also unconsciously favour houses with two bedrooms over those with three.

If you're looking for a new job, you may subconsciously prefer jobs where you work from home. Or you may unconsciously avoid certain types of employment based on stereotypes.

You may even subconsciously favour certain brands of cars or clothing - after all, creating this unconscious bias is the purpose of brand advertising.

The point is this: Our interpretations of the world are only sometimes accurate. So we need to be conscious of these biases, so they don't affect our decision-making process.

​Being aware of your biases will help make life meaningful. For example, you won't feel under (unconscious) stress to buy the "right" brand of clothing or to accept a job based on stereotypes.
Here are some examples of common biases. Do any of these apply to you?

• Biases related to gender - Men tend to perceive women as less competent than men.
• Biases related race - People from different races tend to view each other differently.
• Biases based on age - Older people tend to see younger people as immature.
• Biases due to religion - Some religious groups tend to view non-believers as immoral.
• Biases based on nationality - Americans tend to think of Canadians as friendly and polite.
• Biases related to social class - Middle-class people tend to see lower-class people as lazy.
• Biases relating to sexual orientation - Homosexuals tend to see heterosexuals as homophobic.
• Biases regarding political affiliation - Republicans tend to view Democrats as liberal.
• Biases related to education level - College students tend to see high school students as stupid.
• Biases associated with physical appearance - Thin people tend to see fat people as unattractive.
• Biases about mental health - People who suffer from depression or anxiety tend to see themselves as weak.
• Biases towards celebrities - People who idolise celebrities tend to see celebrities as perfect role models.

Now that you know all this, it should be easier for you to recognise your biases. Just keep in mind that everyone has them, and that it's OK.

The important thing is to be aware of them, so that you can take them into account when making decisions. By doing this, and by remaining open-minded, you will be able to gain a better understanding of the world around you and your own purpose in this world.

Good luck.

Practical steps to find your purpose

1. Practical Steps to Finding Your Purpose

While understanding the psychology of meaning and gaining awareness of biases is important, it is often hard to know how to take practical steps to identify your purpose in life:

• Make a list of your values and passions.
• Reflect on past experiences that brought you fulfillment.
• Try out new activities to see what resonates with you.
• ​Seek guidance from a mentor or therapist who can help you explore your strengths and interests.

2. Overcoming Obstacles to Purpose-Seeking

For many people, the process of finding purpose can be hindered by obstacles such as fear, self-doubt, or practical barriers like financial insecurity. However, it’s essential to understand that these obstacles are natural and can be overcome with time and effort. Here are some strategies for overcoming these challenges:

• Identify your fears and doubts: The first step towards overcoming fear and self-doubt is identifying what they are. Make a list of all the things you’re afraid of or doubt about yourself. Once you know what they are, you can start working on addressing them.
• Challenge your beliefs: Fear and self-doubt often arise from negative beliefs we hold about ourselves or our abilities. Challenge these beliefs by asking yourself where they come from and if they’re accurate.
• Take small steps: Overcoming obstacles takes time, so don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on taking small steps towards your goals every day, no matter how small they may seem.
• Develop a growth mindset: People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can improve over time through hard work. Adopting this mindset can help you overcome obstacles by increasing your resilience when faced with setbacks.

When it comes to financial insecurity, here are some strategies for pursuing your purpose while still being mindful of your finances:

• Create a budget: Creating a budget helps you become more aware of where your money goes and how much you have left over for pursuing your purpose.
• Explore alternative paths: Pursuing your purpose doesn’t always have to mean quitting your job or going back to school. Look for alternative paths that align with your financial realities, such as taking night classes or starting a side business.
• Find ways to give back: Helping others can be a fulfilling way to pursue your purpose while also making a positive impact on the world. Look for volunteer opportunities or ways to give back in your community.

3. Balancing Purpose with Other Aspects of Life

While finding purpose can be a powerful motivator, it's also important to recognize that it's just one aspect of a fulfilling life. You should aim to balance your pursuit of purpose with other important aspects of your life, such as relationships, self-care, or career success.

Also, bear in mind that you remain flexible and alert enough to adjust your purpose over time as life circumstances change or new goals emerge. Don’t be locked into a purpose which no longer serves you.

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