What does it take to have a meaningful life? Money? Love? Adventure? Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what will give your life meaning. Arguably, there’s no inherent meaning to life… so people say. That might scare some people, and it should… but it’s actually great news. You can choose what is meaningful to you.
While it’s an individual decision, there are a few common starting points. The real individuality comes from how you choose to apply them.
Consider these crucial aspects of life to create a fulfilling life that has meaning:
1. Evolution. It’s a little sad when someone reaches the pinnacle of their life at 35 or 40 and coasts to the end. To have a meaningful life, it’s important to grow and evolve. Otherwise, you’ll feel as if you’ve wasted your life. You’ll wonder what you could have accomplished with a little more time and attention.
- Ask yourself these questions… How have you changed over the last 10 years? What do you know now that you didn’t know then? What can you do now that you couldn’t do then? What new skills have you developed? How has your view of the world changed?
2. Purpose. Everyone needs a purpose. We all know of someone that died shortly after retiring. Studies have shown that even something as simple as taking care of a plant extends the lifespan of those living in nursing homes. Fortunately, you can have a purpose without having to go to work for the rest of your life!
- Volunteering is a simple way to make a meaningful contribution that can make life worth living.
- You just need someone or something to serve. What is important to you? How can you contribute in a way that you believe is meaningful?
- Even God’s Word in Galatians 5:13 teaches us to serve one another humbly in love.
3. Belonging to a group. It can be a large family, an extensive network of friends, a church, where you work, a club of some sort, or any other type of organization. We all need to belong to a group and to be accepted by the other members of that group.
- Where is your tribe? Without a group, we tend to feel ignored and unappreciated.
- If you don’t have a tribe to call your own, go out and find one. You could even start your own.
- I kind of did with Duane Brumitt’s Tri-Star Martial Arts Academy!
4. A meaningful past. Over time, we all develop a past. One of the worst outcomes of a long life is to look back on a past that we regret. A past of squandered opportunities is sure to make you cringe when you look back on your life. We all want to have a great story to tell and share.
- What kind of story will you have? What stories do you have to share right now?
- How have you lived the last 10 years? How will you live the next 10?
5. Value experiences and relationships over possessions. Our society is perhaps the most materialistic on Earth. Our society also doesn’t rank anywhere near the top for happiness. That’s a strong clue that possessions aren’t all that meaningful.
- How much enjoyment have you gotten from purchasing something expensive? How long did that enjoyment last? Did it give your life meaning?
- Ensure that you’re spending enough time on accumulating experiences and meaningful relationships. The Ferrari will mean less to you than you think.
What is meaningful to you? How do you need to live in order to believe your life is meaningful? In what ways do you need to grow and contribute to feel that your time on Earth has meaning?
You can choose what will give your life meaning. It’s entirely in your hands, but it’s important to make a conscious choice. One thing that give my life meaning is teaching martial arts to kids and adults alike. Seeing the difference that karate makes in their confidence, self-respect, discipline, focus, over all health and wellness makes me know that I am doing the right thing. The thing God has called me to do. The thing that these five pillars came from.
Have you ever thought about martial arts or karate for yourself or your child? If yes, CLICK HERE to see the different programs we have to offer. Now go and LIVE a MEANINGFUL Life!
If you are still struggling to find meaning in you life try answering the four most important questions you will ever answer in life. 1. Who am I (and what am I worth)? 2. Where did I come from? 3. Why am I here? 4. Where am I going when I die? If you are having trouble answering these four questions let me know and I would be happy to hear what you have come up with. And see if I can help.