7.2 The benefits for people who report higher levels of meaning
Being able to identify the meaning and purpose in your life and understand your ‘why’ serves as a point of reference for your future actions. It can help to provide clarity as you will be more focused on your goals and less likely to waste your time on futile endeavours.
The meaning of life
The following video gives a 60-second overview of what things can make life meaningful.
| 1. | Helping others |
| 2. | Making something better |
| 3. | Finding out how things work |
| 4. | Authentic connections with others. |
Can you think of any meaningful examples in your own life where you address these four elements?
Note your thoughts in the text box below.
Finding meaning in the pandemic
Whilst facing the pandemic and its effects on the world, your life, your relationships and your future, it can be easy to view it as a purely negative set of events.
Positive psychology would encourage us, where possible and with support, to look out for any signs of growth and try to facilitate this. This is known as posttraumatic growth, and may involve recognition of personal strengths, improved relationships and a greater appreciation of life.
Perhaps you are able to recognise some signs of personal growth in your life when you compare your life now to before the pandemic?
7.1 What is meaning and how can it help you and your family?