One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I find my purpose?”
It’s an important question. But before we can answer it, we need to understand something equally important: purpose and meaning are not the same thing.
We often use the words interchangeably, yet they describe different aspects of a fulfilling life.
Purpose is generally about direction. It answers the question, “What am I moving toward?” Purpose gives us goals, missions, and aspirations. It is future-oriented. We might find purpose in raising children, building a business, serving our community, advancing a cause, or pursuing a vocation.
Meaning, on the other hand, is broader. Meaning answers the question, “Why does this matter?” It is not limited to future goals. Meaning can be found in the present moment, in relationships, in acts of service, in experiences of beauty, and even in how we respond to suffering.
Viktor Frankl, the founder of Logotherapy, focused primarily on meaning rather than purpose. He observed that people can discover meaning under virtually any circumstances—even circumstances in which their purpose, plans, or goals have been disrupted.
This distinction matters.
There are seasons of life when our purpose feels clear. We know exactly what we’re working toward. We have a mission, a role, or a goal that organizes our efforts.
But there are also seasons when our purpose becomes uncertain. A career ends. Children leave home. A relationship changes. Retirement arrives. Health challenges emerge. During these times, people often feel lost because they have confused a particular purpose with their deeper sense of meaning.
Purpose may change throughout life.
Meaning remains available.
A person recovering from illness may temporarily lose the ability to pursue a cherished goal, yet still find meaning in courage, connection, gratitude, and love. A retiree may no longer have the purpose that came from a career but may discover profound meaning through mentoring, volunteering, or simply being present for family and friends.
Purpose helps us move forward.
Meaning helps us understand why moving forward matters.
Ideally, the two work together. Purpose provides direction; meaning provides significance. Purpose answers where we’re going; meaning answers why we’re going there.
As you begin this week, consider these two questions:
- What gives my life meaning right now?
- What purpose am I pursuing at this stage of my life?
The answers may not be the same—and that’s okay.
In fact, understanding the difference may be one of the most meaningful discoveries you make.
— Dr. Dan
If you want to take a deeper dive, I recorded a great podcast with my friend, Heather Fisher – an amazing coach when it comes to values and purpose. You can listen with the links below:
Dan & Heather talking about Meaning & Purpose on Youtube
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