The silent pressure of having existential doubts and strategies to alleviate them
In the ever-evolving landscape of human understanding, the concept of personal purpose has undergone a significant transformation. Originating from psychological and sociological theories that emphasized aspiration, self-awareness, individuality, and life stages, the modern understanding of personal purpose is more integrated, encompassing identity and fulfillment.
Alfred Adler, a pioneering psychologist, introduced the idea that purpose is connected to forward-looking aspirations rather than just unconscious drives or childhood experiences. He highlighted the importance of a person’s characteristic approach to challenges, known as "lifestyle," and the crucial role of "self-image" in balancing career and personal life.
Carl Jung, another influential thinker, proposed the concept of individuation — the drive toward wholeness and balance of the Self — as a core purpose of personal growth.
Building upon these foundations, Daniel Levinson framed personal purpose around the evolving "Dream" that guides individuals through life stages. This Dream requires definition and enactment to maintain a sense of aliveness and purpose. Without connecting the Dream to daily life, purpose can fade.
The philosophical notion of individualism emphasizes the intrinsic worth of the individual and self-assertion, suggesting that purpose arises from recognizing oneself as a distinct individual with unique desires, uninhibited by external authority.
Small steps to discovering personal purpose include gaining self-awareness, clarifying one’s aspirations, experimenting with new activities, balancing life domains, and reflecting continuously. These practices help align daily life with core dreams or goals, fostering a more conscious, active, and individualized quest for meaning grounded in self-awareness and life engagement.
In recent years, the term "purpose anxiety" has emerged, reflecting the pressure to find a definitive sense of purpose. Michael Steger, a professor at Colorado State University, acknowledges this pressure but laments the lack of support available to navigate this journey. He advises focusing on the process of exploring values, interests, and what one cares about deeply, rather than rushing to find a definitive purpose.
Historically, religion, community, and family often provided people with a sense of purpose. However, a 2025 Pew Research survey shows a significant decline in religious affiliation in recent decades, suggesting that modern individuals may need to seek purpose in more diverse and personalized ways.
Jody Day, a psychotherapist and author, found her purpose in creating an online support community for childless women after realizing she wouldn’t be a mother. Todd Kashdan, a professor at George Mason University, views purpose as something that helps bridge the gap between who one is and who one wants to become, rather than a strict life plan. He suggests viewing purpose as a compass that helps point energy in a meaningful direction.
Jordan Grumet, author of "The Purpose Code," emphasizes the importance of small-p purpose, found in hobbies, part-time work, and community volunteering, as being just as significant as the grand, capital-P Purpose. He advises looking for activities that "light us up" and feel like a good use of time.
In conclusion, the journey to discovering personal purpose is a dynamic, personal, and ongoing process. It involves increasing self-awareness, reflecting on one’s aspirations, experimenting with personal development activities, balancing life domains, and continuously reflecting on what feels meaningful. Steger encourages taking one’s time and being comfortable with not always knowing, while Grumet emphasizes the importance of finding activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Whether through religion, community, family, or personal pursuits, the modern understanding of personal purpose is a complex and evolving concept that is unique to each individual.
- In the realm of education and self-development, the exploration of personal purpose often involves gaining self-awareness and clarifying one's aspirations, as advocated by psychologists like Alfred Adler and Michael Steger.
- As society shifts towards a more personalized approach to finding meaning, health-and-wellness, and mental-health advocates like Jody Day and Todd Kashdan underscore the value of small, daily activities, such as hobbies or volunteering, in fostering personal growth and contributing to one's sense of purpose.
- Podcasts and online resources focusing on personal-growth and self-discovery can provide valuable insights and guidance for those embarking on the journey of understanding and realizing their personal purpose, as demonstrated by authors like Jordan Grumet and his book "The Purpose Code."
