Among all the chaos of life we often find ourselves wondering what the meaning of life is. It is very easy to turn into the rat on the wheel, running for dear life but not really going anywhere or achieving anything. The keys to unlocking meaning in daily life are simple and lie within each of us.

Here are some tried-and-tested ways to make daily life more meaningful.

1. Set daily goals

Life is busy and most of us end up feeling overwhelmed and having to multi-task to get through the day only to find that we haven’t accomplished much anyway. Setting daily goals, say two or three, allows you to focus and to channel your energy. It alleviates stress and you might do less, but you will do it better. It’s a case of quality over quantity.

2. Express gratitude

Gratitude is not simply the action of saying “thank you”, but rather an emotional state and an attitude. Take the time to consider what others do for you and to show them your appreciation. Keep a gratitude journal and write down the things that you are grateful for every day as a reminder of your good fortune.

3. Find and pursue your passion

When you engage in something that you feel passionate about, it gives you drive and energy and creates happiness like few other things in life ever will. This gives your life real meaning and purpose and makes life worth living. If your passion cannot be your work, make time regularly to engage in it.

4. Live with compassion

Compassion is a strong feeling for the misfortune and distress of others, and feeling motivated to relieve it. Showing compassion leads to meaningful connections with people. Living a life of compassion stops us from focusing on ourselves and opens us up to needs of others.

5. Live by your own values

Our values are our internal GPS, giving us guidance and giving direction to our lives. Identify your values, those core ethics that you want to be a part of your life. Uphold them, only pursuing goals that fit in with them, no matter the consequences.

Marvin Phillips famously said that the difference between try and triumph is just a little umph. Be pro-active and use these keys to start working towards a life filled with more meaning, and ultimately greater happiness.

 

Sources
Good Health Magazine, November 2011. Eight Steps to Happiness, pages 81 – 85
www.lifehack.org
www.merriam-webster.com
www.stevenaitchison.co.uk