Finding Meaning: The Key to a Fulfilling Life

Have you ever wondered what makes life feel truly meaningful? Meaning is one of the core elements of well-being, and it plays a powerful role in shaping how we experience life. Research suggests that when people feel their lives have meaning, they tend to be healthier, happier, and more resilient in the face of adversity (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Hill & Turiano, 2014). But what exactly is meaning, and how can we cultivate it in our everyday lives?

Meaning is about feeling connected to something greater than yourself. It’s what makes life feel worthwhile and significant. While meaning can be deeply personal, research points to four key pillars that contribute to a sense of meaning: belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling (McAdams, 2006; Yaden et al., 2017).

Let’s explore each of these pillars and how they shape our well-being.

Join Walden WELL's program director Mark O'Brien, JD MAPP and KC White MAPP as they explore the science of wellbeing and its application to behavioral health work in the fourth episode in our five-part series on the PERMA wellbeing framework: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Belonging: The Foundation of Meaning

At its core, meaning begins with belonging. We all want to feel valued for who we are and to reciprocate that value to others. When we experience deep connections with family, friends, and communities, we develop a sense of meaning that reinforces our well-being. Love and acceptance are at the heart of belonging, and research shows that strong social connections are fundamental to a meaningful life (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).

Think about the people who make you feel seen and heard. These relationships remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s through family bonds, friendships, or community involvement, fostering belonging helps us build a foundation for a more meaningful life.

Purpose: A Guiding Force

Purpose gives life direction. It’s the driving force that motivates us, especially when it involves contributing to the well-being of others. People with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer, experience better mental and physical health, and are more likely to seek medical care when needed (Hill & Turiano, 2014). Purpose is not just about what we do—it’s about why we do it.

A great way to explore purpose is by identifying your strengths and finding ways to use them in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through work, volunteering, or creative pursuits, engaging in activities that align with your values and strengths can bring a greater sense of purpose to your life.

Transcendence: Connecting to Something Bigger

Have you ever had a moment that made you feel connected to something vast and awe-inspiring? Maybe it was standing at the edge of the ocean, gazing at the stars, or listening to music that moved you deeply. These experiences of transcendence remind us that we are part of a much larger world.

Transcendent moments can shift our perspective and increase our generosity toward others (Yaden et al., 2017). Engaging in spiritual practices, spending time in nature, or immersing ourselves in art can help us cultivate transcendence in our daily lives. These moments don’t have to be grand—they can be as simple as watching the sunrise or sharing a moment of deep connection with another person.

Storytelling: Shaping the Narrative of Our Lives

The way we tell our life stories shapes our sense of meaning. We are all the authors of our own narratives, and how we frame our experiences matters. Psychologist Dan McAdams (2006) emphasizes the importance of how we interpret our past—whether we see our experiences as stories of decline (where life gets worse over time) or as redemption stories (where challenges lead to growth and meaning).

For example, losing a job is undoubtedly a difficult experience. A person with a “contamination” narrative might view it as a turning point that led to further struggles, while a person with a redemption narrative might see it as an opportunity to discover a new path that was even more fulfilling.

One practical way to shift your perspective is through storytelling exercises. Writing about past experiences from both a deficit and strength-based perspective can help you find meaning in challenges and reframe difficult moments as opportunities for growth (McAdams & Manczak, 2011).

Bringing More Meaning into Everyday Life

If you’re looking to cultivate more meaning, start by reflecting on the four pillars:

• Belonging: Do you feel a sense of connection with others? How can you strengthen your relationships?
• Purpose: What drives you? How can you use your strengths to contribute to something bigger?
• Transcendence: When have you felt awe or deep connection? How can you create more of these moments?
• Storytelling: How do you tell your life story? Are there ways to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth?

By intentionally reflecting on these areas, you can create a life that feels more meaningful and fulfilling. Meaning isn’t something we stumble upon—it’s something we cultivate through our actions, our relationships, and the way we interpret our experiences.

Final Thoughts

A meaningful life isn’t necessarily an easy one. It’s filled with challenges, setbacks, and growth. But when we have a strong sense of belonging, purpose, transcendence, and a positive life narrative, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience and well-being.

So, take a moment to reflect—where do you find meaning? And how can you create more of it in your everyday life?

Continue to Wellbeing in the Behavioral Health Workforce Ep. 5: Accomplishment and Achievement

References

• Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.
• Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Purpose in life as a predictor of mortality across adulthood. Psychological Science, 25(7), 1482-1486.
• McAdams, D. P. (2006). The redemptive self: Stories Americans live by. Research in Human Development, 3(2-3), 81-100.
• McAdams, D. P., & Manczak, E. (2011). Personality and the life story. In L. A. Pervin & O. P. John (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 232-248). Guilford Press.
• Yaden, D. B., Haidt, J., Hood Jr, R. W., Vago, D. R., & Newberg, A. B. (2017). The varieties of self-transcendent experience. Review of General Psychology, 21(2), 143-160.