Today we will explore the human need for meaning. Purpose and meaning are central in human wellbeing. This episode explores the teachings of Viktor frankl, in his book "Man's Search for Meaning,". He writes about how this experience in Nazi concentration camps shaped his understanding on where an individual finds meaning in one’s life. Viktor Frankl believed that life itself is a challenge to find one's purpose, and this meaning provides the strength to endure difficult times, challenge, and suffering. When you are faced with challenge, when you are surrounded by darkness, when you are consumed with sadness, when things don’t go as planned, It is these moments that we call that deep sense of purpose and meaning to help us show courage, strength, and resilience. Join me as we explore the sources of meaning and purpose in life and the critical role meaning plays in sustaining motivation, strength, resilience, and wellbeing.


EPISODE NOTES

Focus on what is in your control: (03:40)
The things that are in you your control are your words, your actions, your perspective, how you navigate your thoughts, and how you treat yourself and others. You cannot control the weather or other people opinions or actions. Frankl suggests a shift from asking, "What is the meaning of life?" to recognizing that we are the ones being questioned by life. We must answer these questions of life by taking responsibility over our existence, the things in our control. The mindset we adopt and the way we respond to situations. Whether you are stuck in traffic or facing a larger obstacle or hardship, bringing the focus back to what is in your control empowers you by redirecting your energy towards your own actions, thoughts, attitudes, and decisions. This intentional shift reduces stress, improves emotional regulation, improves decision making, and fosters resilience by prompting you to respond intentionally, look for a solution and maintain a proactive mindset.

Lead with why: (07:40)
Why is such a simple question yet it is so substantial. Asking yourself why forces you to dig deeper at your intentions and motivations. Leading with why helps to build meaning and purpose. Humans inherit a higher-level psychological need that drives us to seek purpose and significance in our lives. Meaning can be found not just in grand achievements but in daily actions, relationships, and personal challenges. Your reasons why creates the foundation of how you live your life, they guide your decisions and actions, help you identify the meaning and what you find important in life, why you get up in the morning, and what makes you proud, accomplished, and fulfilled.

Viktor Frankl identifies three sources of meaning in life: (09:10)
- Through experiencing something valuable in life such as love and beauty
- Through taking a meaningful attitude though suffering, challenge, and adversity,
- Through purposeful work and creative endeavors

Harness your inner warrior: (12:20)
Your inner warrior is that fighting spirit that embodies a fierce inner strength, steady drive and determination, passion, and courageous resilience. It is not about being fearless or invincible, it is about having the courage to push through challenges and viewing setbacks and failures as opportunities for learning and growth. Reflect on times when you faced challenge and came out on the other side. Highlighting these moments can help you find confidence when faced with new challenges and obstacles. Self-compassion is also an important component in the inner warrior. You must recognize your efforts, respect your journey, and give yourself grace to make mistakes. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Cultivating the inner warrior involves practicing patience, adapting to change, maintaining a positive mindset, and developing emotional intelligence and resilience. Seeking out intentional challenge and learning can help ignite the warrior spirit inside of you and build confidence in your capability. The Outlets and expressions that make you feel alive can also help recharge the warrior spirit inside you. Things like hobbies, passions, spontaneity, the physical release of energy like running, or joining a community or movement. Gratitude and presence are powerful tools in uplifting your warrior spirit. Show gratitude for the lessons your experiences have taught you and how far you have come in your journey. Find gratitude and presence in the moments that you have the gift to pursue challenges and passions.

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