Meaning in Life

The question "What is life?" has been asked throughout human history, echoing through the halls of philosophy, theology, biology, and, more recently, psychology. In the strictest biological sense, life is typically characterized by the ability to grow, reproduce, maintain homeostasis, respond to stimuli, adapt through evolution, and, at some point, die.

However, when we explore the meaning of life from a psychological perspective, we delve into the realm of human consciousness, emotions, thoughts, and values. Psychologists seek to understand how people find purpose and what motivates them. This pursuit is inherently subjective, as the meaning of life can vary greatly from person to person.

Every single one of us arrives in this world with a unique mission tucked under our arm. Some folks are dealt a hand that might change the entire course of humanity, while others are handed quests that turn their gaze inward, perhaps to master the art of personal fulfillment. And then there are those whose paths are woven into the fabric of the everyday – their acts might seem mundane, but trust me, they're anything but. Let's be clear – no mission is up for judgment. Each and every one deserves a tip of the hat, a round of applause, for every role played is essential in this grand tapestry of life. Once we figure out what our own personal quest is, it's like finding our North Star – guiding us, giving us that drive, that sense of 'Why I'm here,' as we stride on towards our goals.

Now, let's get personal for a moment. The reason I dove headfirst into this topic is that I've recently lost someone very dear to me. It's sent me spiraling into thought, seriously weighing what I'm doing with my life and how I can infuse it with meaning – so that when the sun sets on my days, I'll have no regrets, just a heart full of cherished memories and a life well-lived. If you've got a minute, take a detour through my earlier piece on stage theory. It'll give you a solid ground to stand on, an understanding of how psychologists zoom out to view the whole human journey, setting the stage for this deep dive into what life is all about from a psychological standpoint.

Who we are

When we were adolescents, we might feel a sense of confusion while searching for their identity, uncertain about their roles in their families, schools, and society. This uncertainty can lead to self-doubt and anxiety. If teens struggle to determine their identity, they might experience an identity crisis, manifested through worries about the future, feelings of inferiority, and depressive moods.

Self-awareness, known as self-identity, plays a crucial role in shaping one's life goals. Life goals represent what one desires most in this world. If someone doesn't quite understand what they like, setting the tone and direction for their entire life becomes even more challenging in the vast expanse of life.

Why understanding who we are is important to our life goal?

Having a clear self-awareness is a prerequisite for setting life goals. What makes a suitable life goal for oneself? It should align with your values and involve doing things you enjoy. Only then can it generate intrinsic motivation to achieve those goals. Life goals crafted to meet external expectations don’t ignite the passionate pursuit of dreams; their motivation tends to be external and short-lived. Ultimately, every individual bears the responsibility for dealing with everything in their life. Hence, life goals belong to oneself, not to others.

Identity status theory

Identity status theory, developed by psychologist James Marcia, defines four distinct identity statuses that describe the process of identity development in late adolescence and adulthood. These statuses are based on two key dimensions:

• Exploration (the period of identity development where one is exploring options)
  • Exploration involves navigating, adjusting, and reflecting within each environment or life circumstance. As one grows, they encounter various new environments and challenges that often leave them uncomfortable or uncertain—this is the crisis, prompting reflection to adapt strategies in facing these new environments and challenges.
  • Exploration refers to adolescents' attempts and evaluations of different identities, values, and beliefs while seeking their sense of self.
• Commitment (the decision made about a sense of identity)
  • Commitment signifies whether one can adhere to their crisis thinking, maintain determination to face new challenges and environments, and secure a chosen identity amidst exploration.

4 identity statuses

James Marcia defines four identity statuses based on "Exploration" and "Commitment":

• Identity Diffusion: This is where an individual has not yet gone through an identity crisis (exploration) and has not made a commitment to any particular set of beliefs or values. People in this status often seem directionless and may not have a strong sense of who they are.
• Identity Foreclosure: Individuals here have made a commitment without going through exploration. They have often accepted values and plans laid out by parents or authority figures without questioning or exploring alternative options.
• Identity Moratorium: This status involves active questioning and exploration, but no commitment yet. Individuals are in the midst of an identity crisis, trying out different beliefs, values, and roles, and are open to new experiences and viewpoints.
• Identity Achievement: After going through a period of exploration, individuals in this status have made a commitment to a certain identity. This reflects a mature construction of identity, where an individual has resolved their identity crisis and made decisions about their personal beliefs and goals.

Negative identity

Now, Besides the four aforementioned identity statuses, there is another known as "negative identity.", which is an intriguing concept derived from Erikson's psychosocial stage of development.

The concept of negative identity originates from Erickson's psychological and social developmental stage theory, referring to a person adopting an identity contradictory to societal expectations and mainstream values. It is essentially a form of rebellion, where an individual adopts attitudes and lifestyles that are directly in contrast to what is considered acceptable or the norm within their community.

It's important to note that a negative identity is not inherently detrimental. In some cases, it can actually be a person's way of defending their unique characteristics or exploring who they are beyond their given boundaries. However, if this identity is formed rigidly out of spite or resistance without self-reflection, it can lead to issues with self-concept and societal integration later in life.

Factors of negative identity

Several factors may contribute to the formation of a negative identity:

• Rebellion: Adolescents might adopt a negative identity as a rebellion against norms and expectations, asserting their independence and autonomy. It can help them establish boundaries with their social groups and connect with peers.
• Self-punishment: Some adolescents may choose a negative identity as a form of self-punishment due to low self-esteem or feelings of guilt.
• Feelings of inadequacy: When adolescents feel unable to meet societal expectations, they may opt for a negative identity as an escape strategy.
• Imitation: In certain instances, adolescents may mimic negative behaviors and attitudes of family members or close friends, thereby forming a negative identity.

To avoid internalizing negative labels, actively challenge and reframe critical or unkind judgments by questioning their validity and replacing them with positive personal affirmations. Additionally, surround yourself with supportive individuals who recognize and reinforce your strengths and personal growth.

Goal and plan

Having a clear self-awareness to understand who we are is a prerequisite for establishing life goals. What constitutes suitable life goals? They must align with one's values and involve doing what one loves, generating intrinsic motivation to achieve them. Life goals established solely to meet external expectations fail to ignite the passion needed for chasing dreams; their motivation leans towards the external and lacks sustainability. Ultimately, every aspect of life is something one must undertake and handle themselves. Therefore, life goals belong to the individual, not to others.

Life goal

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a motivational theory developed by psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan. It focuses on the human tendency to seek out challenge and new experiences and to integrate these experiences into a coherent sense of self or to develop a more refined self-concept. The theory posits that people are driven by a need to grow and gain fulfillment.

Central to SDT are three basic psychological needs:

• Autonomy: The need to feel in control of one’s own behavior and goals. This implies feeling free to choose and being the initiator of one’s own actions rather than feeling pressured or controlled by external forces.
• Competence: The need to gain mastery of tasks and learn different skills. People need to feel effective in dealing with the environment; they need to feel they can achieve goals and handle tasks proficiently.
• Relatedness: The need to feel a sense of belonging, attachment, and being connected to others. People need to feel a sense of intimacy and connection with other individuals.

SDT states that the degree to which these three needs are satisfied can significantly impact one's mental and emotional well-being. Fulfillment of these needs is associated with greater intrinsic motivation (doing something for its own sake), enhanced performance, and overall well-being, whereas thwarting of these needs can lead to diminished motivation and well-being.

When it comes to deciding life goals, Self-Determination Theory is particularly important because goals that align with our inherent growth tendencies and satisfy our basic psychological needs are more likely to be pursued with intrinsic motivation, be sustainable, and lead to long-term happiness and well-being.

For example, if someone sets a goal to become a physician, and this goal is motivated by an intrinsic desire to help others (relatedness), a passion for learning about medicine (competence), and a desire to make autonomous choices in a specialized career (autonomy), they are more likely to be resilient in the face of challenges and remain dedicated to their goal over time.

Conversely, if the same goal is chosen due to external pressures such as family expectations or societal prestige, without considering one's own needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, the individual might find the path to achieving this goal less fulfilling or potentially even abandon the pursuit when faced with adversity.

Understanding and applying the principles of Self-Determination Theory can thus play a crucial role in crafting a life that is both meaningful and satisfying. It guides individuals to align their goals with their intrinsic needs, which can lead to greater personal growth, success, and psychological well-being.

Goal planning

Goal Setting Theory, developed by Dr. Edwin Locke in the 1960s, posits that clear, challenging goals coupled with appropriate feedback motivate individuals and lead to higher performance. The theory emphasizes that goals act as an internal driver, focusing an individual's attention, mobilizing effort, increasing persistence, and fostering the development of strategies for goal achievement.

Locke's Goal Setting Theory directly relates to the SMART criteria, an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals operationalize Locke's principles into a practical framework to formulate objectives:

1. Specific: Clearly defined goals provide specific guidance on what is to be accomplished, aligning with Locke's emphasis on clear goal formulation.
2. Measurable: Having measurable goals allows for the tracking of progress and provides feedback, which Locke identified as crucial for motivation and adjustment of strategies.
3. Achievable: Challenging yet attainable goals increase motivation, resonating with Locke's finding that challenging goals lead to higher performance.
4. Relevant: Goals that are relevant ensure that efforts are aligned with important tasks, reflecting Locke's idea that goals are most effective when they have significance to the individual.
5. Time-bound: Establishing deadlines creates a sense of urgency, echoing Locke's observation that time frames sustain goal-related focus and persistence.

Together, Locke's Goal Setting Theory and the SMART criteria form a robust approach to objective formulation, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes by ensuring goals are well-defined and strategically sound.

Meaning in life

In our brief lives, discovering the meaning that exists in the present world can significantly impact our happiness and mental well-being. In psychology, "meaning in life" refers to something slightly different from the philosophical exploration of the "meaning of life." Philosophically, the "meaning of life" delves into the inherent significance of life itself, while in psychology, "meaning in life" explores how individuals can lead a meaningful existence. This section will introduce how psychologists comprehend the meaning in life backed by empirical evidence.

Significance, life comprehension and purpose

Michael Steger, a psychologist dedicated to studying life's meaning, introduced the "Meaning in Life Questionnaire, MLQ," a tool to assess an individual's perception of life's meaning. Steger's model of life's meaning primarily comprises two dimensions: the presence of meaning and the search for meaning.

The presence of meaning dimension involves an individual's perception of the existence of meaning in their life. When people feel their lives are filled with purpose, value, and significance, they experience a meaningful life. Life goals play a pivotal role in life's meaning; one's direction in life reflects their intrinsic worth. This includes goals aligned with personal values, connections with others, care, and understanding of life narratives. Pursuing a meaningful life correlates closely with mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction.

The search for meaning dimension involves actively exploring the meaning of life, including reflecting on one's purpose, values, and life narratives. It's an ongoing process as people might reassess and readjust their life goals and beliefs through different life stages and experiences. The search for meaning relates to personal growth, self-actualization, and the ability to face challenges.

Recently, psychology has reached a consensus that life's meaning comprises three aspects:

• Significance (感到自己人生的重要性)
• Life comprehension (有著正確的生活理解)
• Life purpose (擁有清晰人生目標)

These components are often central to discussions on life's meaning in the context of positive psychology and existentially oriented theories. This framework of meaning is grounded in the work of psychologists such as Viktor Frankl and has been further developed by contemporary researchers like Michael Steger.

Example

To understand these three components, let's define them and use the fictional character of Emma as an illustrative example:

• Significance refers to the idea that one's life has value or worth. It encompasses the belief that life is important and matters both to the individual and potentially to others.

Example: Emma volunteers at a local animal shelter. She believes her efforts significantly impact the welfare of animals, thereby providing a sense of value and worth to her actions and her life.

• Comprehension, or coherence, is about understanding one's life events and experiences, viewing life as comprehensible, consistent, and intellectually meaningful. It suggests that an individual sees their life experiences as part of a larger, understandable narrative.

Example: Emma experiences a series of challenging events, but she reflects on them and sees a pattern of personal growth and resilience. This understanding helps her see her life as coherent and gives her a context for interpreting both positive and negative experiences.

• Purpose is the motivational aspect of meaning; it involves having a sense of directedness and intention, goals, and a mission in life.

Example: Emma's desire to contribute to environmental conservation guides her in her career choices, hobbies, and day-to-day activities. She feels that her purpose in life is to educate others about sustainability and to advocate for policy changes that protect natural resources.

Summary

These aspects help individuals to build resilience, enhance well-being, and can even affect mental and physical health. However, it's important to note that while many psychologists consider these aspects important, individuals can experience and interpret their life's meaning in vastly different ways. The subjective nature of meaning means that it can be shaped by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs and values.

Furthermore, different psychological frameworks offer varying perspectives on life's meaning. For example, Viktor Frankl's logotherapy posits that the primary motivational force in humans is to find meaning in life, and this can often be achieved through overcoming adversity. Existential psychology emphasizes the individual's creation of meaning through choices and actions.

In conclusion, while not uniformly agreed upon, the three aspects of significance, comprehension, and purpose are indeed regarded as key contributors to the experience of a meaningful life, providing a sense of worth, understanding, and direction.

A good life

In modern empirical psychology, psychologists speculate that a fulfilling life comprises three dimensions: a happy life, a meaningful life, and a psychologically rich life.

Let's briefly explore these life facets.

Happy life

A Happy Life—referred to as subjective well-being (SWB) in psychology—involves life satisfaction, more positive emotions, and fewer negative feelings. Subjective well-being mainly stems from straightforward pleasures, like material indulgences, relishing delicious food, or residing in upscale accommodations. Hence, one's level of subjective well-being relates to personal indulgences, financial stability, time availability, and life contentment.

Meaningful life

A Meaningful Life aligns closer to psychological well-being (PWB) in psychology. Carol Ryff proposed the Psychological Well-being Model in 1989, measuring PWB across six dimensions. These dimensions not only reveal the diversity of well-being but also emphasize individual development and psychological maturity.

• Self-acceptance involves positively evaluating oneself, including accepting past experiences and present traits. Face the weakness, accept it then change it.(面對自己的黑暗面)
• Positive relations with others entail nurturing meaningful connections and displaying care, compassion, and love.
• Autonomy signifies independence in thoughts and actions, even under societal pressure.
• Environmental mastery refers to effectively coping with environmental changes and deriving satisfaction from them.
• Purpose in life denotes a clear understanding of life's meaning and goals, enabling setting objectives. Personal growth represents continual self-improvement and pursuit of self-fulfillment.

A meaningful life embodies dreams and altruistic goals beneficial to society. Pursuing meaningful life goals involves overcoming obstacles, not necessarily associated with hedonistic happiness, as it entails facing failures and setbacks. Pursuing meaningful goals demands high self-discipline and often involves sacrificing indulgences. The sense of purpose stems from contributing to society and fostering a better future.

Psychologically rich life

In the end, a psychologically enriched life is intertwined with life experiences. Someone with a psychologically enriched life has had numerous life-changing events that continually alter their perspective on life. Their life trajectory becomes more legendary compared to the average person.

For instance, a single mother who had a child at sixteen faced five extremely challenging years in financial hardship. Yet, it was precisely during this time that she developed the idea of caring for underprivileged children. Through her persistent efforts, she eventually established a social startup a decade later, which grew into a successful business.

Not every psychologically enriched life necessitates prior hardship, but it's about having rich life experiences. Life isn't rigid; it's filled with various stimuli and experiences, positive or negative. I believe even a backpacker wandering through South America leads a psychologically enriched life.

Summary

A happy life, a meaningful life, and a psychologically enriched life make up a good life, but most people don't wholly possess these three. A successful entrepreneur might find life happy and meaningful but may not feel psychologically enriched because their life lacks significant stimuli or transformative events. Conversely, a young person traveling for work may feel psychologically enriched as their days are filled with excitement. However, they might find this life lacking in meaning and frequently struggle with practical issues, leading to a lack of happiness.

Life is a journey

Judging a person's works solely based on the outcomes of their actions can be highly problematic when looked at through two contrasting psychological lenses: the performance-oriented mindset and the fixed mindset. The performance-oriented mindset prioritizes end results and the validation from others, often glossing over the effort, learning, and moral integrity involved in the process. Similarly, those with a fixed mindset believe abilities are static, which can lead to viewing success as an affirmation of inherent talent and failure as a lack of it.

It isn't about successes and failures

Some people describe their lives as a series of successes and failures. To them, life seems can only have 2 chooses either success or failure. They relish the feeling of success but fear failure greatly. This excessive focus on wins and losses creates a psychological barrier, leaving them anxious and unable to fully concentrate on the present. They hesitate to pursue goals, fearing they might give their all and still fail, unable to cope with the consequences. After reaching a peak in life, the joy is fleeting, replaced by apprehension about sustaining that high point. They resist embracing new challenges, shying away from stepping out of their comfort zone, as venturing into unfamiliar territories means starting anew and learning from scratch, with no guarantee of the success they crave. And when faced with setbacks, they see it as a plunge into darkness, unable to accept failure. They might be deeply affected by failure, possibly losing hope without any prospects of bouncing back.

On the other hand, there's another group that views life quite differently. They don't see life as solely about success and failure, nor as a rigid black-and-white journey. Instead, they perceive it as an ongoing, diverse adventure—a colorful journey with shades of gray, yellow, red, and green. Their journey is vibrant and exciting. They cherish life's peaks but aren't afraid of the downhill ride afterward. In fact, they relish the descent, willingly stepping out of their achieved success zone to explore new territories. Why? Because staying in the comfort of past success feels limiting to them. They can't guarantee the outcome, but they pour their passion into the process. Challenges and setbacks encountered along the way are welcomed, as these negatives help them understand themselves better. They continuously learn and adapt in the face of difficulties, seeing small daily improvements as the most exhilarating achievements. Their drive for progress motivates them to constantly challenge themselves.

The other mindsets

The concepts of the mastery-oriented mindset(匠人精神) and the growth mindset offer a more constructive approach. A mastery-oriented mindset focuses on the inherent value of the effort and process of learning, rather than merely the end result. A growth mindset, championed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is characterized by the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Instead of lionizing individuals solely for their successes, embracing a growth or mastery-oriented approach encourages us to celebrate continuous improvement, learning from experiences, and resilience.

Here are a few reasons why psychologists advocate for a growth mindset over a performance-oriente

• Embracing Challenges: A growth mindset encourages individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and self-improvement, whereas a performance-oriented mindset may lead to avoiding challenges for fear of failure or seeming incompetent.
• Persistence in the Face of Setbacks: With a growth mindset, setbacks are seen as a natural part of the learning process. This perspective promotes resilience and the ability to persist in overcoming obstacles, while a performance-oriented mindset might result in giving up when faced with difficulty.
• Effort as a Pathway to Mastery: A growth mindset acknowledges the importance of effort in achieving mastery and developing skills. Those with a performance-oriented mindset may see effort as an indicator of low ability, as they may believe that if one is truly talented, success should come easily.
• Learning from Criticism: Constructive criticism is viewed as valuable feedback in a growth mindset, allowing for personal and professional development. In a performance-oriented mindset, criticism may be taken personally and seen as a threat.
• Inspiration from Others' Success: With a growth mindset, individuals can find inspiration and learning opportunities in the success of others. A performance-oriented mindset might instead lead to feelings of insecurity or jealousy.

The preference for a growth mindset is well-supported by research, which demonstrates its benefits for learning, motivation, and psychological well-being. By viewing life as a journey and adopting a growth mindset, individuals can develop more adaptive coping strategies, maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity, and continue to invest in their personal and professional growth. That being said, it's important to recognize that the efficacy of a growth mindset may vary from person to person and that a balance between striving for growth and recognizing one's current achievements is also crucial for well-being.

The mastery-oriented and growth mindset lead to a positive life

By exalting these qualities, we foster an environment where individuals are motivated to persist, innovate, and contribute to the greater good without the fear of failing to achieve a specific outcome. This not only makes our lives more positive but also creates a society that values growth, learning, and moral action over mere results.

Neither success nor failure is permanent

Would you prefer life to be straightforward or as vibrant as a rainbow? Neither success nor failure is permanent. Since nothing is eternal, how can success or failure be absolute? Life is a journey, a roller coaster ride. When riding a roller coaster, is it more fun to stay at the top or the bottom? The most thrilling moments are, of course, when you zoom down from the top and soar right back up!

Conclusion

Meaning in life can be discovered through various aspects such as our relationships, careers, personal achievements, spirituality, and the pursuit of knowledge. The quest for what life means is an intensely personal exploration, yet psychology offers valuable frameworks to help us understand and navigate this search. This journey to find meaning is intrinsic to our human experience and plays a significant role in our mental health and overall well-being.

While psychology doesn't lay out a single, definitive answer for life's meaning, it presents a spectrum of viewpoints and tools that support individuals in defining and chasing their unique sense of purpose.

Your life, your choice—there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but it's a treasure to be unearthed on your own terms. Grasping who you are during adolescence is crucial for setting life's goals, but let's face it, it's not a cakewalk. Some folks are still piecing it together well into adulthood. It's essential to diligently seek out values that resonate with you and commit to shaping your identity. This might involve diving into books, widening your social circles, and placing yourself in nurturing environments.

Once your identity is clearer, you'll be poised to craft life goals anchored in autonomy, competence, and relatedness as highlighted by Self-Determination Theory. The trio of significance, comprehension, and purpose is considered fundamental for a meaningful life, offering a sense of value, understanding, and direction. Bear in mind, this is an evolving process. We often reassess and adjust our life goals and beliefs as we navigate various stages and experiences.

The concept of a 'good life' is subjective, yet many psychologists suggest it encompasses happiness (subjective well-being), meaning (psychological well-being), and psychological richness. Remember, life is not a race marked by success or failure. It's more about fostering a mastery-oriented mindset to better yourself. Aim for small, daily improvements—maybe by picking up a new book, practicing an instrument, trying your hand at a new recipe, or just taking a leisurely stroll if you're usually desk-bound.

If you've stuck with me to this final portion of the post, I hope it has offered you a snippet of insight into finding life's meaning. Please, relish the journey!😁