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What is Purpose?

Writer's picture: Jessica NägeleJessica Nägele

Updated: Sep 14, 2024

Finding Purpose: It's Not Just for Philosophers and Therapists!



A person is looking through books to find the meaning of purpose while drinking a coffee in a specialty coffee in Luxembourg
Person searching for meaning while dinking a specialty coffee - image provided by WIX


Have you ever found yourself pondering the meaning of life while sipping on your coffee in one of Luxembourg's charming specialty cafes? You're not alone! The topics of "purpose" and "meaning" often pop up in therapy sessions and coaching conversations. But here's the kicker—there isn’t much scientific literature on it (Manteufel, 2005). And to make things more interesting, there's no clear definition of "purpose." So, let's explore what purpose really means, why it’s important, and why it can feel so elusive.



Purpose: A Tricky Concept?


Purpose is like the favorite mystery ingredient of life—everyone talks about it, but no one really knows what it is. Some researchers call it "meaning," others call it "fulfillment," and still others simply stick to "purpose." No wonder the search for purpose can feel like chasing after a unicorn!


The truth is, "purpose" is a bit like a chameleon; it changes based on who's looking at it. In the realm of systemic theory, there are two main concepts:


  1. Purpose According to Luhmann's Theory: Think of purpose as a filter. According to Niklas Luhmann, purpose is like a lens through which we perceive and make sense of the world around us. It’s the "meaning" that something holds for an observer (Resse-Schäfer in Manteufel, 2005). It helps us organize our thoughts and actions in a complex world, but it's also incredibly abstract and dynamic—almost like trying to talk about something that doesn’t want to be put into words.


  2. The Sense of Coherence (Kohärenzgefühl): Imagine this as your inner compass. It reflects how understandable, manageable, and meaningful you find your life circumstances. This theory was developed as a counterpoint to more problem-focused health concepts. The idea is that our sense of coherence starts forming in childhood, and by adulthood, we’re mostly working on enhancing it through our life experiences and perspectives. But critics argue that it's often unclear when a situation can be considered truly meaningful, comprehensible, or manageable.


Why Is Having a Purpose Important?


Purpose is not just a buzzword; it's like the secret sauce that adds flavor to life. When you have a sense of purpose, you’re more likely to experience greater well-being, resilience, and motivation. Research even suggests that having a clear sense of purpose can lead to better mental and physical health, lower levels of stress, and longer life expectancy.

But why does purpose have such a powerful impact? Here are a few reasons:


  • Direction and Focus: Purpose acts as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions. It helps you prioritize what's truly important for you, so you don’t get lost in the noise of daily life. For instance, when faced with a tough career decision or the challenges of adapting to life as an expat, having a purpose can help you stay focused on your long-term goals.


  • Resilience in Difficult Times: Purpose can be a source of strength. When life throws curveballs—like navigating a new culture or dealing with unexpected changes—knowing your purpose can provide a sense of stability and help you bounce back more quickly.


  • Greater Fulfillment: Purpose helps you find joy and satisfaction in your everyday activities. When your actions align with your values and what truly matters to you, even mundane tasks can feel more meaningful.


How Purpose Plays Out in Everyday Life


So, what does living with purpose look like in real life? Imagine this:


  • The Expat Experience: Moving to Luxembourg can be both exciting and daunting. Without a sense of purpose, the challenges - like learning a new language or building a social network - can feel overwhelming. But if your purpose involves curiosity, personal growth, or adventure, these same challenges become opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.


  • Career Shifts: You might have relocated for a new job or career opportunity, but what happens when the honeymoon phase wears off? A clear purpose helps you navigate the ups and downs, stay motivated, and even seek new opportunities that align better with your values. Maybe your purpose shifts from achieving a specific career goal to finding work-life balance or contributing to a cause you believe in.


  • Family Life: Whether raising a family in a new environment or managing long-distance relationships, purpose provides clarity. It can help you find meaning in daily routines and make decisions that are aligned with your core values, like choosing to spend more time with loved ones or engaging in community activities that foster a sense of belonging.


Navigating the Many Faces of Purpose


So, what does this all mean for you? Well, these different interpretations can make it challenging, to find clarity. Yet, here's the silver lining: by raising awareness and simplifying the complexity, we can help people discover a greater sense of autonomy and purpose in our lives.


To make this abstract concept more concrete, let's look at two different models of purpose: the approach by George & Park and the "4+1" model by Schulz von Thun.


George & Park’s Triad of Meaning (2017) suggests that each person's purpose is a unique blend of three categories:

  • Comprehension: The sense of coherence and understanding of one's character and life.

  • Purpose: Living a goal-directed life that aligns with personal values.

  • Mattering: Feeling that one’s existence is significant to the world.


the three pillars of Meaning in life according to Geroge and Park are Comprehension, Purpose and Mattering.
The three pillars of Meaning in Life according George Park

Meanwhile, Schulz von Thun's "4+1" Model (2021) offers a more layered view:

  • Wish Fulfillment: Achieving personal dreams and goals.

  • Meaning Fulfillment: Finding and experiencing meaning in your actions and existence.

  • Biographical Fulfillment: Reflecting on a life filled with both positive and negative experiences.

  • Existential Fulfillment: Spirituality and mindfulness, and the appreciation of simply being.

  • And the "+1"? That’s self-fulfillment, the result of balancing the four core elements.



the 4+1 purpose looks like a flower. The first pedal is Fulfillment of Wishes, the 2nd Fulfillment of Purpose, the 3rd Fulfillment of Being and the 4th is Biographical Fulfillment. The +1 is the center of the flower called "Self-Fulfillment".
4+1 model of fulfillment by Schulz von Thun

Both models highlight that finding purpose is highly personal and subjective. There are no fixed rules or standards—meaning in life is something you define for yourself.


So, Where Do You Start?


If you're feeling a little lost or like you’ve misplaced your sense of purpose, don’t worry—you're not alone! The good news is that purpose doesn’t have to be tied to just one area of life, like family or career. It can evolve, shift, and show up in multiple places, just like you might change your favorite café in Luxembourg over time.


Here are some questions to start finding or changing your purpose:


  • Is your current purpose serving you?

  • What experiences have shaped who you are today?

  • What are the key lessons you have learned from your life so far?

  • How do you currently see your role in the world?

  • When do you feel most like your true self?

  • What are the beliefs or values that guide your decisions?

  • What activities or goals make you feel most energized and fulfilled?

  • What values do you want to embody in your daily life?

  • How can you align your actions with what truly matters to you?

  • What would you do if you had no fear of failure?

  • How do you want to make a difference in the lives of others?

  • What unique skills or qualities do you bring to your community or the world?

  • When have you felt most appreciated or recognized for your contributions?

  • How do you want to be remembered by the people who know you best?

  • In what ways can you use your strengths to serve something bigger than yourself?


Ready to dive deeper into your purpose? Let's explore it together!


Sign up or my newsletter to follow my blog for more insights on finding and evolving your purpose or book your first consultation with me today!




Sources:

  • George, L. S., & Park, C. L. (26. Juli 2017). The Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale: A tripartite approach to measuring meaning in life. The Journal of Positive Psychology(12:6), S. 613-627. doi:10.1080/17439760.2016.1209546

  • Manteufel, A. (2005). Sinn und Sinnerleben - Perspektiven der systemischen Therapie. In H. Petzold, & O. Ilse, Sinn, Sinnerfahrung, Lebenssinn in Psychologie und Psychotherapie (S. 643-664). Bielefeld: Aisthesis Verlag.

  • Schulz von Thun, F. (2021). Erfülltes Leben - Ein kleines Modell für eine große Idee (3. Ausg.). München: Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG.

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