The importance of purpose
Why Purpose and Meaning Matter More Than Ever
As a psychologist, I’ve seen that people can get through enormous hardship if they feel their lives have meaning. But when that sense is missing, even comfort and success can feel empty. Purpose isn’t an add-on—it’s the ground that psychological wellbeing stands on.
Meaning as a Psychological Anchor
Research shows that having a sense of meaning in life is linked to lower depression, greater resilience, and even longer life. Meaning steadies us when things are uncertain and helps point us in a direction when the way ahead isn’t clear.
Purpose is also deeply connected to relationships. When people see their “why” as tied to family, friends, community, or service, they report stronger bonds and a deeper sense of satisfaction. It’s not just about what we do, but why we do it—and who we do it for.
The Role of Suffering
Psychology has long recognised that meaning often shows up most clearly in times of suffering. Viktor Frankl put it simply: “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’” This isn’t about glorifying pain—it’s about noticing how our response to it shapes who we become. We don’t always get to choose what happens, but we can choose how we face it.
Theodore Roosevelt said something similar in his “man in the arena” speech: meaning comes from stepping into life, not standing on the sidelines. Even if we fail or fall, the act of showing up gives life weight and direction.
A Core Belief
For me, meaning can be found in three ways:
In what we create and contribute.
In what we experience through love, beauty, and connection.
In how we carry ourselves through suffering, with courage and dignity.
When people reconnect with these sources of meaning, they often start to see themselves not as powerless, but as active participants in a life that matters.
Final Reflection
Purpose and meaning aren’t abstract—they are practical and human. They give us something solid to hold on to in grief, they deepen our joy, and they guide us through everyday life.
We don’t need to wait for things to get easier before we live with meaning. We can begin now, by asking: What do I stand for? Who do I love? How will I face the challenges that come my way?
At EmbedPsych (www.embedpsych.com.au), this is part of the work we do—helping people reconnect with purpose and meaning so they can move through hardship with clarity and live in alignment with what matters most.