Your Life’s Meaning Through Three Key Phases

What is your life’s purpose? 

It’s one of life’s most profound and difficult questions. The variations and perspectives on this question are endless, but ultimately, it boils down to discovering what each of us wants to achieve in this brief yet magical journey called life.

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."
- Confucius 

If you have not given it some serious thought, perhaps now is a good time to do so. Many intelligent individuals before us have tried to theorise and look for the right answer. Many have arrived at very meaningful and relatable conclusions. However, I believe that you, as an independent and unique individual, will have your own conclusions waiting to be discovered and embraced.

So, how do you go about finding your life’s purpose? Let’s explore the three distinct phases you are likely to experience. These phases build upon each other, providing you the chance to discover an answer that resonates uniquely with you. As Confucius advised, let’s keep things simple.

Phase 1 - A Structured Stepping Stone

Congratulations! Against staggering odds, you were born into this world, a blank slate. Your formative years were shaped by your parents' culture, their knowledge, and the societal laws they lived by. This phase provides a strong foundation, teaching you right from wrong within your community and what’s considered socially desirable.

As you progress through the education system, you are introduced to a structured process of learning information and skills deemed necessary for becoming a productive member of society. This foundational phase lays the groundwork for who you are and how you will perceive the world.

Phase 2 - Fixation Or Exploration 

“Exploration is a wonderful way to open our eyes to the world, and to truly see that impossible is just a word.”
- Richard Branson

As you mature, your independence and autonomy increase, giving you the freedom to explore new environments and activities outside your familiar circles. You encounter individuals with different upbringings, cultures, and beliefs, often challenging your perceptions.

This phase of exploration can lead to conflict, as young adults tend to become opinionated or defensive, strongly asserting their beliefs about right and wrong. However, what you learned in your early years may be holding you back from seeing the world as it truly is.

The world is ever-changing. To thrive in this environment, it’s essential to move beyond binary thinking where things are either right or wrong. Instead, adopt a beginner's mindset, approach each new experience with openness and curiosity. By embracing change, you can broaden your perspective and enrich your life with wisdom.

Unfortunately, many individuals remain stuck in the phase of fixation, unable to break free from the values and beliefs ingrained in them. Eventually, they live according to a rigid view of the world instead of embracing growth and discovery.

Phase 3 - Clarity And Being Yourself

Once you understand that there’s no single correct way to interpret the world, you’ll begin to realise that others’ opinions matter less. This realization is liberating—it frees you from societal expectations and empowers you to simply be yourself.

"Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
- George Bernard Shaw

Explore the world on your terms. Be open to different cultures, views and beliefs. Ultimately, have courage to decide what principles and lifestyle represents or aligns with you the most. Without the need to change others, you will be happy and satisfied by being your authentic self.

As you embrace this process, you may stumble upon your life's purpose. As George Bernard Shaw shared, this purpose is not something you find through searching, but rather through living and being yourself.

Concluding

As I mentioned at the beginning, the meaning of life is yours to discover. No one can do it for you. These three phases represent a general framework for the journey of self-discovery. That doesn’t mean you won’t uncover your life’s purpose during your early years, but it often takes time and experience to gain clarity.

So, be curious. Welcome new experiences and embrace change. Don’t be afraid to let your life’s purpose evolve. After all, who says your life’s purpose can’t change or be more than one thing?