Being clear about what is meaningful is very important for understanding and valuing what we do. It gives us a sense of purpose and a reason to continue doing what we do. It also helps us to focus on what’s important and determine what’s not.
We want to feel in command of our lives, so what can we do to achieve that goal? A clear understanding. The direction. Making progress. By recognizing that all human experience can be classified into two categories: meaningful activities and non meaningful activities, we begin to develop clarity about our current life agenda.
This forces us to differentiate between the good and the bad in our day-to-day activities. What I am doing every day of my life is meaningful to me. Does all this busy work align with what I consider to be my life’s work? Self-determination asks these questions. Every day is a new day to do something new, that gives pleasure and satisfaction.
Such questions make us reconsider everything—every task, responsibility, and opportunity that is laid before us by the world must now be questioned as to whether or not it aligns with our goals, whether or not it enlivens us, and whether or not it allows us to feel fulfilled. To those activities that do not meet our hopes, we must be unblinking and once and for all release our confidence that we must do them. We should take on new responsibilities with open hearts and minds. Don’t show hesitation behavior.
Some will moan at this work. They will say, “But I do not like my answers.” You do not understand. I have to do this terrible job. My workday is not my choice.” For those who believe this, only time and maturity will support them uncover the truth: work, just like our emotions, is ultimately a choice. Whether or not we wield that power is up to us.
If we don’t like the work we are doing, we have three choices: Continue hating what we do; Change our perspective and find meaning and joy in our current tasks; or quit the unflustered work and seek out what makes our soul sing. One would hope everyone would, at some point, and as soon as responsibly possible, choose the last option. Do we have to quit every job we hate? No. Surely, we could stay in any job and succeed—greatness can be cultivated in the soil of any experience. Putting effort into a new task boosts self-aplomb.
But we all know that the seeds of greatness grow faster in the hearts of those doing work they love than in the bitter hearts of those enslaved to work they despise. Some give their entire lives away to work they dislike because they never ask, what if I were free and strong enough to find something more engaging and fulfilling?
What if, based on all my distractions and lack of discipline, I am not sure what I am asking for?” Such bold questions unsettle us and uncover a new kind of desire. Therefore, being clear about what is meaningful, is a key to understanding the importance of meaningfulness in life.
Read More – Paying Attention to Our Roles
