How to find meaning despite not having perfect circumstances.
How to find meaning despite not having perfect circumstances.
Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
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I see people in various states of suffering on a daily basis. It’s the job of being a psychologist. I see much of my work as reducing suffering and whenever possible leaving nothing behind except ordinary pain. That statement may drive you crazy, but the fact of the matter is that we don’t get to live without pain. Everyone has it and some of us get more than others. At times, we’ve simply been dealt a hand that great and other times it’s due to systemic oppression. Regardless, we have to figure out how to live in the world and seek purpose and meaning in our lives and today I am going to tell you some approaches you can take to accomplish just that.
Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist, I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson. Every week on this show, I'll help you face life's challenges with evidence-based approaches, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.
Logotherapy, founded by Viktor Frankl, occupies a distinctive place in the landscape of psychology, particularly within the existential and humanistic traditions. This psychotherapeutic approach diverges from the more traditional psychoanalytic and behaviorist schools by focusing on the search for meaning as the primary motivational force in humans.
Existential Roots: Logotherapy is deeply rooted in existential philosophy, which emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It is predicated on the idea that human beings are not merely products of their conditions or circumstances but have the inherent capacity to find meaning and purpose in all situations, including suffering and adversity.
Humanistic Influences: Alongside its existential roots, logotherapy aligns closely with the principles of humanistic psychology. This field, associated with figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the positive aspects of human nature, focusing on the potential for growth and self-actualization. Like other humanistic approaches, logotherapy posits that people inherently strive to achieve their full potential and that psychological distress can often arise from a failure to find meaning or fulfill one's unique capabilities.
Distinguishing Features in Psychology: Logotherapy's emphasis on meaning distinguishes it from other psychological schools. While psychoanalysis often delves into past experiences and behaviorism focuses on modifying external behaviors, logotherapy looks to the future, encouraging individuals to actively shape their destiny and find personal significance in their life experiences. This future-oriented, meaning-centered approach offers a unique perspective in therapeutic practice, especially in treating existential angst, depression, and trauma recovery.
In sum, logotherapy's integration of existential philosophy and humanistic psychology into a therapeutic context has carved out a unique niche for it in the broader psychological field. It addresses aspects of the human experience that other schools may overlook, particularly the intrinsic human need for purpose and the capacity to find meaning in the face of life's challenges.
The "will to meaning" is a central concept in logotherapy. Frankl's "will to meaning" posits that the primary, most powerful motivating force in humans is the search for a meaningful life. According to this concept, individuals are driven by a desire to find purpose and significance in life experiences. Frankl believed that the pursuit of meaning is not just a psychological preference or desire but an inherent part of human nature.
This concept is based on three key ideas:
Life Has Inherent Meaning: Frankl argued that life has meaning under all circumstances, even in times of suffering, despair, or in the face of death. He believed that it's not the conditions of life that determine its meaning but rather how an individual responds to those conditions.
Freedom to Find Meaning: A core aspect of the "will to meaning" is the belief in the freedom of choice. Frankl emphasized that individuals always have the freedom to choose their attitude and response to any situation. This freedom to choose one’s attitude is what empowers a person to find meaning in any set of circumstances.
Personal Responsibility: The "will to meaning" is closely tied to personal responsibility. Frankl believed that it's the individual's responsibility to find and create their own meaning in life. This could be through work, relationships, facing challenges, or even suffering. Meaning is not given or predefined; it is something that each person must discover and pursue for themselves.
Frankl's emphasis on the "will to meaning" offers a perspective on human motivation that transcends mere survival, pleasure, or power. It suggests that fulfillment and well-being are deeply linked to the pursuit of purpose, a concept that has had a profound impact on both psychotherapy and existential philosophy.
Viktor Frankl, in his development of logotherapy, delineated three primary ways through which individuals can find meaning in life. These paths are not mutually exclusive and often overlap in one's personal journey of discovering purpose and significance.
Creating a Work or Doing a Deed: This path to meaning involves engaging in activities or accomplishing tasks that contribute to the world. It could be through one's profession, by volunteering, or engaging in creative pursuits like art, writing, or invention. Essentially, this avenue focuses on the impact one can have through their actions and the legacy they leave behind. The key aspect here is the sense of fulfillment and purpose derived from being productive and contributing to something larger than oneself.
Experiencing Something or Encountering Someone: Meaning can also be found through experiences and relationships. This could involve experiencing beauty, art, nature, or culture, which can provide profound feelings of significance. Similarly, deep and meaningful relationships with others – be it love, friendship, or mentorship – offer a powerful source of meaning. Frankl emphasized that even in dire circumstances, the experience of beauty or a loving relationship can provide a reason for living.
The Attitude We Take Toward Unavoidable Suffering: Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, deeply understood that suffering is an inescapable part of life. However, he believed that even in the most painful of circumstances, individuals have the freedom to choose their attitude. This path to meaning involves finding a way to turn personal tragedy into triumph, to use suffering as a catalyst for personal growth and to derive meaning from it. It's about adopting a stance of resilience and dignity in the face of adversity, and in doing so, discovering a profound sense of purpose.
These three paths are not exhaustive or exclusive, but they offer a framework for understanding how individuals can find personal meaning in life. Frankl's emphasis on these paths highlights his belief that, regardless of the situation, there are always ways to discover and cultivate meaning.
Don’t worry, I have a few examples of these three paths to make it easier to implement in your own life if you so choose.
Creating a Work or Doing a Deed:
A scientist devotes years to research, aiming to discover a new medical treatment that could save lives. The dedication to this cause provides a profound sense of purpose.
An artist pours their emotions and experiences into creating a painting or a piece of music, expressing themselves and impacting those who interact with their art.
A volunteer works at a local shelter, helping those in need. The act of service and the difference made in the lives of others brings a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning.
Experiencing Something or Encountering Someone:
A person may find great meaning in witnessing the beauty of nature, like watching a sunset or hiking in the mountains, which instills a sense of awe and connection to something greater than oneself.
Meaningful relationships, such as the deep love between partners, the bond between a parent and child, or a close friendship, can provide a significant source of purpose and joy in life.
Experiencing or learning about different cultures, arts, or philosophies can also be deeply fulfilling, allowing one to gain new perspectives and appreciation for the diverse aspects of human life.
The Attitude We Take Toward Unavoidable Suffering:
After a serious illness or injury, a person might decide to use their experience to help others facing similar challenges, perhaps by becoming a support group leader or an advocate for healthcare reform.
In the face of a personal tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, an individual may find meaning by cherishing their memory, engaging in activities that honor the deceased, or supporting others who are grieving. My parents are deceased. Something I would always say about my mother is that she wasn’t necessarily nice but she was absolutely kind. And following the death of my mother I started my private practice Kind Mind Psychology.
Someone who experiences failure or setbacks in their career or personal aspirations might use these experiences as a catalyst for growth and self-improvement, finding meaning in the journey of overcoming obstacles and learning from difficulties.
In each of these examples, individuals are able to find meaning in life through creativity, experiences, relationships, and their attitudes towards suffering. These paths demonstrate the diverse ways in which people can discover purpose and fulfillment, even in challenging circumstances.
What are some things you are doing to find meaning in your life? You can contact me via Instagram @kindmindpsych or via my email at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.
The Savvy Psychologist is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast. It's audio engineered by Steve Riekeberg, with script editing by Brannan Goetschius. Our Podcast and Advertising Operations Specialist is Morgan Christiansen. Our Digital Operations Specialist is Holly Hutchings and Our Marketing and Publicity Associate is Davina Tomlin. Follow Savvy Psychologist on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. That's all for this episode of Savvy Psychologist. Thanks for listening! And remember, starting next week you can catch us on our new day… that’s Wednesdays, beginning February 14th. Talk to you then!