Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning. The greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her own life.
~ Viktor E. Frankl
Having a reason to get up in the morning is key to a long healthy life.
The Japanese call this ikigai, a concept encouraging one to live life with purpose - iki to live and gai for purpose. Japan is ranked second worldwide in life expectancy.
Working hard for something we do not care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.
Friedrich Nietzche observed that when we have a why? to live, we can bear almost any how? Quality of life is overlooked here but research does show that when we are passionate about what we do, and when we become more other-focused than self-focused, we improve our well-being.
As a holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl witnessed the most horrific atrocities the human race has ever experienced. Yet, he never lost hope for humanity. Doctor Frankl lived a long, meaningful life, spanning most of the 20th century (1905-1997). He wrote Man’s Search for Meaning, and as a trained neurologist and psychiatrist, he helped people on their quest to live a meaningful life.
Inherent to human existence is the ability to learn, adapt, and grow. Our true purpose is to venture out with a curious mind, become more resilient by overcoming obstacles and failures, seek help as needed and share what we've had the privilege to learn, or unlearn.
Some of us may be in the process of overcoming a health crisis, or adverse childhood events, or financial challenges, or loss of a loved one, or some other hardship. When we overcome these obstacles and failures we can turn the pain experienced into purpose in our heroic journey. We can provide hope to others who might otherwise feel hopeless.
On a personal note, I feel most energized when giving unconditionally. My ikigai is to be of greater service. An obstacle I have had to work hard to overcome is my unwillingness to receive in certain areas of my life. I have experienced countless blessings, and I have had the privilege to help others in need, which is most rewarding.
Collectively, our personal transformations help make the world a better place. Deep within, we aspire to live meaningful lives and to leave a legacy of hope for future generations. What we focus on expands.
Live life with purpose is the seventh and final blog in my AGE-WELL series. For the first six blogs in the series, please click each of the following letters A G E - W E L .
Our genes are not our destiny
The section below closes the AGE-WELL series.
Our lifespan is largely determined by the combined effects of genetics and environmental factors. Twin studies suggest genes account for approximately 20 to 30 per cent of our chance of surviving to age 85.
But, epigenetic research shows that even if we have genes that predispose us to an early death, those genes need not be expressed. Epi is Greek for above, so epigenetic means above the genes. We can switch genes on and off based on our environment and lifestyle choices, or what we do with our feet, fingers and forks. And of course, mindset dictates our habits and outcomes.
Dan Buettner, the author of The Blue Zones, states that the two most dangerous years in our life are the year we were born due to infant mortality and the year we retire.
Retirement need not be hazardous to health though. Buettner’s research with National Geographic and National Institute on Aging shows that a sense of purpose, which leads to wiser lifestyle choices, as observed in Japan, adds up to seven years to one’s health span.
So start now.
Address the underlying cause of the disease. Don’t just numb symptoms.
Garnish colourful plant-based foods with high-quality fats and protein.
Exercise - make it fun and necessary.
Willpower need not be relied upon to change habits. Skill power and proper practice reduce our need to rely on willpower and grit.
Embrace the suck. Reframe stress.
Lights off. Sleep well to age well.
Live life with purpose. What we focus on expands.
Live well to AGE-WELL.
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