Living a Meaningful Life

“The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give” – William Arthur Ward

By Kenneth Ukoh, March 6, 2026

This article explores what it means to live a meaningful life. However, before we dive into the subject, we want to briefly define the meaning of “meaning” to understand what “meaningful” means and then distinguish between “meaning of life” and the “meaning in life”, as they are related and are sometimes used interchangeably.

What Is the Meaning of “Meaning”

The definitions of meaning in the English Language in the Standard Dictionaries show that the word “meaning” can be expressed in three ways:

The definitions of meaning in the English Language in Standard Dictionaries show that the word “meaning” can be expressed in three ways:

1. In terms of what the word or sentence signifies.
2. The significance, purpose or the underlying truth of something.
3. The motive or intention of something

For example, Encyclopaedia Britannica defines meaning as follows:

1. “The idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc.”
2. “The idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc. or “the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc.”
3. The true purpose of something or a quality that gives something real value and importance or a quality that gives something real value and importance.”

Meaning in Philosophy and Psychology

In philosophy, meaning refers to how signs, words, and mental representations relate to the world (semantics), covering sense, reference, and truth (Crimmins, 1998). In psychology, it is the subjective construction of significance, coherence, and purpose in life. Philosophy focuses on content, while psychology focuses on experience. The American Psychological Association (APA)defines meaning as “the cognitive or emotional significance of a word or sequence of words, or of a concept, sign, or symbolic act. This may include a range of implied or associated ideas (connotative meaning) as well as a literal significance (denotative meaning). The study of meaning in language is semantics, and that of meaning in symbolic systems generally is semiotics.” (dictionary.apa.org, n.d.).

Meaning in Philosophy

Meaning in philosophy can be classified as follows:

• Semantics & Language. Meaning is the relationship between signs (words, symbols) and the things they represent. It involves reference (the object a word picks out) and sense (how the object is presented) (Rager, 2020).
• Mental Representation: Philosophers analyse the “content” of thoughts, arguing that mental states are about something (Pitt, 2022).
• Truth-Conditional Semantics: Truth-conditional semantics defines the meaning of a declarative sentence by the conditions in the world that must be met for it to be true. Associated with Donald Davidson and Tarski, this approach posits that knowing the meaning of a sentence is equivalent to knowing its truth conditions. It links language to reality by mapping components to truth values
• Metaphysical Foundations. Some approaches explore how, through stability, entities can hold meaning, especially in relation to truth. Metaphysical foundations are the fundamental principles and underlying assumptions that define the nature of reality, existence, and being, often exploring concepts like causation, time, and space. They seek to determine what is ultimately real, grounding knowledge in necessary, often a priori truths that go beyond empirical observation

Meaning in Psychology

Meaning in psychology can be classified as follows:

• Meaning in Life. Psychology investigates how individuals construct purpose, coherence (understanding how life fits together), and significance (feeling life matters).
• Meaning-Making. This process involves how people interpret events to find value and coherence, particularly after experiencing trauma or change.
• Existential Perspective. It addresses the human drive to create purpose in an otherwise uncertain or chaotic existence. 

Metaphysical Foundations. Some approaches explore how, through stability, entities can hold meaning, especially in relation to truth. Metaphysical foundations are the fundamental principles and underlying assumptions that define the nature of reality, existence, and being, often exploring concepts like causation, time, and space.

The Main Differences and Overlap

The main differences and overlaps in the two perspectives are:

• Philosophy often asks, “What does this expression mean?” (objective/logical).
• Psychology asks, “What makes this life feel meaningful?” (subjective/experiential).
• They converge when examining how mental representations (psychology) constitute the meaning of words (philosophy). 

The Distinction Between the Meaning of Life and Meaning in Life

The distinction lies between a universal, existential inquiry and a personal, psychological experience. “Meaning of life” asks” Why are we here?” (objective, philosophical), while “meaning in life” asks” What makes my life worth living?” (subjective, psychological). Meaning in life is actionable, centred on coherence, purpose, and significance. 

• Meaning of Life (The “Why”): Focuses on universal, big-picture questions about human existence, often tied to fate, divinity, or cosmic purpose. It is often abstract and sometimes considered to be “assigned” externally.
• Meaning in Life (The “What”): Focuses on the personal, subjective experience of feeling that one’s life matters, makes sense, and has purpose. It is developed through relationships, goals, and overcoming suffering.

Meaning in life is defined as “the extent to which people comprehend, make sense of, or see significance in their lives, accompanied by the degree to which they perceive themselves to have a purpose, mission, or overarching aim in life” (Steger, 2017). According to Flynn, (2014), “meaningfulness is linked to doing things that express and reflect the self, and, in particular, includes doing positive things for others.” So, we can regard “meaning in life” and “meaningful life” as synonyms and that is the sense they are used in this article. That is the focus of this article, rather than the universal question of the meaning of existence.

Führer and Cova, (2023), in their study of what makes life meaningful, state that in philosophical literature, what constitutes meaningfulness is customarily in two different ways:

• The Cosmic Interpretation. The cosmic interpretation: under the “meaning of life” focus, it concerns the origins, purpose, and goals of human life in general. In other words, it focuses on the purpose of human existence.
• The Individual Interpretation. The individual interpretation is framed as “meaning in life”; it concerns what makes a particular person’s life meaningful and what people strive for to achieve meaningful life.

What Is Meaningful Life

Based on the explanations above, we conclude that “meaningful life” and “meaning in life” are synonymous. According to Psychology Today, a meaningful life is a “….life that we consider to contain a sufficient number of aspects of sufficient value. It has exceeded a sufficiently high threshold; hence, we consider it meaningful. A meaningless life is a life that has not passed this threshold of value” (Landau, 2017). A meaningful life is defined by a deep sense of purpose, fulfilment, and significance, created by aligning daily actions with personal values and contributing to something beyond oneself. Key components include nurturing strong relationships, pursuing passions, achieving personal growth, and experiencing moments of awe.

Key Components of a Meaningful Life

These are the key components of meaningful life according to research:

• Based on psychological research, the main components include:
• Purpose. Having a sense of direction in life or long-term goals that are aligned with your values and contribute to the greater good.
• Belonging. Nurturing close, authentic relationships where you are valued for who you are and feel connected to a community.
• Storytelling. Creating a coherent narrative of your life experiences, including how you overcame obstacles, helps shape your identity.
• Transcendence. Experiencing moments of awe, wonder, or connection to something larger than yourself (e.g., in nature, art, or through spiritual practices).
• Significance (Mattering). The conviction that your life has value, that your actions matter, and that you are making a difference, whether in small ways or large.
• Coherence. Feeling that your life makes sense, is orderly, and has a consistent, logical structure.
• Growth and Contribution. Actively developing your potential, engaging in work that brings value, and sacrificing for the sake of others. 

How to Live a Meaningful Life

A meaningful life is not like finding a treasure outside. It is intentional living created through the daily process of making appropriate choices, and it often involves overcoming challenges to build a coherent, redemptive story of one’s life. The British Psychological Society identifies 10 ways to create a meaningful life. Our discussion here is based on those points. It requires aligning your daily actions with your core identity and not ignoring others’ well-being. Here is a breakdown of how to apply each point (Rhodes, 2021):

• Find your signature strengths: Take a validated assessment, such as the VIA Character Strengths Survey, to identify your top qualities (e.g., curiosity, kindness, or bravery). Using these “signature” traits in new ways daily increases long-term life satisfaction and resilience.
• Live life deliberately: Avoid “autopilot” by making conscious choices that align with your long-term goals. Intentional living involves setting specific, measurable objectives rather than just reacting to circumstances.
• Volunteer to help others… and yourself: Engaging in service provides a sense of connection and purpose. It benefits you by boosting your mood and social skills while creating a tangible positive impact on your community.
• Focus on building strong relationships: Prioritise deep, authentic connections with family, friends, and colleagues. Quality relationships are a primary driver of well-being and provide essential support during challenges.
• Use your values to find direction: Identify your core principles (e.g., integrity, creativity) to serve as a moral compass. Decisions aligned with these values lead to a more authentic and fulfilled life.
• Harness the will to meaning. Follow Viktor Frankl’s insight that finding purpose, even in suffering, is a primary human drive. Actively choose to seek meaning in your work and experiences to avoid feelings of emptiness.
• Surprise yourself: Step out of your comfort zone by trying new hobbies, travelling, or learning skills. Embracing new experiences prevents stagnation and fosters personal growth.
• Don’t underestimate confidence: Build self-efficacy by acknowledging your progress and celebrating small victories. Trusting your inner strength allows you to navigate difficulties with more determination.
• Consider the full picture. Practice perspective by looking at your life’s “global schema” to understand how individual events fit into a larger whole. This helps you maintain balance between personal growth and contribution to the world.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Practice mindfulness and avoid over-stressing about minor daily annoyances. Savouring the present moment helps you focus on what truly matters in the long run. 

Meaningful Life and Well-being

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines well-being as “….a positive state experienced by individuals and societies. Similar to health, it is a resource for daily life and is determined by social, economic and environmental conditions” World Health Organisation (n.d.). Psychology Today refers to well-being as “…. the experience of health, happiness, and prosperity. It includes having good mental health, high life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose, and the ability to manage stress” (Davis, 2024).

The major ways meaningful life enhances wellbeing include:

Improved Mental Health and Emotional Resilience 

• Reduced Distress. A strong sense of purpose is negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.
• Buffer Against Adversity. People with a high sense of meaning are better able to navigate trauma, loss, and difficult life circumstances.
• Better Emotional Regulation. Research indicates that having a purpose in life predicts better recovery from negative stimuli, allowing individuals to recover more quickly from stress. 

Better Physical Health and Longevity 

• Increased Lifespan. A strong sense of purpose is directly linked to increased longevity.
• Physical Functioning. Those with a high sense of meaning exhibit better physical metrics, including 18% faster walking speed, 13% higher vitamin D concentration, and stronger handgrips.
• Healthier Behaviours. Purposeful individuals tend to adopt healthier lifestyles, like regular exercise, a healthier diet, and improved sleep. 

Enhanced Social Connection and Belonging 

• Stronger Relationships. Meaningful lives are often built on deep, lasting relationships and a sense of community, reducing loneliness.
• Prosocial Behaviour.  Meaning often leads to “giving to others,” such as volunteering, which enhances personal happiness, self-worth, and social connection. 

Increased Daily Functioning and Motivation 

• “Life Crafting”. Actively aligning daily actions with personal values (a concept known as “life crafting”) boosts motivation and energy, reducing burnout.
• Improved Cognition. Meaningful life engagement has been associated with better cognitive functioning, memory, and a lower risk of dementia. 

How to Cultivate Meaning for Better Wellbeing

Cultivating meaning for better well-being is the active, intentional process of aligning daily actions, relationships, and goals with personal values to foster a sense of purpose and significance in life. Unlike fleeting happiness, which focuses on feeling good, cultivating meaning is a sustainable approach to well-being that provides resilience through hard times and a deeper, long-lasting sense of satisfaction. 

Here is a breakdown of what it entails and how to achieve it.

• Focus on Service: Using your strengths to help others or contribute to a cause creates a profound sense of purpose.
• Nurture Relationships: Prioritise time with family and friends.
• Find Meaning in Routines: Reframe daily chores or work tasks as necessary, valuable contributions.
• Foster Curiosity: Trying new things and continuous learning can sustain a sense of meaning.
• Practice Gratitude: Reflecting on what you are grateful for can improve mental health. 

In summary, a meaningful life is not just about feeling good, but about doing good, which leads to a more robust, sustainable, and healthier way of living. 

Meaningful Life and Goal Pursuit

A meaningful life is created by setting and pursuing personally significant goals that align with core values, providing direction, coherence, and a sense of purpose. Intentional, long-term goals—spanning relationships, personal growth, and contribution—sustain motivation and foster well-being, transforming daily actions into a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. 

Main elements and strategies for aligning life with goals include:

• Self-Concordant Goals. Understanding and pursuing self-concordant goals.

• The Pillars of Meaning. A sense of purpose is built on belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.
• Defining the “Why”. Understanding your motivation for a goal makes the pursuit more tolerable and enjoyable. This helps in overcoming obstacles.
• Value-Aligned Goal Setting. Goals should be based on intrinsic values like personal growth or social connection rather than external validation or, often, stressful materialistic aspirations.
• Actionable Steps. Use Implementation Intentions to create a clear roadmap for turning daydreams into reality.
• Long-Term Focus. Reflecting on what you want for yourself and the world helps identify goals that bring long-term fulfilment, rather than short-term, fleeting pleasure. 

Meaningfulness often involves doing things that may be difficult but are deeply rewarding, offering a more stable form of fulfilment than temporary happiness.

For more on self-concordant goals, please visit Part 6.

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