Understanding the Meaning of Life and the Power of Goals
Finding Meaning through Goals
Have you ever wondered what gives people's lives meaning? According to experts, in order to have any positive meaning in your life, you must identify a goal and actively work towards achieving it. This is because the circuit that produces positive emotions is only activated when you are progressing towards a valued goal.
From a technical standpoint, the circuitry responsible for positive emotions is dopaminergic. It is part of the exploratory circuit and gives you a sense of being actively engaged in something worthwhile. While positive emotion is often associated with reward, it is important to note that there are two types of positive emotion: consummatory reward and incentive reward.
Consummatory Reward vs Incentive Reward
Consummatory reward is the type of reward associated with satiation. It is the reward you experience when you satisfy a hunger or craving. However, consuming a reward eliminates the value framework within which you are operating, leaving you with the question of what to do next.
On the other hand, incentive reward is what keeps you moving forward. It is the reward you feel when you are actively engaged in something and working towards a goal. This type of reward is dopaminergic and has an analgesic effect, meaning it can reduce pain. Athletes, for example, can continue playing despite injuries because their goal-directed enthusiasm helps suppress their pain.
The Relationship Between Progress and Happiness
When it comes to measuring happiness, the progress you make towards a goal plays a significant role. The more progress you make towards an important goal, the happier you are likely to feel. However, determining the importance of a goal is not always straightforward.
Consider a hierarchy of goals, starting from listening to information in a class to being financially stable and starting a family. At the top of this hierarchy is the goal of being a good person. When you engage in activities that serve this ultimate purpose, you find them more meaningful. This sense of meaning is produced by the engagement of an exploratory circuit in your hypothalamus, which is as old as thirst and hunger.
The Role of Responsibility
A fascinating idea is that the sense of meaning in life may be proportional to the amount of responsibility you are willing to take on. Taking on responsibility can be challenging and burdensome, but if positive emotions and control over anxiety and pain are dependent on the activation of goal-oriented systems, then the weightier the goal, the more satisfaction and meaning it can provide.
Think about moments in your own life when you were engaged in something you believed in. Time seemed to pass effortlessly, and you were fully immersed in the task at hand. This level of engagement and meaning may be linked to the degree of responsibility you are willing to shoulder.
The Choice Between Meaning and Responsibility
Imagine being given a choice between a life devoid of meaning and responsibility or a meaningful life that requires accepting responsibility. While many people express a desire for a meaningful life, the adoption of responsibility may not be an easy decision to make.
Choosing a responsibility-free life may seem appealing, as it relieves you of the burden of caring about your actions. However, this also means forfeiting the potential for a meaningful life. The balance between meaning and responsibility is a personal choice that individuals need to weigh.
The Journey of Personal Transformation
Moving from a negative or stagnant place in life to a better one often involves taking a leap forward. However, this leap forward may require letting go of something familiar and comfortable, which can lead to a temporary state of chaos.
In order to progress and catalyze a new identity, it is necessary to embrace this state of chaos and relinquish parts of your old self. This process may be challenging, but it is essential for personal growth and reaching higher levels of fulfillment.
Embracing Individuality
There comes a point in life when you realize that your parents don't have all the answers. This can be a disheartening realization, as it means you must navigate life's uncertainties on your own. However, it is also a moment of individuality and an opportunity to establish a more mature relationship with your parents.
Letting go of the image of a perfect parent can be a symbolic death, but it also opens the door to a more independent and individualistic connection. It is a time when you can begin taking care of your parents instead of relying solely on their guidance.
Discovering the meaning of life is a personal journey that involves setting goals, embracing responsibility, and finding fulfillment in the pursuit of those goals. It is through this process that you can unlock the true potential of a meaningful and purposeful life.
