“Why am I here? Why is life like this? Why can’t I be happy?” These are the questions people ask, said Professor Michael Steger as he shared his research on meaning in life with Career Buzz listeners (July 23, 2014). “Having meaning in life,” he said in my interview with him at the recent Canadian Positive Psychology Association conference, “means that we’ve made sense of the world, found our place, and are pursuing something big enough to be worthy of this life we’ve been given.”

What are the clues that apply to you? Michael Steger helps us understand that meaning in life comprises two elements: Significance, that is, making sense, and Purpose. He explained purpose: “People crave the idea that what they do with their time here on Earth matters and adds up to something important.” Try this:  Name two ways in which you’re already spending time in a way that matters and adds up to something. Now, name one more way that would add more meaning to your life. Reflect on that one more for the rest of this week.

Listen to the whole interview also featuring Canadian Positive Psychology Association conference speakers Tim Kasser, Lea Waters, Matt Scholes, and Mandy Wintink.

*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA