The Momentum of Meaning

Photo by Irham Setyaki on Unsplash

When I’m interviewed about or give talks on existential psychology, I’m often asked what advice I would give to someone struggling to find meaning in their life. I answer this question by describing the social and action-oriented nature of meaning, emphasizing that our lives feel the most existentially fulfilling when we are actively engaged in activities that make a difference in the lives of others. This is true, but the more I reflect on this question, the more I see the parallels between meaning and physical fitness. Understanding this similarity can help those struggling with meaning.

When we’re out of shape, we can spend a lot of time thinking about getting in shape, but finding the motivation to actually get started is hard. And even once we get ourselves to the gym and start exercising, those first few weeks are tough. Our bodies aren’t used to the exertion. We feel sore. Progress seems slow. But if we keep at it, something shifts. We start to see results. We start enjoying the challenge. We become more confident and motivated. What once required tremendous effort begins to sustain itself.

Meaning works in a similar way. People can spend a lot of time thinking about what would make their lives feel meaningful, but meaning is found more in action than in contemplation. Research on self-regulatory processes demonstrates this. Studies show that purpose (a key component of meaning in life) is driven by locomotion ( taking action to move toward goals). Meanwhile, assessment ( evaluating and comparing different goals before pursuing them) isn’t associated with higher purpose. In fact, greater assessment is linked to lower purpose. In short, the more people focus on moving forward and taking action, the more purposeful their lives feel.

Assessment is an important part of self-regulation. We need to identify meaningful aspirations and figure out how to pursue them. The problem arises when we get stuck in evaluation mode, endlessly weighing our options and second-guessing our choices. Too much assessment interferes with what actually generates meaning. Just as getting in good physical shape requires regularly engaging in fitness activities, getting in good existential shape requires regularly engaging in meaning-providing activities.

Critically, meaning doesn’t just result from action. It also motivates action. When we feel our lives are meaningful, we become more resilient, more persistent, and more willing to engage with challenges. Meaning is a powerful motivational resource. This creates a cycle. Action generates meaning, and that meaning energizes us to take more action, which builds even more meaning. This is the momentum of meaning.

The challenge is that finding the motivation to start engaging in meaning-providing action is hard. And even once you begin taking action, the early phase can feel uncertain and uncomfortable. But as you persist, meaning begins to emerge and build.

So how does someone struggling with meaning get this momentum going in the first place? Just as someone who is out of shape must push themselves to take that first difficult step into the gym, someone searching for meaning must take action even when they don’t feel particularly motivated to do so. That first action is often the hardest.

Knowing a bit about the science of meaning can help. Research finds that humans find meaning primarily through making a positive difference in the world. We derive meaning from contributing to something larger than ourselves, from pursuing goals that matter not just to us but to the people and communities we care about. So when I say to throw yourself into action, I mean action that is outwardly focused and socially engaged.

This could be creating a business that addresses a need you’ve identified, leading an initiative that improves your organization, starting a community group around a shared interest, mentoring someone in your field, being fully present in your role as a parent, showing up consistently for a friend in need, or helping neighbors with tasks they struggle with. The key is to direct your energy toward activities where you can make a contribution.

And just as you have to keep exercising to stay in shape, you have to keep engaging in purposeful action to maintain a sense of meaning in your life. Meaning isn’t something you achieve once and then possess forever. Yes, momentum helps carry you forward, but you need to stay in motion.

The good news is that just like with exercise, you can vary what you do. If one form of meaningful engagement becomes less fulfilling or less feasible, you can shift to different activities. What provides meaning can change across different life stages. What matters is that you stay active.

If you’re spending too much time in your head, evaluating options, second-guessing yourself, and waiting to feel motivated before you act, you’re working against how meaning actually works. You’re trying to think your way to meaning when meaning comes from doing.

Taking action when life feels meaningless requires tremendous effort. But remember you don’t have to feel ready. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to be certain that what you’re doing will work. You just have to start. Take one concrete action today that directs your energy outward, that gives you a chance to make even a small positive difference.

The early steps will likely feel difficult. That’s normal. But pay attention to what happens as you persist. Notice if that action, even if it’s uncomfortable at first, begins to generate even a small sense of meaning. And then take another action tomorrow. The momentum will build. The meaning will emerge. And that meaning will make the next action a little easier, which will create more meaning, which will motivate more action.

Have a great weekend!

Clay