Category Archives: Meaning

“We burn out because we experience too little impact.”

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“We burn out because we experience too little impact.”

—Liz Wiseman, Researcher and executive advisor

Image from Unsplash by Vasilis Caravitis

Liz Wiseman’s research suggest that the primary cause of burnout is not excessive workload, but rather a lack of impact in one’s work.

She argues that when individuals feel their work is not making a difference or is underutilized, it leads to feelings of exhaustion and burnout.

Her work emphasizes the importance of meaningful work that challenges and utilizes employee talents and skills, which can be invigorating rather than draining.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life are you experiencing or on the verge of burnout?

How would re-examining your sense of meaning and the significance of your contribution in these areas help you re-ignite the flames of purpose and passion in your life?

The belief that there is some future moment more worth our presence than

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“The belief that there is some future moment more worth our presence than the one we’re in right now is why we miss our lives.”

—Cory Muscara, International speaker and teacher of Mindfulness and positive psychology

Image from Amazon

Many people have mixed feelings about social media.

What appears as folks showing off their latest vacation or other life adventure puts off those who prefer to live more private lives.

On the other hand, seeing examples of people living large, engaged, and vital lives can be a type of coaching for those who desire greater joy and meaning.

One individual who shares her life with tremendous humility, dignity, and grace is Sam Horn. Her blogs and books are definitely worth a good look. In 2019, she even wrote a book titled Someday is Not a Day in the Week.

EXERCISE:
Check out Sam’s work and her resource rich website. Her newest book has the catchy title, Talking on Eggshells.

“The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one be one.”

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“The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one be one.”

—Mother Teresa

My dad, Martin Demp

In mid-December we had the unveiling of my father’s headstone. With the frigid temperatures at this time of year it was heartwarming to see the family and friends who showed up to honor this wonderful man.

As a person of few words, my dad let his actions set an example for the rest of us. By simply watching him in his roles of loyal son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend we were all coached on how we, too, could lead a meaningful life.

EXERCISE:

Who are the good people in your personal and professional communities? In what ways are you living true to their good examples to be on their list if asked?

Even in the longest life real living is the least portion thereof

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“Even in the longest life, real living is the least portion thereof.”

—Seneca, Roman stoic philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Jeremy Belanger

Social media posts are fascinating.

When we scroll and post we are constantly editing and discerning how we and others are living.

Like an editor of a film, newspaper article, or book, we take out all of the items of marginal interest and leave only what seems noteworthy and exceptional.

If a documentary film crew were to spend a typical day, week, or even a year following you and your family, how much real living would remain?

How much trivial and meaningless footage would be left on the cutting room floor?

EXERCISE:

What qualities of life represent real living to you?

How can and will you infuse more of these genuine and meaningful expressions of living into your days?

What shifts in perspective might have you reconsider what and how much of these experiences you share with others?

“A defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful.”

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“A defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful.”

—Chip & Dan Heath, The Power of Moments

Image from Unsplash by Charisse Kenion

I’d like to take you on a trip back in time.

After you read this post, close your eyes and reflect back on your life. Go back as far as you can to those memorable and meaningful moments, starting with your days as a child and all the way up to today. Take your time and visualize yourself and those who shared the moments with you.

Exploring old photo albums, yearbooks, and social media images and posts can expand your recollections.

Which events do you consider to be of greatest significance? What are the defining moments that shaped your values, beliefs, and character to have you become the person you are today?

EXERCISE:

How can and will you more consciously capture and appreciate more memorable and meaningful moments as you head into the days, weeks, and years that lie ahead?

“It’s often the bends in the road that make life worth the drive.”

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“It’s often the bends in the road that make life worth the drive.”

—Nicholas Sparks, Author of A Bend in the Road

Image from Unsplash by Denys Nevozhai

When was the last time you took a long car ride? Go back in time to look at those family vacations where you loaded up the station wagon, minivan, or SUV and headed to parts unknown, to kick back and take life at a slower pace.

These days, many of us check our most popular navigation app to get where we want to go as directly as possible. This direct and speedy route often involves highways, lots of cement, asphalt, other vehicles, the occasional farm, and perhaps cows grazing along the road.

EXERCISE:

In what ways are the twists, turns, and bends in the road of life taking you on a much more meaningful and fulfilling journey? What intentional detours can and will you take now and in the future to enjoy the ride even more?

“It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.”

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“It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.”

—Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th Century German Philosopher

Image from Amazon.com

Can you recall any of the words from Madonna’s song, Material Girl? If you do remember a few words, I bet you can also recall the melody.

We do live in a material world in which dealing with our day-to-day physical environment is essential. For most people, life is filled with highs and lows, with varying levels of happiness along the way.

A surprising thing happens when we periodically move beyond or perhaps better said, within, to examine, discover, and explore our spiritual and soulful selves.

EXERCISE:

Beyond deepening your own spiritual practices, consider exploring the journey toward greater happiness within by reading, and studying the book, Toward a Meaningful Life. Perhaps discuss it with others in your life who are also ready for a deeper look around.

“She was too deep for…”

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“Her soul was too deep to explore by those who always swam in the shallow end.”

-A.J. Lawless

Image from ripplecentral.com

Image from ripplecentral.com

Most of us are familiar with the stories of prospectors digging for gold or other precious gems, and know that these valuable resources are rarely found at the surface. We must dig deep into the earth to claim them.

The same is true if we wish to reap the rich rewards of deep and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Scratching the surface with limited attention virtually never creates the respectful, trusting, and soulfully satisfying relationships we all desire.

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom can you explore and pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship in either your personal or professional life?

“Little Things Mean a Lot.”

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“Little Things Mean a Lot.”

— Carl Stutz/Edith Calisch, Songwriters

Image from perfectbodybywii.blogspot.com

Image from perfectbodybywii.blogspot.com

Big things get a lot of attention in our world. Society makes a point to recognize and celebrate things that stand out, such as:

  • The highest mountains
  • The tallest trees
  • The biggest buildings
  • The largest ships
  • Super-sized foods
  • The biggest athletes
  • The richest people
  • The largest homes

Meanwhile, when prompted to look closely at what brings them personal satisfaction and a life of meaning and purpose, many people list the often-overlooked “little things” that bring them smiles and fill their hearts.

EXERCISE:

If you, too, see the “little things” as big things in your life, consider generating a list of 20, 50, or even 100 “little things” that mean a lot to you.