SEARCHING FOR MEANING

As we get older, we become more focussed on searching for meaning. We mostly find it in actions that benefit others. 

The test of meaningful work is to ask, "If this job doesn't exist, how much worse off would people be?"

It is near midlife this question often begins to loom large. At around this time, in both work and life, we feel we have more to give - and less to lose - and we are especially keen to share our knowledge and skills with the next generation. 

When people talk about the evolution of self esteem in their careers, the progression often appears like this:-

Phase 1.  I am not important
Phase 2.  I am important.
Phase 3.  I want to contribute to something important.

The sooner you get to Phase 3, the more impact you have and the more happiness you experience.

The message is, one should think about happiness less as a goal and more as a by-product of mastery and meaning.

John Stuart Mill, the philosopher's statement is worth mentioning here.

"Those only are happy, who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness - on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way."

Adam Grant
Think Again