The 4 Pillars of a Meaningful Life

A friend recently directed me to a TEDtalk by the inspiring author and speaker, Emily Esfahani Smith.

In her talk, she draws on her own pursuit of happiness and, more generally, the widely-held belief that its pursuit is what life is all about. People make it their purpose to achieve it, as if it were a tangible goal that you shouldn’t let go.

However, the process of chasing happiness for herself only made her more anxious and unhappy. Happiness was something that continued to elude her.

That’s why she changed her approach and mindset.

After 5 years of research, she concluded that, in reality, it’s not happiness that we’re striving for. It’s meaning.

She also found that people who had included meaning into their lives led a far more fulfilling life.?

Emily acknowledges that this begs another question...

What does it mean to have a meaningful life?

In her book, ‘The Power of Meaning’, she conceives of ‘4 Pillars of a Meaningful Life’.

1. Belonging

Belonging not just for what we like and don’t like or for what we believe in. More important than these, she suggests, is feeling accepted into a group for who you are.

Being part of a group where we’re valued for precisely who we are. This feeling of belonging can give us a feeling of meaning.

1. Purpose

Less about what I can get, and more about what I can give. Doing something for the world and others can be inspiring and evoke feelings of accomplishment, of joy, and of meaning.

1. Transcendence

Connecting to, and being inspired by, a bigger reality that goes beyond ourselves is extremely rewarding. The beauty of it, too, is that any of us can attain this. Whether that be through music, art, an amazing book, or even being in nature.

1. Story

Finally, she suggests this very interesting pillar.

How we choose to reframe our lives plays into our meaning. We have an ability to interpret our experience into something hopeful, optimistic, and full of meaning.

This is a strength every single person has.

Why I was particularly inspired by Emily’s journey.

Watching this TEDtalk struck home with me and my own experiences.

Unpacking these pillars, I realise YuLife is on a journey of meaning.

1. Belonging: This is all about ‘Love Being Yu’ and bringing our full selves to work
2. Purpose: Our purpose to inspire people to live their best lives adds meaning to our daily lives
3. Transcendence: In being part of something much bigger - namely, tech being used for good - businesses can be a vehicle to make change in people’s lives
4. Story: We’re building the world we want to live in - this is the journey we’re on.

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Our culture is more than seeking comfort, happiness and a paycheck. We’re building a culture of meaning - a purposeful life where we’re serving others, a life that transcends ourselves, a life where we’re making an impact.

This is why I love being on a journey with the YuCrew and why I resonated with Emily Esfahani Smith’s talk. YuLife on this journey of meaning as a whole and we’re moving forward on it together.