Does your life have meaning? What does that meaning look like? Your meaning in life probably differs significantly from that of your fellow human beings. Nevertheless, we often wish for an idea that applies to all of us—because that would be easier.
A crisis such as the one we are currently experiencing affects our raison d'être – or at least our perception of it. Our society is changing its mode of operation: only basic needs still have a raison d'être. Luxury goods – so-called nice-to-haves – are falling by the wayside for the time being. We often ask ourselves which measures actually make sense. When the first lockdown restrictions came into force, for example, no one knew what impact they would have – this brought skeptics to the fore and many felt uncertain. It was only after a few weeks that we began to see promising results – and the measures thus gained a raison d'être.
Recognizing one's own raison d'être
A fundamental principle of our development helps us to recognize our own personal raison d'être: we are born—and for a short time, we are firmly rooted in our own selves. In the time that follows, however, we are shaped by our social environment. We don't know who we are, and in the meantime , social desirability makes us ask , "How should I be?" Sooner or later, however, we want to know who we are.
Imprinting takes place in various ways and can have a positive or strongly negative effect. Ultimately, however, we must take responsibility what imprinting has given us and what it may not have given us. For our raison d'être lies within ourselves. That is where strength and fulfillment lie. We set out on a journey—wanting to move away from social desirability and back to the self. In reality, however, we are moving toward a self-made image—we encounter our image—how we would like to be. And this image is the biggest obstacle on the path to the self.
Image is the wrong goal—but this is where the opportunity in the crisis reveals itself: crises help us to see through this image—we cannot maintain it under pressure. People who try to keep this image alive train those around them to say what they want to hear. The world becomes a mirror in the image—the shortcomings of others are often our own. The crisis offers the opportunity to see the world through a window and arrive at ourselves. So let's ask ourselves the following question: What will be my raison d'être in ten years? As a partner? As a parent? As a worker?
Which life will you choose?
Each of us has our own story, our own life, and our own inner mountains. Hopefully, we respect the inner struggles of others. Because if we elevate ourselves above others because we are a few steps ahead, it will come back to haunt us—sooner or later. That is my experience.
So the question is: Why should I take on this recurring effort? Is it worth it? Which is easier to live with, a meaningful and successful life or a meaningless and less successful life? Many people respond that a meaningless and unsuccessful life is easier. Our opinion is that the excuses and self-deceptions of a life without deeper fulfillment are harder to bear than responsibility the next level of responsibility . The self-deceptions in our minds are a heavier burden to bear and endure than self-awareness. There's no question that there are many people who grow little, complain a lot, and somehow get through life.
Why is this worthwhile? Because we are getting closer and closer to ourselves, step by step. We are increasingly able to recognize what we are meant for. Not what we want, but what we are meant for—a big difference. Marie von Ebner-Eschensbach encourages us to think: "When the time comes when you could, the time when you can is over."
Life has as much meaning as we are able to give it.
The next question: How do I find my way? This is both easy and difficult. We begin to move in the world of impact and thus in the world of results, and we align ourselves with it. Results do not allow for detours. Announcements, declarations of intent, and plans no longer interest us. "Show, don't tell" becomes our maxim. This lesson will show us where we truly belong. If we are in a place that is not intended for us, Result Orientation will Result Orientation overwhelm us—perseverance is then not appropriate, and we burn out. Only where our talents and strengths lie will we Result Orientation the pressure of permanent Result Orientation and even learn to love it. At the end of this path, it's even a lot of fun!
Once we have transformed a large part of our excuses, we finally arrive at our true selves. We now understand Hermann Hesse perfectly when he writes: "We demand that life must have meaning—but it only has as much meaning as we ourselves are capable of giving it."
It can be a difficult journey at times, but it's worth it! At the summit, there is no more struggle, just letting things happen. Before that, it's about setting goals and achieving them. Then follows a rollercoaster ride of possibilities. This is not only worthwhile for ourselves, but also for our partners, our children, and our employees. It's worthwhile for everyone around us. Everything becomes easier. We have reached the summit, we have become inspirers—we become an inspiration for others.
Yours, Boris Grundl
Image source: Juan Pablo Serrano
