How to Live a Meaningful Life? (36 Tips + Expert Insights)

Sometimes, in the rush of our daily lives, we might lose sight of what’s truly important. We all want our days to count for something, to feel like we’re not just going through the motions but really living.

Finding meaning in life seems like a big task, but I believe it’s made up of the little things we do every day. And the good news? It’s simpler to do than you might think.

In the following sections, you’ll find straightforward tips on making life more meaningful. We’ll talk about simple acts of kindness, embracing new experiences, and finding joy in the little things. Intrigued about how these steps can transform your life?

Live by Your Core Values

Figuring out what’s really important to you is about making decisions that shape your days, your years, and, yep, your life. Living by your core values means being true to yourself in everything you do, whether you’re picking out what to eat for breakfast or deciding on a career move.

Now, it might take a bit of soul-searching to pin down what these values are. Maybe ‘kindness’ is your jam, so you make it a point to do one nice thing for someone every day. Perhaps ‘adventure’ is your thing, so you try something new every month.

Remember, your core values are uniquely yours. Have a tough day? Reflect on your actions. Did they reflect your core values? If not, it’s cool—we’re all perfectly imperfect. There’s no “right” or “wrong” here. After all, it’s everyday choices that build a meaningful life.

Set Goals Aligned With Your Purpose

Setting goals aligned with your purpose is about focusing your efforts on what brings you closer to your ideal future. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s where purpose-driven goals come into play.

• Understanding Your Purpose: Reflect on what makes you feel most alive. Is it creating, teaching, or innovating? Your purpose often lies in what you find most meaningful.
• Setting Your Goals: Once you have clarity on your purpose, set goals that move you in that direction.

It’s crucial to keep your goals flexible. Life is ever-changing, and so are we. Adjusting your goals doesn’t mean you’re off track—it just means you’re evolving. Living by your core values helps ensure your goals remain aligned with what truly matters to you.

Take Ownership of Your Life

Taking ownership of your life means you’re calling the shots for your happiness and well-being, making conscious choices rather than letting life happen to you. This mindset shift can be incredibly empowering.

Taking ownership also means recognizing that you can’t control everything that happens to you. My personal favorite aspect of this is how it leads to self-empowerment.

Nurture Supportive Relationships

The people surrounding us can lift us up or weigh us down. Nurturing supportive relationships is about cherishing those who encourage you, understand you, and challenge you in healthy ways.

Building and maintaining these relationships requires effort from all parties involved. My personal favorite way to show appreciation for my close ones is to give them my undivided attention when we’re together—it’s simple but meaningful. You can also do:

• Regular check-ins: A simple message asking how they’re doing can mean a lot.
• Create shared experiences: Bond over a hobby or interest to strengthen your connection.

Remember, the quality of your relationships can significantly enhance your life’s meaning and joy, complementing your pursuit of lifelong learning and growth.

Pursue Lifelong Learning and Growth

When was the last time you learned something new? I’m not talking about random trivia, I mean, really taking the time to learn a skill, a hobby, or even a quirky party trick? Pursuing lifelong learning is what keeps your brain nimble and your life interesting.

It can be as simple as reading a book that’s stashed away on your shelf or as grand as taking up salsa dancing. The cool part? Learning can happen anywhere—not confined to a classroom or a fancy workshop. This eagerness to grow keeps you fresh, relevant, and young.

Like nurturing supportive relationships, lifelong learning is about connecting—with knowledge, people, and experiences.

Regularly Self-Reflect

Regular self-reflection is essential for anyone aiming to live a meaningful life. It’s that ‘me time’ that’s not about Netflix or scrolling through feeds. It’s looking at how you are feeling, what’s working well, what’s not, and where you want to go next.

Self-reflection shouldn’t be a chore. My favorite approach is settling into a cozy chair with a journal, putting words to paper (or screen), and celebrating life’s little wins (even that victory of keeping a houseplant alive).

Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others

Compassion is the heart’s response to suffering—our own and others’. Being compassionate means offering kindness and understanding rather than judgment or indifference. For yourself, it means treating yourself with the same care and kindness you’d offer a good friend.

We’re often our own harshest critics, right? Being compassionate starts with recognizing that nobody’s perfect—everyone, including yourself, makes mistakes and has room for improvement.

Recognize your achievements, no less than your mistakes, and forgive yourself for your faults and failures.

Manage Stress Effectively

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but drowning in it isn’t. Managing stress effectively means identifying and taking proactive steps to address your stressors. It’s about finding balance, not about eliminating stress completely.

We often push ourselves too hard, thinking we need to be constantly productive. Remember, part of managing stress is allowing yourself to take breaks.

Utilize Your Unique Strengths

Everyone has a unique set of strengths, talents, and abilities that, when utilized, can lead to fulfilling accomplishments and personal satisfaction. Recognizing and using your strengths can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Real talk: Sometimes, we forget what these strengths are because we’re too busy comparing them to someone else’s. But what if we focused on what we’re good at and really owned it? Think about what people always come to you for. Is it advice? Help with tech stuff? Your killer lasagna recipe?

When you start to utilize your strengths and find joy and pride in what you naturally excel at, you’re building a more enjoyable and rewarding life and can inspire others to discover and use their own.

Invest in Your Community

Investing in your community is creating an environment where everyone can grow. This can look like volunteering at local organizations, supporting small businesses, or simply helping out a neighbor in need.

The beauty of investing in your community is that it comes with a ripple effect: the more you put in, the more you and those around you will benefit.

So, what can you do right now? It’s easy: start where you are, with what you have. Attend local events or meetings, share community news on your social media, or have a friendly chat about your neighborhood.

Getting to know the people around you is a way to meet like-minded people who share your values and commitment to making a difference.

Simplify and Let Go of Excess

Have you ever felt like you’re drowning in your own stuff? You can choose simplicity. Clearing out the clutter—be it material, digital, or mental—can bring a sense of calm and clarity, where everything has a place and a purpose.

Honestly, “less is more” is a solid advice. Getting rid of what you don’t need means there’s more room for what truly matters.

Feel the weight lifting? That’s the magic of simplicity for you. It gives your life the space to breathe, dance, and just be.

Prioritize Your Well-being

Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It means making deliberate choices to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Part of caring for yourself is knowing when to say no to things that don’t serve your best interest.

Remember, you’re at your best when you’re healthy and fulfilled, allowing you to contribute more meaningfully to your community and the lives of those around you.

Find Lessons in Challenges

Getting caught up in the frustration and disappointment that comes with setbacks is easy, but looking for a learning opportunity can transform these experiences. Think of challenges as tests of resilience and creativity—not just obstacles in your path.

"Life is never all good, or all bad. So we need to enjoy our moments at the top of the world and know that setbacks are only temporary, too... That was 30 years ago, and it set me on a path I’d never anticipated, but know now that I was meant to do."

— Pat Roque | Speaker | Author | Success Coach | Rock on Success

Face Fears With Courage

We all have fears, whether speaking in public, changing careers, or chasing a long-held dream. That nervous flutter in your stomach, the sweat on your palms—it’s a natural human response. But here’s the thing: Courage isn’t about being fearless but feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

How can you buddy up with courage? Start small. Speak up in a meeting. Try a new food. Celebrate each brave act, no matter how tiny. And above all else, trust yourself. You are more resilient than you realize.

Little by little, as you push past your fears, you’ll find they lose their might, and life becomes a whole lot more meaningful.

Practice Gratitude Daily

Practicing gratitude daily is about acknowledging the good in your life, even on tough days. It’s a powerful way to maintain a positive outlook and appreciate what you have rather than focusing on what you lack.

Make it a point to thank someone each day for something specific. This might seem small, but trust me, it can significantly shift your perspective over time.

So, here’s what you should do: grab a notebook or just make a mental list. What are three things you’re thankful for today?

Stay Present and Engaged

In today’s fast-paced world, everybody is busy; they keep forgetting to enjoy the moment. Staying present means actively focusing on what’s happening right now, not what happened in the past or what the future holds.

Life’s too short to spend it distracted or detached, right? Those moments when you’re lost in thought about the past or future, you’re missing what’s happening right in front of you.

So here’s a tip: Next time you catch yourself drifting, pull yourself back to the present with a simple question, “What’s happening right now?” Observe your surroundings, the sensations in your body, and the rhythm of your breath.

When you commit to living with intention, every moment becomes a chance to make a memory, learn something new, and connect.

"One way to feel happier is to practice present-moment awareness, a core principle of mindfulness practice.... a wandering mind tends to be an unhappy mind and that the greatest feelings of happiness come when our minds are focused on what we’re doing in the moment."

— Nicole Ng | Senior Research Scientist | Lumosity

Consider Your Legacy and Impact

What will people remember about you?

Considering your legacy and impact is about thinking beyond your lifetime and making a difference in the lives of others and the world. This doesn’t mean you need to strive for worldwide recognition. Rather, make meaningful contributions that align with your values and passions.

But how will you know your legacy? It’s the compassion you show, the support you give, and the positive vibes you radiate. Every good deed builds a stepping-stone for others. Legacy isn’t about wealth or accomplishments but the warmth and light you spread by being uniquely you.

How to do it? Consider acts of kindness like habit. Write a note, lend a hand, or give someone your full, undivided attention. Live so that when you look over your shoulder, you see people whose hearts you’ve warmed—now that’s a legacy you can be proud of.

Develop Résumé and Eulogy Virtues

We often focus on résumé virtues—the achievements and skills that look good on paper. But eulogy virtues, the qualities spoken about at your funeral, truly define your character. These include kindness, bravery, honesty, and loyalty.

Balancing résumé and eulogy virtues can be challenging, but focusing on eulogy virtues has shifted how I prioritize my time and efforts. While achievements are important, the relationships we build and the impact we have on others leave a lasting legacy.

"If we want to live a meaningful life, I think each of us needs to actively cultivate both our résumé virtues and our eulogy virtues... Being is deciding who and what we are at our core, and when nobody else is looking: are we kind, faithful, honest, dependable?"

— Donna Cameron, CAE | Author | A Year of Living Kindly

Align With Those Who Value You

Finding and aligning with people who genuinely value you is one of the most empowering steps you can take. These individuals recognize your worth and encourage you to be your best self.

It’s not about the number of friends you have but the quality of those relationships.

For me, this meant taking a hard look at my social circle and making some tough decisions. I let go of relationships that drain my energy or undermine my self-worth to seek out people who inspire me and support my goals.

It wasn’t easy, but I found a sense of relief and belonging afterward. Aligning with those who value you creates a foundation of love and support, enabling you to thrive.

Serve Others to Gain Perspective

Have you ever helped someone out and walked away feeling like you got the better end of the deal? That’s what serving others can do. Serving others is a great way to gain perspective on your own life and troubles.

Whether volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor, or simply lending an ear to a friend in need, serving others brings a sense of fulfillment and connection that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Express Gratitude to Loved Ones

Expressing gratitude to loved ones is like saying, “I see you, I appreciate you, and heck, I’m downright glad you exist.” That pat on the back or that heartfelt squeeze says without words how much someone means to you.

Whether for the big sacrifices or the tiny favors, a bit of thanks goes a long, long way.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Embracing a growth mindset means believing in the ability to grow and improve through effort, strategy, and feedback. This perspective encourages resilience in the face of challenges and fosters a love for learning. It’s seeing a potential for development rather than fixed limitations.

This mindset has shifted how I approach setbacks, allowing me to bounce back more quickly and with greater enthusiasm for the lessons learned.

Having a growth mindset equips you to tackle your fears more boldly, knowing each attempt is a step toward growth.

Challenge Limiting Beliefs

Our beliefs shape our reality, but are they really keeping us safe or just keeping us small?

Limiting beliefs can hold us back from achieving our full potential. Challenging these beliefs involves identifying them, understanding their origins, and replacing them with empowering alternatives.

Instead of “I can’t,” start asking: “Why can’t I?” Turn “That’s not for people like me” into “Why not me?” This thought liberates you from self-imposed constraints and opens up new possibilities. It’s not always easy, but it allows you to have a more fulfilling reality.

Savor Life’s Simple Joys

Life, as we know it, can get pretty chaotic. Slow down. Take a moment to appreciate the simple joys around you—those tiny moments often go unnoticed when we’re caught up in our daily hustle.

Why not pay attention to the warmth of sunlight on your face on a chilly morning or the calming aroma of your morning coffee? And my personal favorite—the peaceful silence of early mornings when it feels like I have the world all to myself.

Savoring life’s simple joys means finding happiness in the mundane. These small pleasures remind us that joy doesn’t always come from grand accomplishments but often from the little things that life generously offers every day.

Unplug and Recharge Regularly

In today’s tech-driven world, where we’re constantly bombarded with notifications. I think carving out technology-free time is not a luxury but a necessity for our mental and emotional well-being.

This routine will help you stay grounded and maintain a healthy balance between digital and real-life interactions. You’ll realize that sometimes, disconnecting helps us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

Support Causes You Care About

We all want to feel like we’re part of something bigger, that we’re contributing to a cause greater than our individual lives. Supporting a cause isn’t just about making donations; it’s about making a difference, and here’s how:

• Volunteer your time: Whether helping at a local food bank or teaching skills to underprivileged children, your time is a precious gift.
• Advocate: Use your voice to raise awareness about issues that matter. Sometimes, sparking a conversation can lead to significant changes.
• Make conscious choices: Support businesses and products that align with your values and contribute positively to the world.

Engaging with causes you care about offers new perspectives and connects you with like-minded individuals. It’s a fulfilling way to add more meaning to your life, reinforcing the idea that we all can make the world a better place.

Pursue Creative Self-Expression

Pursuing creative self-expression allows you to communicate your inner thoughts and feelings in a way words sometimes can’t. And the best part? There are no rules. It could be through painting, writing, dancing, cooking, or even gardening.

Haven’t picked up a paintbrush since high school? No worries. Creativity is a muscle, and like any good workout, it starts with a little stretching. Do something small each day—doodle in the margins of your notebook, hum a tune while you shower, or cook something without a recipe.

Take a moment today to think about how you can express yourself creatively. Maybe it’s restarting an old project or trying something new. Join a workshop, follow a tutorial, or just wing it—it’s not about the final product but the process, the flow, the joy of making something.

"You can live a meaningful life by finding your passion and sharing it with the world. If you are enthusiastic about something it will not only rub off on others, but it will bring more meaning to your life knowing that you are fulfilling your dream."

— Allen Klein | Author | Professional Speaker

Explore and Share New Hobbies

Discovering new hobbies opens up opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Remember how we talked about giving back to the community? Sharing your hobbies can be a form of that, too.

Whether through a blog, social media, or community workshops, teaching others about your passion adds depth to your understanding and appreciation of the hobby.

"Our brains have the ability to change over time—a process known as neuroplasticity—and one powerful driver of these changes is exposure to new experiences...

...Challenging yourself with novel experiences and efforts, like learning a new sport, coding your first bot, or engaging with novel cognitive training, also fosters personal growth and self-awareness."

— Nicole Ng | Senior Research Scientist | Lumosity

Surround Yourself With Positivity

Positivity isn’t about ignoring the negatives but about choosing your focus. The people you hang out with and the media you consume color your world. Choose them wisely.

Filling your life with positive influences—optimistic friends, inspirational books, and uplifting music—can transform your outlook, turning “I can’t” into “I can” and “It’s impossible” into “Let’s make this happen.”

Here’s a little challenge for you: For the next week, consciously pick one positive thing to add to your day. It could be a chat with your upbeat friend or an episode from a feel-good podcast. Notice how those choices impact your mood and mindset.

Add Value to Others’ Lives

Adding value to others’ lives doesn’t necessarily mean grand gestures or significant time commitments. Sometimes, the smallest acts can make the biggest difference.

Have you ever received a heartfelt compliment out of the blue? It’s surprising how much those moments can uplift someone’s day. Every time you help someone else, you sprinkle a little more goodness into the world, and goodness has a way of growing.

So ask yourself, “How can I add value today?” It could be sharing knowledge, offering a helping hand, or just providing a laugh when needed. You fuel your inner light by making someone else’s day a bit brighter.

Set Boundaries and Say “No”

Learning to set boundaries and say “no” is for your well-being and maintaining healthy relationships. It might seem counterintuitive, but setting boundaries actually strengthens relationships by preventing resentment and burnout.

As I mentioned earlier, when we talked about managing stress effectively, part of that involves recognizing when we’re overcommitting and starting to feel overwhelmed.

Setting boundaries is not a sign of selfishness. It’s about self-respect and recognizing that in order to be there for others, you first need to take care of yourself. It teaches people how to treat you and sets the foundation for mutually respectful relationships.

Visualize Your Ideal Life

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about what a perfect day would look like for you? I do that a lot, and here’s the kicker: it’s actually a powerful practice known as visualization. By imagining our ideal life, we can focus our actions and decisions towards making it a reality.

Here’s the thing: It’s okay if the picture has some fuzzy edges—life isn’t about high-definition clarity at every moment. Consider writing down what you visualize, or create a vision board if that’s more your speed. Seeing it daily reinforces those intentions and keeps you motivated.

Embrace Discomfort and Challenge Yourself

Here’s a truth I’ve come to realize: Growth lives outside our comfort zone. I mean, it’s called a comfort zone for a reason, right? It’s warm and familiar. But every major leap I’ve made in my life, personally or professionally, involved stepping out into the unknown.

Embracing the discomfort that comes with trying new things or putting yourself out there and challenging yourself opens doors to new interests and passions you might not have discovered otherwise.

All it takes is to be brave enough to meet the unknown with curiosity instead of fear.

Consider setting yourself a small challenge this week: Speak up in a meeting, try a new recipe, or strike up a conversation with that neighbor you’ve only ever nodded to. Each small step outside your comfort circle of habit is a step towards a more confident you.

"Living a meaningful life actually depends on having a certain amount of stress and challenges to overcome, whereas a happy life is stress-free... So, it’s important to continually challenge your brain in new ways to tap into its potential to change."

— Nicole Ng | Senior Research Scientist | Lumosity

Forgive and Release Grudges

Forgiveness is less about other people and more about setting yourself free from bitterness. It’s like carrying around a backpack full of rocks. It’s heavy, exhausting, and frankly, it doesn’t serve you. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is the act of setting down that backpack.

But we all know that forgiveness doesn’t come with a snap of the fingers—it takes time. But recognizing that everyone, including you, makes mistakes, and that’s part of being human, can be a start towards letting go.

Start small. Think of a grudge you’ve been holding onto and consider the weight it has in your life. Is it really helping you? Reflect on what letting go could bring to your life. Then, when you’re ready, forgiving is the first step towards healing.

Be Curious About Your State of Being

Pause in the middle of a hectic day and ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Being curious about your state of being—your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations—is like performing a routine check-up on your mental and emotional health.

Regularly checking in with yourself is acknowledging your feelings without judgment and giving yourself space to understand them. It leads to a deeper connection with yourself and, ultimately, greater self-awareness.

"When how we are becomes more important than what we do and other things (like being right, arguing a point, changing someone’s mind, etc.) then we can truly transform our lives and discover more openness in each moment and thus live a more meaningful life."

— John Peitzman | Certified High-Performance Coach

Reflect on Your Mortality

Now, this might sound a bit grim at first, but stick with me. Reflecting on our mortality, on the impermanence of life, can actually be incredibly liberating. It reminds us that our time is limited, prompting us to consider what really matters to us.

My personal take? It encourages me to live more intentionally and make choices that add meaning and value to my life and those around me.

It helps prioritize relationships and experiences over material things, living with a sense of urgency to make the most of each day.

Just as we’ve discussed the importance of setting goals aligned with your purpose, remembering that our time is finite pushes us to pursue those goals with more passion and determination.

"When we’ve calibrated what we want to BE and FEEL and LEARN, we can ensure those intentions include what is important to us, such as love, compassion, or peace. As we continue to strive to BE and FEEL and LEARN what is important to us, we will find we have achieved a meaningful life."

— Jennifer Wisdom, PhD MPH | Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Lead With Wisdom

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts

What have we learned about creating a meaningful life? As it turns out, the secret isn’t hiding in big gestures or life-changing events. It’s those small, everyday moments and choices that really count and the ones that add meaning and joy to our routine.

As you try out these tips, keep in mind that this is your adventure. Take it slow, mix and match what works for you, and feel free to leave behind what doesn’t. The goal? To smile a little wilder and build the life you love, one step at a time.