Interested in well-being and happiness? The 2024 theme for the World Happiness Summit (WOHASU) is Purpose. There is a growing amount of evidence to support the central role it plays when it comes to well-being and leading a meaningful life. Both meaning and purpose are interrelated, and research shows that connecting to your purpose may foster a life that exceeds experiencing momentary happiness. According to psychologist Roy Baumeister, meaningfulness connects multiple points in time such as the past, present and future.

The work of Michael Steger, leading expert, and positive psychology researcher, indicates that meaning and purpose are positively related to numerous benefits such as increased motivation, positive emotions, life satisfaction, better relationships, resilience and longevity, among others. Many scholars suggest that living authentically by aligning actions with personal values contributes to a life filled with meaning and purpose. Research and psychological theories uphold meaning and purpose as a core human need for well-being and flourishing, and there are numerous health benefits that result from having a deep sense of purpose in life.

Steger’s work describes meaning as being composed of believing that your existence holds significance, thinking about and making sense of your life and experiences and identifying a larger purpose for your life. What does this mean? Connecting to your purpose may enable you to increase your well-being, level of happiness and life satisfaction. Steger and others have also reported that people who experience meaning in their lives often feel as though they have better relationships. In addition to these benefits, his research shows that having a sense of meaning and purpose motivates us and evokes positive emotions.

Why is this important? Positive emotions feed our well-being, and according to psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, they expand our perspective and help us build resilience. Finally, the ultimate benefit of connecting with meaning and purpose in your life is that meaning is linked to longevity. Often, when well-being is a value, living a long, healthy life is a goal.

Finding your purpose matters, as meaning and purpose are vital elements for health, well-being and living to our full potential as human beings. The numerous physical and mental health benefits meet our basic needs and increase our chances to thrive. 

Interested in seeking more information on how Purpose is connected to well-being and happiness? The stellar line-up of world-renowned speakers at WOHASU 2024 will bring you the latest findings on Purpose to expand your knowledge and ignite your curiosity. WOHASU takes place in London on March 19 and 20. In-person and virtual tickets are available.

Andrea Garin Kopilak is founder of Connect2Flourish Coaching and a Certified MentorCoach with a specialization in evidence-based Positive Psychology. Through coaching, she frequently empowers clients to discover deeper meaning and purpose. Leveraging intuition, awareness building, compassion and connection, she creates a safe space for clients to explore their personal strengths, values and aspirations. Connect with a complimentary coaching conversation at [email protected] or Connect2FlourishCoaching.com.

At WOHASU 2024, Kopilak will serve as a WOHASU Coach Facilitator to provide an opportunity for the community to reflect and connect to key learnings and each other. For more information and to register, visit WorldHappinessSummit.com. Use code ANDREA at checkout for a 15 percent discount on tickets.

Connect2Flourish, LLC - NA, Stamford, CT

Andrea, Connect2Flourish Founder and Certified MentorCoach, specializes in well-being. She supports clients making a positive impact, addressing challenges like motivation struggles, asse... Read More »