What Makes Life Worth Living? A Guide to Meaning and Joy
Nov 19, 2024
By Will Moore
Imagine waking up every morning excited for the day ahead rather than dreading it. Now, contrast that with the all-too-common feeling of dragging yourself out of bed, wondering, "Is life worth living?" I've been on both sides of this stark difference, and I know firsthand the power of finding what truly makes life worth living.
My journey began as Rocky Clay Wooten Thomas Moore, a name that set me apart from day one. Growing up, I felt like an outsider with an industrial-sized spotlight constantly on me. This led me down a dark path to a point where I questioned if life was worth living at all.
But from that rock bottom, I discovered something transformative. Through relentless self-improvement and hard-won insights, I went from a suicidal outsider to a fulfilled entrepreneur. This transformation wasn't just about financial success – it was about cracking the code to a life truly worth living.
What I've learned is that a meaningful life revolves around five core areas: mindset, career and finances, relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being. These aren't just arbitrary categories – they're the fundamental pillars of happiness and fulfillment. Neglect any one of them, and you'll feel the impact across your entire life.
Your mindset shapes how you perceive and interact with the world. Your career and finances provide stability and opportunities for growth. Relationships give life depth and meaning. Physical health is the foundation for energy and vitality. Emotional well-being allows you to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience.
In a time when many of us struggle to find purpose, my journey offers a practical guide to nurturing these core areas and discovering what makes your own journey worthwhile.
In this guide, we'll look at:
What science says about living a fulfilling life
Practical ways to find your own purpose
How to bring more meaning into all parts of your life
Tools that can help you on this journey
Are you ready to start? Let's explore how you can build a life that feels truly worth living.
What does "make life worth living" mean?
"Make life worth living" refers to the elements, experiences, or aspects of life that give it meaning, purpose, and value. These are the things that motivate us to keep going, bring us joy, and make us feel our existence is significant and fulfilling.
Understanding the Quest for a Meaningful Life
According to a research study, 63% of American adults say they often think about the meaning of life. Yet, despite this widespread contemplation, many struggle to define what makes life worth living for them personally.
Common misconceptions about what brings fulfilment often lead people astray:
Material success: While financial stability is important, studies show that beyond meeting basic needs, more money doesn't significantly increase happiness.
Constant pleasure: The hedonic treadmill theory suggests that humans quickly adapt to positive changes, making the pursuit of pleasure alone an ineffective path to lasting satisfaction.
Avoiding discomfort: Paradoxically, a life free from challenges often leads to boredom and a lack of personal growth.
So, if these common pursuits don't lead to a truly meaningful life, what does?
FIVE CORE LIFE
Through years of personal struggle, research, and self-experimentation, I discovered how to get my life back on track by building upon five fundamental pillars."
I call these the 5 Core Areas of Life:
Mindset
Career & Finances
Relationships
Physical Health
Emotional & Mental Health
These core areas emerged from my own journey of transformation, from feeling lost and unfulfilled to building a life of purpose and joy. Let's explore how each of these areas contributes to a life worth living.
1) Cultivating a Growth Owner Mindset
At the core of a life that is worth living is the belief that you can grow, learn, and evolve. This is known as a growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities for learning.
As Carol Dweck herself puts it, "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow." This perspective completely transformed my approach to life's obstacles.
Know that people who live great lives don't necessarily have it easier than others. The key difference lies in their perspective. They choose to think positively and see opportunities where others see obstacles. In my own life, I've faced numerous setbacks and challenges. However, by shifting my perspective and adopting a growth mindset, I was able to turn these difficulties into stepping stones for personal growth.
When we commit to lifelong learning and self-improvement, we engage in a journey of self-discovery. This journey isn't always easy, but it's deeply fulfilling. Each challenge we overcome, and each new skill we master adds a layer of richness to our life story.
Success Habit tip: Start a "Growth Journal" where you document daily learning experiences. This simple habit can help you recognize progress and maintain motivation.
Learn More: Why is having a fixed mindset a hindrance
2) Aligning Career and Finances with Your Values
A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who felt their work was meaningful reported higher life satisfaction. While money itself doesn't guarantee happiness, aligning your career and financial goals with your personal values can significantly contribute to a sense of purpose.
Martin Seligman, founder of positive psychology, emphasizes that true well-being comes from "belonging to and serving something bigger than the self." When we contribute to others or work towards a cause greater than ourselves, we tap into a profound source of meaning.
This ties directly to our need for growth. As we develop our skills and knowledge, we become better equipped to make meaningful contributions. Our personal growth thus becomes a vehicle for a positive impact on the world around us.
Success Habit tip: Create a "Values-Career Map." List your top five personal values and brainstorm how your current or desired career aligns with each. This exercise can guide career decisions and help you find more meaning in your work.
Read More: Top 10 habits of successful people
3) Building Meaningful Relationships
Humans are inherently social beings. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, spanning over 80 years, conclusively shows that good relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness and longevity. Robert Waldinger, the study's director, states, "The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period."
Emotionally healthy relationships provide support, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. They also offer opportunities for personal growth through mutual learning and challenge. Moreover, our relationships are often the primary avenue through which we contribute to others' lives.
Success Habit Tip: Establish a "Connection Ritual". Each day, reach out to one person in your life - a friend, family member, or colleague - for a meaningful conversation or gesture of appreciation.
4) Nurturing Physical Health for Vitality
A life worth living includes taking care of your physical health. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep not only improve your physical well-being but also contribute to better mental health and cognitive function. Physical and mental health form the foundation upon which we build a meaningful life. Good health provides the energy and clarity needed to pursue our goals, nurture relationships, and engage fully with life's experiences.
Importantly, health isn't just about avoiding illness. It's about vitality - feeling alive, energetic, and capable.
Success Habit tip: Design a "Vitality Routine." Start small by incorporating a 10-minute walk or healthy eating into your daily schedule. Gradually build up to a comprehensive health routine that energizes you.
5) Emotional and Mental Health
Emotional intelligence and mental resilience are key components of a meaningful life. Practices like mindfulness and gratitude have been scientifically proven to increase life satisfaction and reduce stress.
Contributing to Something Greater Than Yourself
Psychologist Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, identifies "belonging to and serving something bigger than the self" as a crucial element of well-being. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting a cause, contributing to others can provide a profound sense of purpose.
Success Habit tip: Start a "Legacy Project." Identify a skill you're proficient in or passionate about, then commit to sharing it with others for free once a month. This could be providing financial literacy workshops in your community or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.
By leveraging your unique abilities, you're not only giving back meaningfully but also reinforcing your expertise and sense of purpose. Set measurable goals to track your progress and maintain motivation, like impacting 50 people in a year. This practice combines personal growth with community impact, enhancing your emotional well-being and legacy.
Read More About Emotional Wellness Goals
Why excel in five core areas?
As we've explored these 5 Core Areas of Life, you might wonder why these specific aspects are so crucial. The answer lies in their interconnectedness and their ability to create a compounding effect on our overall well-being.
I discovered these core areas through a process of trial and error, observing patterns in my own life and the lives of successful, fulfilled individuals I admired. What I found was that when one area thrives, it positively impacts the others. Conversely, neglecting one area can create a domino effect of challenges across all aspects of life.
For instance, a growth mindset (Core 1) can lead to career success (Core 2), which in turn can provide resources for better physical health (Core 4). Strong relationships (Core 3) support emotional well-being (Core 5), which then reinforces a positive mindset. It's a virtuous cycle that, when nurtured, can lead to exponential growth and fulfilment.
The key to happiness and living a good life isn't perfecting one area at the expense of others but creating harmony and momentum across all five. By focusing on these core areas, we create a stable foundation from which we can weather life's storms and reach new heights of personal growth and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Remember, building a life worth living is not a destination but an ongoing process. It's about:
Embracing a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities
Aligning your career and finances with your core values
Cultivating deep, meaningful relationships
Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being
Contributing to causes that resonate with your personal values
Take the First Step Towards a Life Worth Living
You’ve learned what makes life worth living through understanding the 5 Core Areas, but now it’s time to turn those insights into action. The Moore Momentum (MM) System is here to guide you in transforming your life from the inside out. It’s not just about knowing your purpose—it’s about creating habits that make pursuing it a rewarding, exciting, and unstoppable journey.
Start with a simple step: Take our free "CORE VALUES QUIZ" to identify where you can focus your energy to create real change across the 5 Core Areas of Life.
Your journey to a more fulfilling life starts now. Don’t wait—take the quiz today and begin building the life you were meant to live.
