This is the Secret to Living a Meaningful Life

Most of us get this wrong, but there’s an easy fix

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

I put up a new Instagram post, and unconsciously find myself checking the app more often over the next few hours.

Why? Because I’m anxious to see how well it does, which is mostly defined by likes, comments and saves.

I’m rather embarrassed to admit this, as I truly believe I’m on the wrong side of 40 to be concerned with such inconsequential and frivolous stats, but there you have it.

And the thing is, most of us struggle with this.

We inaccurately believe that our life’s worth and meaning comes from the size of our audience and the scope of our reach.

The more people that engage with us, “like” our content, or “save” our posts, the more impact we are making in life.

This is just wrong, and I think we all know it, deep down. I know I’m not the first to write about this topic. I’m probably not the first person this hour to write about it.

Yet, we continue to define ourselves by our follower count and social media reach.

True meaning is about making a difference, not building an audience.

And this is something every one of us can do. The bonus? There’s no algorithm to try to outsmart.

Roy T. Bennett, in The Light in the Heart, says it best:

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”

We will not be remembered by our follower count, but we will be remembered by our impact on others’ lives.

Quality over Quantity

And, so, it’s time to change our focus. Here are three easy, actionable ways to do this.

1. Reach out to someone. Today. This doesn’t have to be huge. Send a “checking in” text, bake some treats for a neighbor, put a handwritten card in the mail. Let someone know you are thinking of them.
2. Narrow your focus. Stop worrying about the “many”, focus on the “few”. Give up trying to figure out how to best impress the masses. Think about the…