Understanding Purpose Anxiety: How the Search for Meaning Can Create Stress and Ways to Cope

The popular advice to 'find your purpose' has become a common mantra, but for many, this pursuit can lead to feelings of stress and inadequacy, a phenomenon known as 'purpose anxiety.' Instead of inspiring, the relentless quest for a singular life purpose may become an overwhelming burden, raising questions like: How do I discover my purpose? What if I never do?

Purpose anxiety refers to the persistent worry that one's life lacks a clear overarching aim, despite the societal emphasis on the importance of having a life mission. Michael Steger, a professor at Colorado State University and director of its Center for Meaning and Purpose, notes that while there is a lot of guidance on how to find purpose, there is little support on the actual process of discovering it.

Defining 'purpose' can be complex. It may be a single, all-encompassing goal or multiple pursuits that bring joy and fulfillment. Todd Kashdan, a professor at George Mason University, suggests viewing purpose as a compass—an internal guide that helps steer one's energies toward meaningful directions. A sense of purpose can help bridge the gap between one's current self and the ideal version they aspire to be. Interestingly, many people live meaningful lives without explicitly articulating a purpose.

The notion of purpose has long been embedded in cultural and religious practices, which provided clear directions for meaning. However, as societal structures evolve—religiosity declines, traditional roles shift—the old avenues for purpose are diminishing. Psychotherapist Jody Day notes that cultural changes over the past century have loosened many traditional sources of purpose, leaving individuals to navigate a more uncertain landscape.

Research shows that feeling a sense of purpose correlates with better mental and physical health, which explains why this goal is so emphasized. Yet, the pressure to identify a singular purpose can lead to anxiety rather than fulfillment.

Some experts suggest it's okay not to have an immediate answer. Steger advises focusing on self-understanding—what matters to you, what you value, and how you might affect change—without rushing to find a definitive purpose. This process itself fosters meaning.

Focusing on daily passions and pursuits—what Todd Kashdan calls 'little p' purpose—can be more practical. Jordan Grumet, author of "The Purpose Code," explains that small, actionable interests like hobbies, work, or community involvement often provide more immediate fulfillment than chasing a grand purpose. These pursuits can also lead to building communities and connections.

Traumatic life events can also redefine or create new purposes. For example, psychotherapist Jody Day found her purpose in supporting childless women after struggling with her own infertility. Her work in creating online and in-person communities exemplifies how life challenges can lead to meaningful new pursuits.

Ultimately, the journey toward purpose is personal and ongoing. Taking time, exploring various interests, and accepting that purpose may evolve over time are all part of finding sustainable fulfillment. As the landscape of societal and personal meaning shifts, embracing this flexibility can alleviate the burden of purpose anxiety.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-purpose-anxiety.html