New Study Reveals Meaning Trumps Money...Significance for Life and Work?
(See also, original post by Barb Reindl)
In the face of transitions and obstacles, large and small, there are some major themes that many of my clients - individuals or businesses - revisit over and over:
- Feeling in limbo/not knowing what direction to go
- Wanting to do/be something that matters
- Wanting to make a difference, belong and be important in the world.
Out in January 2009, the MefLife Mature Market Institute (MMI) released a new groundbreaking study entitled: Discovering what Matters; Balancing Money, Medicine, and Meaning. MMI applied a market research approach to the philosophical concept of "purpose" based on the work of Richard Leider and his best-selling book with co-author David Shapiro, Repacking Your Bags.
The study found the "Purpose Matters" " Regardless of age, gender, financial status, or life stage, the majority of people assign the most importance to Meaning-related activities and, above all else, spending time with friends and family. "
However, the study did clearly show that priorities change with age. So, for those of still in midlife, who want work we love, but also want work that financially supports the life we live, it is quite expected that we will wrestle with whether it is still important for us to pursue financial stability first, and purpose second.
The study does suggest otherwise….yes, even for those in mid-life, in-transition and self-empoloyed.
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If you want to see MMIs study summary and related workbook, here is that link!
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