Meaning and Purpose in Life (Not Goals) Protect the Brain

People seem interested and excited about setting goals. New Year’s resolutions are based on setting goals for the upcoming year. But do people actually accomplish their goals?

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Research has shown that while 45 percent of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent accomplish them. It seems that when setting clear goals, the brain takes for granted that we have or will achieve them. The more we talk about our goals and the more others celebrate our goals, the less motivated we become to achieve them.

Neuroimaging research shows that people with a stronger sense of meaning in life show more neuronal synapses, meaning the brain parts communicate better with each other. This solid connection with the limbic region in people with a strong sense of meaning allows them to internally reflect upon their own emotional state, particularly when experiencing negative emotions. Studies have shown that individuals with high sense of purpose in life report lower levels of negative emotions and are less reactive to stressors in daily life.

Goals are presented as necklace beads to make it more simple. Goals can’t be accomplished in the same way the beads that are not assembled on a sturdy string, they scatter everywhere. The beads can be beautiful but are only functional once threaded and secured. The focus should be on where you want to go and not where you have been stuck

People that have determined their personal meaning and purpose in life, probably due to the efficacy of brain wiring, seem to have lower levels of psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as mental decomposition and diseases like AD and Alzheimer’s. On the contrary they reported greater happiness and half less chance of developing mental disorders. Physical health seemed to be improved as well.

But, what if you have no idea what your purpose is?

Then, your goal is "to find my purpose and meaning in life." Don't just exist, but make an intention to live and invest in that intention! Something very helpful could be to search about spirituality, meaning in life and other existential questions. It is being said that once you find meaning and purpose, you will own the key to unlock any door you encounter!

Things to remember

• The sense of meaning and purpose in life can have many mental, physical and psychological benefits

• It is important to set realistic goals and determine why we want to achive them rather than just setting them

• Thinking so deeply and far ahead seems frightening, but once you overcome that fear, you are closer to achieving what you really want in life, fulfill your wishes and develop.

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#Purpose #Neuroscience #Psychology