The Surprising Science of Meaning: Why Purpose is Built, Not Found

Many of us spend years searching for meaning, waiting for a sign or a calling to reveal our purpose. But what if meaning isn’t found—it’s made? Donald Miller’s 'Hero on a Mission,' inspired by Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, offers a powerful formula for anyone seeking a life that matters. Meaning, Miller argues, is constructed through three main avenues: creating a work or deed, experiencing something or someone outside yourself, and adopting a redemptive attitude toward suffering.

Let’s break this down. First, action is essential. Whether you’re building a business, writing a poem, or simply showing up for your family, meaning emerges from the things you do. Second, connection is vital. Relationships, community, and shared experiences draw us out of our own heads and into a larger story. Third, perspective matters. The ability to find growth, hope, or even humor in the midst of pain is what transforms suffering into meaning.

Research in psychology supports this formula. Studies show that people who regularly engage in purposeful activity, maintain strong relationships, and reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth report higher levels of happiness and resilience. Even the existential vacuum—the sense of emptiness that follows a major change or accomplishment—can be overcome by starting a new story, setting a new goal, or finding a new way to serve others.

Practical exercises, like journaling about your values, volunteering, or reframing daily challenges, can help you generate meaning every day. Remember: meaning is emotional, not just intellectual. You feel it most when you’re in motion, pursuing something that matters. What story will you build today? 2 3