We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life

Living for What Matters Most

Vic Strecher

Welcome to Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most!

In this course, you’ll learn how science, philosophy and practice all play a role in both finding your purpose and living a purposeful life. You will hear from historical figures and individuals about their journeys to finding and living a purposeful life, and will walk through different exercises to help you find out what matters most to you so you can live a purposeful life.

Welcome to Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most!

As an added benefit, you will also have complimentary access, for a period of time, to the Purposeful App. This groundbreaking mobile and desktop app is designed to help you build a purposeful rhythm into each day, so you can bring your best self to what matters most. Look for more information in Week 1 of the course!

By the end of this course, you will:

1. Understand that having a strong purpose in life is an essential element of human well-being.

2. Know how self-transcending purpose positively affects well-being.

3. Be able to create a purpose for your life (don't be intimidated, this is different from creating "the purpose" for your life).

4. Apply personal approaches and skills to self-change and become and stay connected to your purpose every day.

We are thrilled that you are here! We look forward to hearing and learning from you throughout this course!

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

What is a Purpose in Life?

How Purpose Organizes our Lives

How Purpose Changes our Lives

How Purposes Work in Real Life

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines how purpose positively affects well-being, which is relevant to living a fulfilled life

Develops daily implementation strategies to help learners integrate purpose into their lives, which can be practical for personal development

Draws upon scientific research on purpose, providing a blend of science and philosophy

Accessible for students of all levels, as it offers real-world examples and guidelines to help learners find and live their purpose

Provides a complimentary app to facilitate purpose development, which can enhance the learning experience

Save this course

Save Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

Purpose and meaning in life: living for what matters most

learners say this course examines the importance of finding a purpose in life and provides tools to help you create one. The course is largely positively reviewed, with many learners appreciating the instructor's passion and the research-backed content. It is described as thought-provoking and life-changing, and many learners report that it has helped them to find more meaning and direction in their lives. Some learners found the course repetitive or unoriginal, and a few were disappointed that it didn't provide more specific guidance on how to find their purpose. Overall, this course is a valuable resource for anyone who is looking to find more purpose and meaning in their life. The instructor's passion and the research-backed content make this course a great choice for anyone who is interested in this topic.

In addition to discussing the importance of purpose, the course also provides practical tools to help learners find and create their own purpose. These tools include exercises, worksheets, and journaling prompts.

"I really enjoyed this class. I learned quite a bit how having a good purpose in life can serve a person well. This will help me live out the rest of it with much enjoyment. Thank you!"

"I gained so much knowledge on the importance of having a purpose at any time in your life. I learned about resilience too. Great compassionate instructor. Really enjoyed the course."

The instructor, Victor Strecher, is described as passionate, engaging, and knowledgeable. Learners appreciate his personal stories and his ability to make the material relatable.

"Professor Stretchor is no doubt the most inspirational teacher who is very easy to relate to, makes you question your goals and life ourpose in the best way. The course itself offered such amazing information that I had no idea I need."

"I really enjoyed this course and appreciated the sense of grounding it has offered during what has been a very chaotic 2020 year. Thank you for breaking down the structure to create purpose as a guiding compass for one’s life."

learners say this course emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life. Research is presented to show how purpose can improve mental and physical health, and lead to a more fulfilling life.

"This course really helped me a lot on how to Live a Purposeful Life and gave me a lot of lessons which I can really apply in real-life situations! You better enroll to this course now. You will definitely loved it!"

"I am happy that there are courses focused on personal growth -- not just business, technical or functional in nature. This course (and others in the catalogue) address the whole person -- not just the person as an employee."

Some learners found the course to be repetitive, especially in the beginning.

"This is a very good and practical course, I particularly like the loving-kindness meditation as it helps in our overall well-being. This is what the world needs the most. Instead of purely pursuit material, we need a balance of both self-transcending and self-enhancing happiness."

"I liked it a lot. The fact that you can just audit it is great. In the first 2 weeks it really gives you some tools to help you find and enact your purpose. Professor Vic is an inspiration to me. I hope he will develop other personal development courses in the future."

Some learners found the course to be lacking in specificity. They felt that it didn't provide enough concrete guidance on how to find their purpose.

"This course has giving me another perspective of life. The right Purpose helps the individual to defines its own path, but more important is that such Purpose leads to find meaning to life and therefore peace of mind. From that moment on you can say "I do exist, I know how much I value, I'm ready to live life and share to others with meaning. "

"Before taking this course I had trouble understanding what life purpose even means. Now, upon completing it, I can understand why purpose is importand, what having a purpose in life really means, and most importantly how I can create it for myself, by myself. Great course. Prompting everyone to enroll in this. It really is going to change your life."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most with these activities:

Review key concepts from psychology and philosophy related to purpose

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of foundational concepts from psychology and philosophy that provide a framework for exploring and defining purpose.

Browse courses on Psychology

Show steps

Review lecture notes or textbooks from previous courses in psychology and philosophy.
Focus on theories and concepts related to self-awareness, motivation, and the search for meaning.

Follow online tutorials on mindfulness and gratitude practices

Show steps

Develop mindfulness and gratitude practices that support your journey of finding purpose and living a meaningful life, as highlighted in the course.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

Show steps

Identify online tutorials or guided meditations that focus on mindfulness and gratitude.
Practice these techniques regularly to cultivate present-moment awareness and appreciation.

Complete exercises on identifying personal values and strengths

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of personal values and strengths, which are crucial for defining your purpose according to the course content.

Browse courses on Self-Reflection

Show steps

Take an online values assessment tool to identify your core values.
Engage in self-reflection exercises that explore your strengths and areas for growth.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Join a study group to discuss course materials and share insights

Show steps

Enhance your understanding and retention of course materials by engaging in collaborative learning and exchanging perspectives with peers.

Show steps

Form or join a study group with fellow students taking the same course.
Meet regularly to discuss lecture content, assignments, and ideas related to finding purpose and meaning.

Create a vision board representing your purpose

Show steps

Enhance your ability to envision and connect with your purpose by creating a visual representation that aligns with the course's emphasis on visualization techniques.

Browse courses on Visual Representation

Show steps

Gather images, quotes, or symbols that embody your purpose.
Arrange these elements on a physical or digital board to create your vision.
Reflect on your vision and how it aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Review 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl

Show steps

Gain insights from Viktor Frankl's experiences in concentration camps on finding meaning in the face of adversity, which aligns with the course theme of finding purpose and meaning in life.

View Embracing Hope on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, taking notes on Frankl's key ideas about meaning and purpose.
Reflect on how Frankl's ideas connect to your own experiences and perspectives on life's meaning.

Design a personal action plan to align actions with your purpose

Show steps

Translate your purpose into tangible actions by creating a personalized plan that outlines steps for achieving your goals and living a purposeful life.

Browse courses on Action Planning

Show steps

Review your identified purpose and break it down into smaller, actionable steps.
Set specific goals and timelines for each step.
Identify potential obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.

Career center

Learners who complete Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

**Consultants** provide advice and support to businesses and organizations. They may work in a variety of fields, such as management, finance, or marketing. This course may be useful for Consultants because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Consultants develop the skills they need to provide effective advice and support to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Professor

**Professors** teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They may work in a variety of disciplines, such as the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. This course may be useful for Professors because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Professors develop the skills they need to create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Social Worker

**Social Workers** help people mengatasi personal and social problems. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or communities. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Social Workers develop the skills they need to help their clients find and pursue lives that are meaningful to them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Policy Analyst

**Policy Analysts** research and analyze public policy issues. They may work for governments, nonprofits, or think tanks. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to conduct research and analyze public policy issues effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Entrepreneur

**Entrepreneurs** start and run their own businesses. They may work in a variety of industries, such as technology, retail, or healthcare. This course may be useful for Entrepreneurs because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to create a successful business that makes a difference in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Career Counselor

**Career Counselors** help people make career decisions and plan their career paths. They may work with individuals or groups, and they may provide services such as resume writing, job search assistance, and career counseling. This course may be useful for Career Counselors because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in career development. The course can also help Career Counselors develop the skills they need to help their clients find and pursue careers that are meaningful to them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Teacher

**Teachers** help students learn and grow. They may teach a variety of subjects, such as math, science, history, or English. This course may be useful for Teachers because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Teachers develop the skills they need to create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Life Coach

**Life Coaches** help people achieve their personal and professional goals. They may work with individuals or groups, and they may provide services such as goal setting, time management, and stress management. This course may be useful for Life Coaches because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in life. The course can also help Life Coaches develop the skills they need to help their clients find and pursue lives that are meaningful to them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Life Coach

Yoga Instructor

**Yoga Instructors** teach yoga classes to people of all ages and abilities. They may work in a variety of settings, such as studios, gyms, or community centers. This course may be useful for Yoga Instructors because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Yoga Instructors develop the skills they need to create a class environment that is conducive to relaxation and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Instructor

Nonprofit Manager

**Nonprofit Managers** plan and direct the activities of nonprofit organizations. They may work for organizations that provide services such as education, healthcare, or social services. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Nonprofit Managers develop the skills they need to lead their organizations effectively and achieve their missions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Writer

**Writers** create written content for a variety of purposes, such as to inform, entertain, or persuade. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other organizations. This course may be useful for Writers because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Writers develop the skills they need to create written content that is clear, concise, and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Lawyer

**Lawyers** provide legal advice and representation to clients. They may work in a variety of areas, such as criminal law, civil law, or family law. This course may be useful for Lawyers because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Lawyers develop the skills they need to provide effective legal advice and representation to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Minister

**Ministers** provide spiritual guidance and support to people of all ages. They may lead religious services, perform ceremonies, and provide pastoral care. This course may be useful for Ministers because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in life. The course can also help Ministers develop the skills they need to help their congregations find and pursue lives that are meaningful to them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Minister

Healthcare Professional

**Healthcare Professionals** provide medical care to patients. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This course may be useful for Healthcare Professionals because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in their work. The course can also help Healthcare Professionals develop the skills they need to provide compassionate and effective care to their patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Professional

Philanthropy Advisor

**Philanthropy Advisors** help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about their charitable giving. They may work for nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, or other organizations. This course may be useful for Philanthropy Advisors because it can help them better understand the importance of purpose in philanthropy. The course can also help Philanthropy Advisors develop the skills they need to help their clients make meaningful gifts that will make a difference in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropy Advisor

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most.

Embracing Hope

Save

Memoir of Viktor Frankl's experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, and his development of logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on finding meaning in life.

Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life

Living for What Matters Most

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Purpose and meaning in life: living for what matters most

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses