Member-only story
Why The Search for Purpose Feels Impossible (And What To Do About It)
Ever feel like you’re on autopilot, going through the motions but lacking a real sense of why?
You’re not alone. From the anti-work movement to the hustle-obsessed “sigma grinders” to those seeking escape in self-care distractions, there’s a nagging feeling that something’s missing: a sense of purpose.
This search takes many forms, but some turn to dangerous extremes, like the rise in pornography addiction among those feeling lost.
The Roots of the Purpose Crisis
Remember when your brain rewarded you with joy from simple things, without needing a dopamine hit from your phone?
Turns out, the very things meant to make life easier might be messing with our ability to connect with ourselves.
It gets worse: the immense pressure put on groups like young Asians and especially Asian-Americans to succeed can have devastating consequences.
Despite seemingly having it all, this group suffers from alarming suicide rates, a stark reminder that purpose can’t come from external formulas or expectations.
Tech’s Not Helping
The past two decades brought an explosion of technology, and with it, a shift away from listening to ourselves and…