How Random Events Help You Find Meaning

Provided you look hard enough…

Do you struggle to find meaning in what you do?

Do you wonder where the meaning is, on particularly bad days?

Do you draw a blank when you hear about deriving meaning by following your values?

If yes, this one’s for you.

Meaning has become a loosely thrown around term. It's what’s supposed to bring us joy and satisfaction. Might I add even a hint of the ever-elusive fulfillment?

We are all looking for meaning in random events. Like how a meeting at work went or how you enjoyed the time with your dog after a rough day.

But we don’t know how to make the magic last. Where do we look for it? We don’t have the luxury to go to Himalayas to find meaning like the sages of the Ancient Hindu culture.

So how do you look for meaning?

Where’s your Compass?

To find meaning, a compass is the essential first step. For us, it often means knowing our values.

My values are independence, bravery, and humility. These values have served as my north star, keeping me on the right track and steering me towards my goals.

How did I learn these are my values?

It wasn’t through online tests. It was rather by analyzing the key events of my life and crystallizing recurring themes, which made them special.

Being independent could mean taking ownership of your life, making your own choices, and being self-reliant. This is joyful because you can decide without the burden of other’s expectations.

Courage means facing challenges head on, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and not giving up. This brings the satisfaction of having done your absolute best.

Finally, humility can help you stay grounded and learn from others.

When I live my life according to these values, I feel fulfilled.

Think about your value compass if you want to get closer to meaning. Else, life will seem like the insurmountable Everest you want to climb but can’t even get to walk 10k steps a day. When you ponder over your life events, give it time. Come back to it now and then to assess if it’s the real value.

“I do not forget any good deed done to me & I do not carry a grudge for a bad one.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

Where’s the Meaning in Bad Days?

Having a rough day can be demotivating. Even for someone who understands their values.

Last week, I had one when I had been in back-to-back meetings. Some got heated, and I didn’t get the time to think about things. Feeling exhausted, I rushed home to meet my daughter.

When I reached and went near, she wanted nothing to do with me. She immediately shrugged and called for her dad. I controlled my impulse to not drop everything and start crying.

This was one moment when I direly needed to channel my mindset and energy. Babies are truly psychic, as they can sense when you have negative energy around you.

How do you find meaning in a day when you’re stressed and even your own kid doesn’t want to be around you?

Relax, and realize everyone has a bad day for starters. Even Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos cannot escape this.

If you’re doing it right 80–90% of the time, then accept it’s the best you can do. My daughter spent some good time with me once I had calmed myself. Or cleansed my aura like Phoebe from Friends used to say ;)

If we can focus our energy on finding little joys by helping others, then we’ll see meaning. This is what I focused on doing the next day. Do my work with compassion and focus on what I can control when I get embroiled in issues.

How to Find Meaning at Work?

Many youngsters often feel lost and nervous at the start of their corporate careers with no one to turn to for sound advice. Also, the mid-career professionals lose their spark.

They don’t know how to find meaning and they’re struggling to stay afloat, feeling stuck and burdened. Been there?

Then, you need to know about job-crafting. It’s a well-known technique to branch out of your defined job description and craft your role based on your strengths and interests. I learned this at the start of my career and have used it often along the way.

When I started my career at the world’s largest FMCG company, Procter & Gamble, I was not enjoying the job I had. One day, I followed my heart and requested to visit the local community school P&G was supporting.

My first experience to visit the school was an eye-opener. The school had great infrastructure thanks to the funds provided by P&G over the years. There were over 300 children from underprivileged families between ages 6 and 14 years; more girls than boys and around 20 teachers.

The school was a lifeline for primary and secondary education in the area. Many children rushed out of the classrooms to shake hands with me. The pleasant and genuine smiles touched my heart.

I didn’t know I’ll forge a stronger bond with these children then and would become their regular visitor.

Be Courageous to ask what you need

The mental picture of the first visit stayed with me. I looked for opportunities to do more. Soon, I led the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for P&G India.

My first task was launching a mid-day meal program at the school.

My excitement knew no bounds thinking of the impact it would have on lives of children who would get at least one proper meal a day at school. And how this will further positively affect their parents and larger community. It would also add as a key motivating factor for more parents to send their kids to school and children to come to school and study.

I would’ve missed out on all this, had I not had the courage to ask or show my interest. So, if you’re starting out your career, find what interests you and ask for those opportunities.

Lead a team with purpose

I led a team of 10 people for this initiative. We worked on evaluating the additional annual budget for such an initiative and planning for the launch in a few months’ time.

We invited the key local government officials and local leaders for the inauguration of the event and prepped the school authorities for the management of the mid-day meal program ongoing basis.

When you’re the leader and your purpose is clear, you can drive your team to create an impact. Even if you’re the junior most person on the team. Like I was back then.

Spread the Joy

On the day of the launch, the entire affair happened amidst much fanfare. The children were unusually enthusiastic.

I noticed the face of the girl who used to be a model for the P&G CSR initiative, along with a popular actor. Her mom explained to me she was brilliant in studies and she would like for her daughter to be a nurse when she grows up. I looked at the girl child, Pallavi, with her shiny eyes and smiling face. She beamed — ‘I want to be a doctor.’ I let her know she can be anything she wants.

The smile it brought to her face is unforgettable. The experience taught me how, as a leader, you can spread joy and impact lives.

Anyone can find meaning at work if you do what excites you, have a purpose and a community to help you thrive.

Remember This…

If you get into the habit of looking for meaning in your everyday life, you’ll figure out how to keep it alive along the way.

If you wait for meaning to strike one day, then it’ll remain elusive.

Lucky for you, I have opened some free slots until 30th May to discuss your international career transition challenges. If you’re serious about excelling at what you do, please reach out via the link below.