There’s a stark difference between living and merely existing.

Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, understood this divide all too well. His life teachings offer a roadmap when our lives seem devoid of meaning.

I’ve been there too, navigating through life’s darkest corners. And Frankl’s wisdom has often served as an illuminating beacon.

In this piece, I’ll share seven lessons from Viktor Frankl that will guide anyone feeling lost in life. These lessons, filled with humanity and hope, promise to inject meaning into the most desolate of situations.

1) Life holds a potential meaning under any condition, even the most miserable ones

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, knew a thing or two about enduring unimaginable hardships.

His experiences taught him that even in the bleakest of circumstances, life holds a potential meaning. It’s a nugget of wisdom he generously shared with the world.

Frankl believed that we could find purpose and value in the worst conditions – a lesson I’ve found to be incredibly powerful during challenging times.

His perspective is not about denying pain or hardship. Instead, it’s about acknowledging them and seeking to find meaning amidst them. This reframing can be a game-changer when life feels overwhelming.

In essence, no matter how grim your situation may appear, there is always a sliver of hope and purpose to be found. This lesson from Frankl is often the beacon we need when navigating life’s stormiest seas.

2) To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering

Frankl’s second lesson might sound bleak, but trust me when I say it’s far from it.

Frankl argued that suffering is an inevitable part of life. But it’s what we do with that suffering that truly counts. As he famously said, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering.”

This lesson resonates with me deeply. A few years back, I went through a devastating breakup. It felt like I had lost a part of myself and I was drowning in a sea of sorrow.

In the throes of my pain, I stumbled upon Frankl’s wisdom. This particular insight struck a chord within me. I realized that my suffering wasn’t meaningless – I could use it as a catalyst for growth.

I started journaling my feelings and thoughts. Over time, this exercise transformed into a healing process. I understood myself better and developed empathy for others going through similar experiences. My pain had led me to find meaning in my suffering.

In essence, Frankl taught me that suffering isn’t merely an adversity to overcome but a chance to grow stronger and wiser. Embracing this perspective can truly change the way we perceive our struggles.

3) Freedom to choose one’s attitude

Viktor Frankl proposed a revolutionary idea – that even in the face of extreme adversity, we still have the freedom to choose our attitude.

In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”, he wrote, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

It’s a profound thought when you consider the circumstances under which Frankl came to this realization. He was a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, where he had no control over his external environment. Yet, he discovered that he could still choose his internal response.

This lesson is as empowering as it is challenging. It reminds us that while we may not have control over our circumstances, we do have control over how we respond to them.

In the grand scheme of things, your attitude towards your situation can impact your life far more than the situation itself. So remember, no matter how dire things may be, you always have the freedom to choose your attitude.

4) The search for meaning is the primary motivation of life

According to Viktor Frankl, the quest for meaning is the primary force driving human behavior. This concept, central to his logotherapy theory, posits that our main motivation in life isn’t pleasure, as Freud suggested, but the discovery and pursuit of what we find meaningful.

Frankl believed that life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. And our main task in life is to discover our own unique meaning.

This may not be an easy task. It requires introspection and a willingness to dive deep into our desires, values, and passions. It’s about identifying what truly matters to us.

Remember, your life’s meaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s unique to you and can change over time. Whether it’s serving others, pursuing a passion, or overcoming adversity, what’s important is that it provides you with a sense of purpose.

So embrace the journey of finding your unique purpose in life. It may be a challenging endeavor, but it’s one that promises to bring fulfillment and joy.

5) Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire

For Viktor Frankl, love was not just an emotion, but a force capable of bestowing life with profound meaning. He wrote, “Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire.”

There was a time when I grappled with loneliness and a sense of isolation. Surrounded by people yet feeling utterly alone, I felt disconnected.

Then, I chanced upon Frankl’s wisdom. His words stirred something within me, making me realize that love isn’t just about romantic relationships or family ties. It’s about connecting deeply with others – whether it’s through empathy, understanding, or shared experiences.

I began investing in my relationships, opening up to people around me, and allowing myself to be vulnerable. And I found that the more love I gave, the more love I received.

Frankl’s perspective shifted my understanding of love from a passive state of being to an active endeavor. It taught me that love isn’t something that just happens to us; it’s something we consciously choose to give and receive.

6) Suffering ceases to be suffering the moment it finds a meaning

Viktor Frankl had a unique perspective on suffering. He believed that suffering loses its sting the moment we find meaning in it.

This idea might seem counterintuitive. After all, how can pain and hardship carry any significance? But Frankl’s insight is about shifting our perspective towards adversity.

When we encounter difficulties, our natural instinct is to resist or escape them. But what if we viewed them as opportunities for learning and growth instead? What if we sought meaning in our trials and tribulations?

This doesn’t mean romanticizing suffering or seeking it out. It’s about acknowledging that hardships are a part of life and finding ways to derive meaning from them.

So, when you face adversity, try to find what it’s teaching you. It could be resilience, empathy, or the ability to appreciate the small joys of life. Remember, suffering ceases to be suffering the moment it finds a meaning.

7) We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation

The most potent lesson from Viktor Frankl is perhaps this – we can find meaning in life even when faced with seemingly hopeless situations.

It’s a powerful testament to human resilience and our innate desire to seek purpose, even amidst despair. This lesson reminds us that hope can be found, even in the darkest corners.

When life throws its worst at us, it’s easy to succumb to despair and lose sight of our purpose. But remember, as long as we’re breathing, there’s potential for meaning. It might not be apparent at first, but it’s there, waiting to be discovered.

So, whatever you’re going through, hold on to the belief that your situation is not hopeless. There is always room for meaning, growth, and ultimately, hope.