Our society has a tendency to apply undue pressure on those who seem to lack a defined purpose or direction, often pushing people into pursuits or professions driven by societal expectations rather than personal passion.

In this article, I’ll reveal 7 behaviors often displayed by individuals who lack meaning in their lives, without even realizing it.

By the end, I hope to illustrate that there’s no shame in feeling lost or directionless, just as there’s no shame in having a clear and defined life purpose.

Ultimately, our paths should be guided by self-awareness and personal growth, not societal pressures.

1) They’re constantly seeking validation

Seeking approval stemmed from the notion that my self-worth was dependent on what others thought of me. But the reality is that my self-esteem should be built on my own self-perception and achievements.

Let me break it down.

Consider your own accomplishments. Your academic achievements were earned through your efforts. Your career advancements were a result of your hard work. Your meaningful relationships were nurtured through your own commitment and dedication. 

While reading these words, you might have remembered a few instances where you sought validation for these accomplishments.

It’s vital to break free from the illusion of self-worth that comes from external validation. It doesn’t define you. Your actions and personal growth do, and they are most impactful when they stem from self-confidence and self-love. 

2) They’re always busy

Being constantly occupied was a result of my belief that productivity equated to progress. But the truth is that non-stop activity does not necessarily lead to a meaningful life.

Let me delve into this.

Consider your daily routine. You might be occupied with work, chores, or social commitments. Your schedule might be packed from dawn till dusk. While reading these words, you may have skimmed through a few emails or messages on your phone.

It’s crucial to break away from the illusion of productivity that comes from ceaseless busyness. It doesn’t lead to fulfillment. 

Instead, periods of quiet introspection and rest do, and they are most beneficial when they are consciously incorporated into your routine. 

When you try to stay busy all the time, you give too much importance to constant action. You lose sight of your instinctive need for rest and reflection.

Now, I give less power to busyness. Sometimes I have back-to-back meetings. Other times my schedule is filled with social commitments. I don’t stress about this anymore. I consciously set aside time for myself.

3) They constantly compare themselves to others

You might convince yourself that this is just human nature, but before long, you may find yourself feeling inadequate compared to your peers.

You might even find yourself on the receiving end of such comparisons. Few individuals possess the self-confidence robust enough to withstand this kind of pressure.

Comparison inevitably creeps into all aspects of life, but if you willingly place yourself in a position to constantly measure up against others, you are setting yourself up for dissatisfaction.

Also, it’s crucial to question the role of comparison in your life.

Perhaps you and your friends are comparing yourselves because you are unsure of your own worth.

Often, we chastise ourselves for comparing, as though it’s something that we shouldn’t do.

Maybe it’s time to confront these feelings. They may be an indication that you need to focus on appreciating your own unique journey.

4) They overvalue material possessions

Interestingly, behaviors and mindsets also influence how we perceive material possessions.

In my observation, individuals lacking meaning in life often place undue emphasis on material wealth. They become obsessed with acquiring the newest gadgets, the latest fashion, or the most luxurious cars.

Their intentions may be well-meaning. Perhaps they believe that these possessions will bring them happiness or social status.

But when they get so absorbed in materialism, they risk neglecting the non-material aspects of life that truly matter—relationships, experiences, personal growth. They may lose touch with loved ones. They might become irritable and possibly not the most pleasant company.

If they judged themselves based on their intentions, they wouldn’t scrutinize their behavior.

However, by not focusing solely on their intentions, they have the opportunity to reflect on their actions and amend their behavior. They can learn to value experiences over possessions and appreciate the intangible aspects of life.

How you value non-material aspects of life is what truly matters, not the material possessions that you accumulate.

5) They fear failure

For a significant part of my life, I was paralyzed by the fear of failure. I convinced myself that if I didn’t try, then I couldn’t fail.

It stemmed from a deeply ingrained belief that my self-worth was tied to my successes. The more I achieved, the more valuable I felt. Conversely, every failure felt like a direct blow to my self-esteem.

In retrospect, I realize how this fear held me back. Opportunities passed me by because I was too afraid to seize them. Relationships suffered because I was scared of opening up and getting hurt.

Over time, I’ve learned that failure is not a reflection of self-worth. It’s merely a stepping stone on the journey to success.

By acknowledging and embracing my failures, I have been able to grow and learn in ways I never thought possible.

If you’re searching for meaning in life, overcoming the fear of failure is a significant step forward. It allows you to take risks, chase dreams, and ultimately live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

6) They avoid vulnerability

This behavior is rooted in the human need for self-preservation. We are wired to protect ourselves from emotional pain, and vulnerability opens us up to potential hurt.

Here’s the key point:

This is a defense mechanism, a way to shield ourselves from painful emotions or experiences. But, it also blocks us from authentic connections and genuine experiences.

For those feeling adrift, embracing vulnerability can provide a sense of authenticity. It’s a reminder that we are human, imperfectly perfect, capable of experiencing a range of emotions, both positive and negative.

Opening up to vulnerability encourages us to see our journey as part of the human experience and can provide a sense of connection and purpose.

7) They are often successful

They might have high-profile careers, significant wealth, or extensive social networks.

This is because societal markers of success often do not correspond with personal fulfillment. One can achieve great external success while feeling internally empty and aimless.

For those feeling unfulfilled, it’s essential to understand that success does not automatically equate to purpose or happiness. It’s a reminder that our well-being and sense of fulfillment are not solely dependent on external factors, but also on our internal state of mind.

Recognizing this discrepancy between external success and internal fulfillment can prompt us to reevaluate our priorities and seek deeper meaning, beyond common definitions of success.

In doing so, we can find a more profound and personally fulfilling sense of purpose.

Bottom line

The complexities of human behavior and personal fulfillment often have profound links with our unique life experiences.

One such connection is the relationship between individuals lacking meaning in life and their journey towards self-discovery.

This journey, prevalent in many individuals, acts as a transformative process, playing a crucial role in personal growth and understanding.

For those feeling aimless, this journey might be a pivotal factor in their quest for meaning. The process could potentially lead to a deeper understanding of self, inducing a sense of clarity and purpose when they engage in introspective activities.

As the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

Remember, lacking meaning in life isn’t a permanent state. It’s merely a stage in your journey towards finding your unique purpose. 

So embrace this phase, learn from it, grow with it and you might just find that the destination was worth the journey.