06 Sep The Meaning of Life: For Me, At Least
In today’s world, especially on social media, we’re constantly bombarded with messages about how to get rich, dominate industries, increase sales, and become a success story overnight.
Scroll through any platform, and you’ll be flooded with tens of thousands of ads—funnels, SEO hacks, ways to launch stores in minutes, selling your art online, and so much more.
But amidst all this noise, one has to stop and ask: what is the real value of this? Can we all be billionaires? Can we all succeed in two months and save enough money to live on a secluded beach somewhere?
If everyone were to achieve this, wouldn’t those so-called “secluded” beaches become overcrowded?
Don’t get me wrong—I’ve always wanted to make money. That’s a normal desire. But how I want to make money has evolved over the years.
As young adults, we often dream silly, naive dreams—instant fortunes, magical products that sell themselves, luxurious villas, swimming pools, worldwide recognition.
We imagine that wealth and success are just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.
Then, reality hits, and slowly, we come to realize that most likely, we’ll live paycheck to paycheck, working for a company until we retire.
Sure, there are exceptions. Some people do retire with millions in their accounts after a life of hard work, wise investments, or lucky breaks. But for the vast majority of us, that’s not the case. And that’s okay.
The real question isn’t about how much money we make, but about the value and meaning behind the way we make it.
The Shift in My Perspective
My perspective on making money and finding meaning in life changed dramatically after I started writing for a photography magazine called *FUJIXPASSION*.
It was a turning point for me. Right after my first articles were published, I started receiving messages from people all around the world.
They told me how much they enjoyed my words, how much they resonated with my ideas, and how they found themselves in my writings. And that’s when it hit me—I found my purpose.
In 2006, I landed my first real job as a Relationship Manager at a large bank.
It was a position many would consider prestigious, at least to start with, but I wasn’t happy.
I wanted something different, something more fulfilling.
I started exploring life coaching, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) courses, and other avenues that I thought would bring more meaning to my life.
But everywhere I turned, people mocked my ideas. They told me that those things had no value, that there was no future in them.
Feeling disheartened, I quit my pursuits and stayed at the bank for six years, each day more dreadful than the last.
After leaving the bank, I dipped my toes into coaching—first in business coaching, then in fitness coaching.
I trained hundreds of employees across various companies on a number of topics.
But something was still missing. Most of the time, I was just regurgitating material created by others.
I had a bit of freedom when it came to diet and nutrition, but for the most part, I was just learning lessons and then repeating them to others. I felt like I wasn’t really contributing to anything meaningful.
Then, the messages started coming in from *FUJIXPASSION* readers.
For the first time, I felt like I was truly making a difference. I realized that what I needed wasn’t just a job—it was the opportunity to create, to build, to make a small change in the world and help others if I could. I needed to build a legacy.
The Desire to Create and Leave a Legacy
With age comes wisdom, or so they say.
And with that wisdom came a thought that has increasingly weighed on my mind: Do I really want to reach the end of my life and look back, only to realize that I did nothing but create Excel files and PowerPoint presentations?
Sure, those presentations might have helped companies, saved millions of euros, and benefited many people, but did they touch lives in a meaningful way?
With my writing, my blog, my articles, and my photography, I feel like I’ve reached and helped more people than I ever did during my years in the corporate world.
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating content that resonates with others, that inspires them, that helps them see the world—or themselves—in a new light.
So yes, I still want to make money. I still might dream of a little fame. But I want to achieve those things by adding value to the world, by creating something that will impact people in a positive way.
I want to know that I’ve made a difference, even if it’s a small one.
I want to leave something behind, something meaningful.
I want to be able to close my eyes at the end of my life and know that I did as much as I could, that I didn’t settle for the first thing that came my way, that I pursued what truly mattered to me.
Finding Your Own Meaning
So, what is the meaning of life? For me, it’s about more than just making money or achieving success.
It’s about building something that lasts, something that helps others.
It’s about creating, teaching, and making a difference in whatever way I can.
It’s about leaving behind a legacy that I can be proud of.
But this is just my journey, my perspective.
The real question is: what is your dream?
What do you want from life?
Are you chasing money for the sake of it, or are you seeking something deeper, something more meaningful?
Are you content with the path you’re on, or do you feel the pull to explore something new, something more aligned with who you truly are?
Take some time to reflect on these questions. Your answers might surprise you.
And if you find that your current path isn’t fulfilling, don’t be afraid to change direction.
Life is too short to settle for anything less than what truly makes you happy, what truly gives your life meaning.
The Real Value of Success
In a world obsessed with quick success and instant gratification, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.
We’re constantly told that success is about making money, gaining followers, and achieving fame.
But what if success is something entirely different?
What if it’s about the impact we have on others, the legacy we leave behind, the joy we find in the process of creating?
In the end, the meaning of life is something each of us must define for ourselves.
For me, it’s about the journey, about finding fulfillment in the work I do, and about knowing that I’m making a difference, however small.
It’s about pursuing what I love, even when the path isn’t easy, and about finding joy in the simple act of creation.
So, as you navigate your own journey, I encourage you to think deeply about what success means to you.
Don’t get caught up in the noise of social media or the pressure to achieve instant results. Instead, focus on what truly matters to you, and let that guide your path.
Top Three Points to Take from This Article
1. **Success is Personal**: Don’t let society’s definition of success dictate your path. Define success for yourself, and pursue what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
2. **Create and Contribute**: True fulfillment comes from creating something meaningful and contributing to the lives of others. Seek to build a legacy, not just a bank account.
3. **Embrace Your Journey**: Life is about the journey, not just the destination. Focus on finding meaning in the work you do and the impact you have on others, rather than just chasing wealth or fame.