Tips for Standing Erect
In a world often characterized by chaos, finding meaning and purpose has become increasingly important for maintaining mental stability. This approach, rooted in the principles of logotherapy, a concept developed by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, can help individuals identify and live by their personal values.
At the heart of logotherapy is the belief that the primary motivational force in humans is the search for meaning, not pleasure or power. Frankl posited that life has unconditional meaning regardless of circumstances, and that you always retain the freedom to choose your attitude towards any situation, even unavoidable suffering. Meaning can be found through creative work, experiencing love and beauty, and the way you respond to suffering.
To apply this to living by your values, start by identifying your core values by reflecting on what gives your life meaning and purpose. This could involve examining what fulfills you creatively, emotionally, or morally—what you deeply care about beyond external achievements or distractions.
Ask meaningful questions like, “What am I living for?” rather than “How can I have more energy?” Frankl emphasized that motivation comes from meaningfulness, not from temporary pleasures or external validation.
Align your daily actions and decisions with these values and purposes. Living authentically according to values provides mental clarity, self-awareness, and stability amid chaos. Choose your attitude deliberately, especially in adversity. Even when facing suffering or hardship, finding personal meaning in the experience can transform pain into growth and dignity.
Practice values-based living and self-inquiry consistently. This fosters resilience against overstimulation and existential emptiness prevalent in modern life. It's important to regularly question which values have been adopted and which ones truly belong to an individual.
Values like compassion, honesty, or friendship not only provide orientation, but also strengthen self-worth, according to psychologist Stefanie Stahl. Values should not just be thought about, but lived, especially in daily life, to help overcome old patterns such as withdrawing due to fear of criticism or over-adapting.
The more often decisions are considered in the light of personal values, the more one develops the feeling of being "with oneself," as suggested by Stahl. Consciously chosen values can unfold their psychological power. Acting in accordance with one's convictions can make one feel "honest, powerful, and capable of action," even without external confirmation.
In Hamm, the city is driving forward the heat transition, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable living. For those seeking guidance in identifying their personal values, resources such as the University of Brunswick's PDF guide and value list, or card sets from various providers, are available.
In conclusion, following Frankl’s logotherapy means grounding yourself in your personally meaningful values, consciously choosing your attitude towards life’s challenges, and making purposeful actions that reflect what truly matters to you. This approach enhances self-awareness and promotes mental stability by anchoring you in an enduring source of meaning amidst external chaos.
Finding meaning and purpose, essential for maintaining mental stability, can be achieved by grounding oneself in the core values that provide personal growth and self-development. To do this, begin by reflecting on what gives your life significance and purpose, focusing on creative endeavors, love, and beauty, as well as your response to suffering. Actively align your daily actions and decisions with these values for authentic living, fostering mental clarity, self-awareness, and resilience in the face of adversity. By consciously choosing your attitude and living authentically according to your values, you can transform pain into growth and dignity, even amidst chaos.
