In our life, to have a meaning and feel good, we need 3 polars:
- Philosophy: which is answer to ‘why’ for our life purpose. it is our final feeling we want to have at our life.
- Direction: which is a guide to reach out our goals from our philosophy of life, which milestones we have.
- Method: How we can live to reach to our goals and philosophy of life, from the way we are going in specific direction.
There are different approaches from ancient up to new word time from different people, they tried to find answer for main questions above, for a better life for themselves as well as trying to help others to find the answers for their life. here I will try to bring a short review of the main different approaches and methods which are well-known in the word and many people use them in their life to find a meaning, to feel better and improve their living style.
Stoicism
Core idea
Happiness comes from virtue + control of mind, not external events.
- Wisdom – Do I think clearly before reacting?
- Courage – Do I face fears and truth?
- Justice – Am I fair to others?
- Temperance – Do I control desires & emotions?
Metrics
- How many times today did I react emotionally vs rationally?
- Did I focus only on what I can control?
- Did I act according to my values, not mood?
IKIGAI
- ❤️ WHAT YOU LOVE (Passion)
- 💪 WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT (Strengths)
- 🌍 WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS (Impact)
- 💰 WHAT YOU CAN BE PAID FOR (Value)
How will be result?
- ✅ High in all 4 → IKIGAI candidate
- ❤️ Love + Good (but no pay) → hobby
- 💰 Pay + Good (but no love) → job (risk of burnout)
- 🌍 Need + Love (but no skill yet) → calling to develop
How to evaluate it ?
After any activity, ask yourself:
- Did this give me energy?
- Would I do it again tomorrow?
- Did I perform well?
- Did it help someone?
- Could this create value?
Effective Strategies for Balance
Kaizen
Core idea
1% better every day → enormous transformation
Metrics
Do I track micro-progress?
What 1 small thing did I improve today?
Am I avoiding stagnation?
LEGO therapy
Core idea
Life is not about pleasure or power — but meaning, even in suffering.
3 Sources of Meaning
- Creating something (work, art, project)
- Experiencing something/someone (love, beauty, nature)
- Attitude toward unavoidable suffering
Metrics
Can I find meaning even in difficult moments?
Do I have a “why” that pulls me forward?
Do I feel my work contributes to something bigger?
Four Agreements
Focus: Personal freedom & inner peace
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take anything personally
- Don’t make assumptions
- Always do your best
Metrics
Did I give my real best?
Did my words build or destroy today?
Did I take things personally?
Did I assume instead of asking?
7 Habits
7 Habits
- Be proactive not passive
- Begin with the end in mind
- Put first things first
- Think win-win
- Seek to understand, then be understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the saw (self-renewal)
Metrics
Am I improving body, mind, heart, soul weekly?
Am I reactive or proactive today?
Do I act based on my long-term vision?
Do I prioritize important > urgent?
Positive Psychology
5 Elements
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement (flow)
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Accomplishment
Metrics (rate 1–10 weekly)
Did I finish something meaningful?
How often did I feel positive emotions?
Did I enter flow this week?
Did I deepen relationships?
Did I act in line with my purpose?
MASLOW’S HIERARCHY
5 Levels
- Physiological
- Safety
- Belonging
- Esteem
- Self-actualization (peak)
Later added: Self-transcendence (helping others grow)
Metrics (self-check each level)
Am I growing into who I could become?
Are my basic needs met?
Do I feel safe (financially, emotionally)?
Do I have strong relationships?
Do I respect myself & feel respected?