Beyond Happiness: Discovering a Life of Purpose Without Limits

Author's wife Dorcas Mushimbami image

By Victor Mushimbami

Founder of Purpose Beyond Limits

November 4, 2024

Introduction

In today’s world, the pursuit of happiness is often celebrated as the ultimate goal. But as many of us know, happiness can be fleeting, leaving us with a sense of emptiness or yearning for something more. True fulfillment, as it turns out, may not lie in chasing happiness but in finding meaning. The insights of psychologist Emily Esfahani Smith and countless real-life examples reveal that what truly sustains us is a sense of purpose that transcends the momentary highs of happiness.

It’s this very Idea that inspired me to create my blog and YouTube channel under the title “Purpose Beyond Limits” (formerly called “Purpose Beyond Borders”). I wanted to build a platform that doesn’t just aim to inspire happiness, but also aims to connect people with deeper meaning, a purpose that fuels resilience, hope, and joy, one that goes beyond limits and boundaries. My goal is for Purpose Beyond Limits to offer content that not only uplifts but also empowers you to live a life anchored in purpose.

This post explores the insights that helped me shape my mission, as well as the four pillars of a meaningful life, belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling, that Emily Esfahani Smith identifies. These pillars reflect what Purpose Beyond Borders aims to offer, encouraging each of us to live with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes far beyond momentary happiness.

Beyond Happiness: Embracing a Life of Meaning.

The common definition of happiness is “a state of comfort and ease.” Psychologists describe it as a pleasurable emotional state, often driven by external rewards and achievements. But as I have found in my own journey, fulfillment comes when we live with a purpose that connects us to something larger than ourselves. This realization is central to Purpose Beyond Limits, that true joy comes not from what we achieve but from the impact we make in the lives of others and the legacy we leave behind.

In contrast, meaning is tied to what we give, who we serve, and how we live in connection with others and a higher purpose. As psychologist Martin Seligman puts it, meaning comes from “belonging to and serving something beyond yourself.” When we live with purpose, we draw from a source of joy that transcends the temporary ups and downs of life. Instead of merely chasing happiness, we build lives anchored in meaning, which allows us to weather life’s inevitable storms.

So, how do we cultivate this kind of purpose? Smith’s “four pillars of a meaningful life” provide a powerful framework to guide us on this journey and are central to what Purpose Beyond Limits is all about.

1. Belonging: The Foundation of Connection

Belonging is more than being part of a group; it’s about feeling genuinely valued for who you are. It’s about being in relationships where you’re not valued for what you do, but for simply being you. In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel they have to constantly perform to earn their place in social or professional circles. This kind of conditional acceptance creates anxiety and self-doubt.

True belonging is fostered by relationships based on love, respect, and kindness. Many find this sense of belonging in family, close friends, or spiritual communities. For example, a church family can be a place where people feel truly seen, accepted, and supported. However, belonging is also a two-way street. We must be willing to cultivate it by reaching out, checking in, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. As Esfahani Smith points out, belonging happens when we embrace each other’s humanity, when we choose to genuinely connect and to be there for each other. It is in these connections that we find a wellspring of meaning.

2. Purpose: Living Beyond Ourselves

Purpose is often mistaken for a fulfilling job or a rewarding career. However, real purpose isn’t defined by what we do, but by what we give. It’s about using our strengths to serve others and contribute to something beyond ourselves. Whether we’re parents raising children, healthcare workers saving lives, or pastors spreading hope, purpose calls us to make a difference.

My own purpose is centered in my faith, I am driven to serve God and to represent Him in my family, church, and community. I find meaning not just in preaching or teaching, but in seeing lives transformed and hearts opened to God’s love. Without purpose, even a successful career or a comfortable life can feel hollow. But when we live purposefully, each action, big or small, becomes part of something greater, adding to the legacy we build. Purpose empowers us to move forward, even when life is difficult, because we know we’re contributing to something that matters.

3. Transcendence: Stepping Beyond Ourselves

Transcendence is the rare experience that lifts us out of our ordinary sense of self and connects us to something vast and timeless. These moments can happen in nature, art, music, worship, or deep prayer. They give us a sense of perspective and remind us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

For me, transcendence often happens during worship, preaching, or personal prayer, when I feel a deep connection to God. In those moments, my own worries and desires fade, and I become acutely aware of His presence and reality. This kind of connection renews our spirit and refreshes our purpose. Transcendent moments remind us that life is not just about survival or daily struggles, but about being part of a divine narrative, one that gives our lives depth and richness.

4. Storytelling: Shaping Our Own Narratives

Storytelling is the way we interpret and tell the story of our lives. Each of us has the power to choose how we frame our past, our challenges, and our hopes. The stories we tell ourselves are not fixed, they can be rewritten to bring healing and clarity. Psychologists call this reframing a “redemption story,” where we see how something good can emerge from hardship.

I often hear stories from people who believe their lives were “good” before a major challenge and “bad” afterward. This is what psychologists call a “contamination story.” But what if we shift the narrative? What if, instead, we see our struggles as leading us to growth and transformation? In my own life, I’ve faced challenges that could easily lead to despair, but I choose to view these moments as part of God’s shaping process. This shift in perspective can bring resilience and peace, allowing us to embrace our lives as purposeful journeys rather than series of misfortunes.

The Power of Meaning In a World Obsessed with Happiness

Chasing happiness can feel like running on a treadmill, no matter how fast we go, there’s always more to achieve, more to acquire, more to experience. But when we pursue meaning, we find a deep well of fulfillment that doesn’t depend on the highs and lows of life. People who live with meaning are more resilient, healthier, and more satisfied. They build relationships, contribute to their communities, and live with a sense of purpose that transcends fleeting pleasures.

In African societies, the focus has traditionally been on happiness and comfort, yet today’s challenges, rising mental health issues, feelings of isolation, and even increasing suicide rates, show that this approach is insufficient. Meaning offers an antidote. It provides a way forward, a path to living fully even amid difficulties. Instead of asking ourselves, “How can I be happy?” let’s begin to ask, “How can I live meaningfully?”

Conclusion

The pursuit of happiness is not enough. A truly satisfying life is built on meaning, a foundation that allows us to stand firm, even when happiness seems out of reach. By cultivating belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling, we open ourselves to a life that isn’t just filled with good moments but enriched with purpose and depth.

It’s this quest for meaning, more than happiness alone, that inspired me to name my blog and YouTube channel Purpose Beyond Limits. I want this platform to be a space where people can connect with ideas that go beyond surface-level satisfaction, tapping into a purpose that transcends limits and boundaries. If you’re reading this and feeling a sense of emptiness or wondering what’s missing, perhaps it’s time to shift your focus. Begin building meaning into your life, one day at a time. Engage with others authentically, serve a cause greater than yourself, seek moments of transcendence, and rewrite your story to reflect the growth you’ve experienced.

Call to Action

Take a moment to reflect on your life today. What are you chasing, and where are you finding fulfillment? Share this post with someone who might be struggling or searching for direction, and let’s start a conversation about what truly matters. Life is more than fleeting happiness; let’s build lives of lasting meaning together.