The Power of Purpose
Finding purpose in the stressful role of teacher is the key to alleviating stress.
The power of purpose
A philosopher once wrote, “He who has a why to live for, can bear almost any how.”
A why to live, or a purpose in life, has been shown in numerous studies to promote good health and longevity. This may be because having a purpose seems to counter the negative effects of stress, fortify the immune system, reduce depressive symptoms and alleviate anxiety.
What is purpose in life?
Having a purpose brings meaning and happiness to our lives. It is the feeling that what you do is worthwhile. Or, the identification of meaning in what you do. In The Undefeated Mind, the author suggests that finding your purpose is about identifying how you create, or could create, value in life. He goes further, suggesting that we need a purpose that involves contributing to the wellbeing of others. An easy start for those of us involved in teaching, right!?
But teaching is too stressful
But what about the fact that teaching is such a stressful and thankless job, with piles of challenges and long hours? In Man’s Search For Meaning, Viktor Frankl, Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, addresses this. He explains that finding our purpose is about finding that which we value enough to embrace suffering for. He goes on to say that the striving and struggling towards your purpose is that which actually provides the purpose you seek. “What is to give light must endure burning.”
Finding meaning in teaching
If teaching is just the means to an end then the stress of the job might not be enough to endure without finding your purpose elsewhere in your life. However, if teaching is your passion, your calling, or defines you, then consciously identifying the ways in which it is meaningful you to and brings purpose to your life will cultivate the inherent benefits to having a purpose already discussed.
There are many ways people find purpose in teaching. Here are just a few of them that might help you to identify your own purpose for teaching.
1. To make a difference.
2. To see pupils develop and achieve
3. For the professional autonomy
4. To work with young people
5. To share a passion
6. To be challenged
7. No day is ever the same
8. For the creativity
9. Because they care
10. No day is ever the same
What did you decide to become a teacher?
What is your purpose?
What brings meaning to your life?