The Finnish Blueprint: Five Steps To A Meaningful Life Revealed By One Psychology Expert

Seeking happiness and purpose in life is a universal quest. While many search for profound answers, the essence of a fulfilling life might be simpler than anticipated.

Frank Martela, a renowned Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher, often encounters the question, "What is the meaning of life?" Instead of a cosmic answer, he believes the real pursuit is understanding how to find personal significance in one's daily life.

Drawing inspiration from Finland's ethos in a CNBC piece he published earlier this year, he encapsulated this approach in five words: Make yourself meaningful to others.

Martela offered five insights to achieve this:

1. Pursue Authenticity: In Finland, societal norms don't dictate personal milestones. It's vital to recognize what brings joy and chase it, rather than conforming to external expectations. "Before you can give to someone else, you have to understand what makes you happy, and start doing more of it," he said. 

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2. Share Your Mastery: Identify a passion, hone it and then share your expertise with the community. This approach not only grants personal satisfaction but also benefits others.

3. Engage In Acts of Kindness: Simple gestures, like assisting a lost tourist or offering water to a mailman, can establish profound connections. Such acts uplift the spirit and have long-term health advantages.

4. Cultivate Community Bonds: The Finnish tradition of "talkoot" emphasizes collective endeavors for mutual benefit. From planting trees to fulfilling civic duties such as paying taxes, these acts stress communal well-being. 

5. Cherish Silence: Moments of quiet reflection with loved ones can be deeply meaningful. As one Finnish piece of wisdom according to Martela goes, "Speech is silver, but silence is gold."

By embracing these principles, one can foster deeper connections, purpose and, ultimately, happiness.

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This story is part of a series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.

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