
Nearly everyone we work with wants their lives to be meaningful and fulfilling. My own research indicates that meaning is something that can be accurately predicted and defined. And one of the things that predicts it best is the idea of a transcendent purpose - an objective beyond your own interests. This does not have to be 'good' or 'worthy', but is more akin to Steve Jobs' idea of 'denting the universe'.
It's interesting to note that a transcendent purpose is something you can choose. It is not a trait, or even a state. It's more like a goal or a vision, but is also enduring like a value.
What a transcendent purpose leads to is an attitude of openness and curiosity about the world. And one of the key attributes that this outlook teaches over time, is empathy.
Empathy is an idea whose time has come. Introspection is essential, and indeed Bloom uses psychology primarily to enhance self awareness which allows people to communicate better and to make better decisions. But self awareness is only ever part 1. Part 2 of any life change must necessarily involve thinking about the world - your purpose or mission. And this in turn involves empathy. What cause is worthy of your talent and energy?
The brilliant Roman Krznaric at the School of Life argues that if the 20th century was the age of introspection, the 21st century must be the age of outrospection. And to examine this further, he's just started a fasincating blog.

