What is the meaning of life? You’ll likely be met with as many subjective answers as there are people on earth if this is your concern. However, if your concern is how to add more meaning to your life, particularly as an artist, then aligning your values with your goals may be a good idea.

As an artist in a modern world, you may feel compelled to create for reasons other than your own natural impulse. You may feel inclined to create based on what’s trending or what will bring in money. This is fine if your objective is to create, get paid, and make work that is popular. But this alone may or may not bring with it a sense of fulfilment and wellbeing associated with your art.

People need to make ends meet and it’s necessary to consider work that will pay the bills. However, it’s arguably just as necessary to create a fulfilling life. If you are a creative person by trade, finding work that aligns with your values and adds meaning to your life will serve you well.

In order to assess alignment, start by identifying some simple values. I’ll share two of mine with you: health and connection. I’ve made it imperative to prioritise these values not just in the creative projects I’ve agreed to do, but in my life in general. In effect, it helps me to filter out the things that aren’t worth my time and energy.

Consider your personal principles and the things you consider important in life. Then, consider your latest achievements. Do they align?

If you could choose two values to focus on this year what would they be?

Use my examples, health and connection, as a starting point if you haven’t yet identified your own.

Integrating your personal values with your achievements can lead to a more meaningful, holistic artistic practice centred around wellbeing. There is a useful framework to guide you called the PURE model.

Dr Paul Wong, a psychologist and advocate of existential positive psychology has developed the PURE model. Wong’s work for the past four decades has built upon Martin Seligman’s research on flourishing, Victor Frankl’s research on meaning, and the principles that may facilitate finding meaning in life.

The PURE model features four components that define meaning: purpose; understanding; responsible action; and evaluation.

Purpose is the motivational component. It is about life’s direction, your vision, goals, and aspirations. Understanding is the cognitive component. It is about making sense of yourself, others, and your environment. Responsible action is the behavioural component. It is about doing what is right and deciding on solutions. Evaluation is the emotional component. It is how you feel about things and the degree of satisfaction which you feel towards them.



“For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at any given moment.”- Victor Frankl (psychiatrist, author of Man’s Search for Meaning)

The PURE model is a framework within which to reflect on your life and artistic practice. It may be helpful to start this year by considering your vision and aspirations, how it impacts you and your environment, what you will take direct action on, and how satisfied you will feel about it all. I hope this brings you closer to a more meaningful life and achievements that feel more aligned with who you are and what you value.