Living With Purpose: Meaning in Everyday Life

• newEditor
• Wellbeing
• Secondary Education
• Age 13

Living With Purpose: Meaning in Everyday Life

What do you already know about meaning and purpose?

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify your values, reflect on your daily choices, and explore the idea of purpose using the Ikigai model.

Starter: Quick Write

Write for two minutes: What does it mean to live a good life? Share your thoughts with a partner.

Aristotle and Flourishing

Aristotle believed a good life is about flourishing. He said our choices shape our happiness and well-being.

Activity 1: What Do You Value?

Here are some values: family, fairness, happiness, health, making a difference, freedom, safety, friendship, success. Choose three that matter to you and explain why.

Reflecting on Values

Turn to a partner: How do your daily actions show your chosen values? Discuss and share examples.

Activity 2: Learning from Challenges

Think of a recent challenge at school or with friends. What did this teach you? How could it help you grow?

Resilience in Difficulties

Facing challenges helps us become stronger and learn important life lessons. Everyone faces hard times, but we can learn from them.

Activity 3: What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese idea that means ‘a reason for being’. It is found where your passions, strengths, and what the world needs meet.

The Four Circles of Ikigai

1. What you love 2. What you are good at 3. What the world needs 4. What you can be paid for Where do your answers overlap?

Finding Purpose Discussion

Share your ideas from each Ikigai circle. Can you find links between your values, passions, and real-world needs?

Plenary: Exit Ticket

Write down: One small choice I can make this week to live more meaningfully is...

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.