The Map of Meaning is a very simple map that can create powerful insights.

In this episode of the podcast I talk to Lani Morris, one of the co-creators of the map and we discuss what it takes to create more meaning in our lives. Along with her fellow co-creators they’ve discovered that there are four common elements to meaning: integrity with self; unity with others; actualising self potential and service to others. By consciously addressing each of these areas we’re able to fully express what it means to be human and find more meaning in our day to day lives.

Along our journey of building the Happy Startup School we’ve met many purpose driven entrepreneurs who are creating good in the world but are also burning out. They believe that they’ve defined their purpose but for some reason something is still missing.

What does it mean to do meaningful work? It’s easy to conflate the ideas of meaning and purpose but just because you work in a purposeful organisation does not immediately mean that your work feels meaningful. For Lani purpose is about inspiration and service to others and if we neglect the other areas of meaning then that’s when problems arise.

Being able to identify the missing pieces is the purpose of the Map of Meaning.

Each of these areas can be depicted as four quadrants on the axes of being and doing. When we look at our daily lives using the Map of Meaning we’re able to identify where we’re spending too much time and how we can reclaim some balance by addressing the areas we’ve neglected.

To find out more about the Map and Lani then follow these links:

https://www.themapofmeaning.org/

TEDx talk on meaningful work

The Map of Meaning - A Guide to Sustaining our Humanity in the World of Work

Introductory workshop to the Map of Meaning

Online course - The Heart Beat of Business: Creating and Running Meaningful Start-ups and Small Businesses