Em Busca do Propósito | Carla Furtado | TEDxDanteAlighieriSchool

Summary

In this deeply personal and insightful speech, the speaker shares their journey of leaving behind a successful business to rediscover meaning and purpose in life. Through the lens of positive psychology, they discuss the importance of happiness, purpose, and meaning in our lives, referencing key figures like Viktor Frankl and modern research. The speaker highlights that purpose is an internal drive, motivating us to make meaningful choices and have a positive impact beyond ourselves. They encourage the audience to embrace intention, attention, and exploration as tools to find their own purpose, ultimately sharing how these principles transformed their life, even during a cancer diagnosis.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 2014, the speaker closed a successful professional chapter, realizing that to bring more life into her life, she needed to open a new one.
• 😀 The speaker transitioned into a new adventure by starting from scratch, taking on consulting contracts that ensured her survival while exploring new fields like positive psychology.
• 😀 The concept of 'purpose' is crucial to happiness and well-being, as it provides direction, meaning, and a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself.
• 😀 Positive psychology teaches that happiness stems from two main pillars: experiencing more positive emotions than negative ones and having a sense of purpose in life.
• 😀 The idea of purpose is explored by referencing Viktor Frankl, who developed logotherapy based on his experiences in concentration camps during the Holocaust.
• 😀 Frankl's research showed that people who had a strong sense of purpose were able to survive horrific conditions better, as their focus on future goals gave them strength.
• 😀 Purpose is not something we search for; rather, we detect it through inner reflection. It should have a broader, systemic impact beyond personal gain.
• 😀 Having a clear sense of purpose in work contributes to mental well-being, and without it, individuals may face higher risks of depression and other psychological issues.
• 😀 To identify your purpose, the speaker suggests three steps: intention, attention, and exploration. These help align one's life and choices with their deeper values.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of focusing attention on what truly matters and staying present in the moment, which can guide people towards understanding their purpose.
• 😀 Despite personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, the speaker's strong sense of purpose allowed her to remain grounded, illustrating the profound impact of having a clear direction in life.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to make a major change in their life?

The speaker realized that their successful company, which they had founded 15 years earlier, had become more of a burden than a source of life fulfillment. This realization led them to close the company and pursue a new chapter in their life.

What key lesson did the speaker learn from attending the 2015 World Congress on Positive Psychology?

The speaker learned that happiness, as studied by Positive Psychology, rests on two main pillars: experiencing more positive emotions than negative ones, and having a sense of purpose in life. These elements are in our hands to cultivate.

How does Positive Psychology define happiness?

Positive Psychology defines happiness through two main pillars: having more positive emotions than negative ones, and finding meaning in life through a sense of purpose. Both are essential for increasing one’s happiness.

What does the concept of 'purpose' involve according to the speaker?

Purpose involves living a life that feels meaningful and significant. It provides direction, motivates us even when we don’t consciously realize it, and connects us to something greater than ourselves. Purpose is about contributing to a larger system, not just benefiting oneself.

How did Viktor Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps contribute to his understanding of purpose?

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, observed that those who survived the brutal conditions of the concentration camps were often those who had a strong sense of purpose, such as the hope of reuniting with loved ones or completing important work. This led him to develop Logotherapy, which focuses on finding meaning in life.

What are the key characteristics of a true purpose in life?

True purpose is internally driven, meaning we don’t actively search for it, but recognize it. It must also have a broader impact, affecting something greater than just ourselves, and providing a sense of belonging to a larger context.

How does having a purpose in work impact mental health?

Having a purpose in work reduces risks of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It’s essential for overall well-being, as it helps employees feel connected to something meaningful, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction.

What three aspects are crucial for living a sense of purpose at work?

The three key aspects are: 1) The legitimacy of the work, 2) The alignment of personal values with organizational values, and 3) The belief that the organization’s actions have a positive impact on society.

What does the speaker suggest as practical ways to discover your purpose?

The speaker suggests three practical methods: 1) Set an intention to bring more life into your own life, 2) Pay attention to where your focus and energy naturally go, and 3) Explore new experiences, as these can help uncover your true sense of purpose.

How did the speaker’s own personal health challenge affect their sense of purpose?

Despite being diagnosed with a rare cancer shortly after embarking on their new life path, the speaker’s sense of purpose kept them grounded and balanced. Their purpose provided them with the strength to face the health challenge, and they remained focused on their greater vision.