However, I do think it is possible for each individual to work out their values and purpose, then use those to guide their decisions and the way they live.
It's something I spent a lot of time thinking about towards the end of last year. It started to hit me that I turn 30 in July, which may not seem old to some, it's all relative of course, but it made me wonder what I had accomplished and where I was going.
By the same age, my mum was married with four children and a mortgage. I had a cat and a rental.
I turned to podcasts and books and one thing I listened to stuck with me. Rather than dwell on the mindless grind of an average day or goals we might never achieve, we can focus on the type of person we want to be.
When I am lying on my death bed, looking back on my life, what will make me feel good about how I lived it?
For me, the answer I came up with was that I want to look back and see that I had a positive effect on the people around me. People as close as my workmates, friends, and family, or as far and wide as the community or country I live in.
If I focus on doing that every day, I feel as though I am living with purpose.
For example, sometimes I wonder about all the articles I write and whether they are worthwhile.
However, if I focus on the fact that people rely on us for news, my employers rely on me to do my job and my workmates rely on me as a member of the team, I feel a lot better about it all. By doing my job to the best of my abilities, I'm having a positive effect on all those different stakeholders.
We all have different goals and values. I think it's important sometimes when feeling bogged down by the daily grind, to step back and look at what you truly value.
It may not be the meaning of life but I'm certainly happier for it.
