The Power of Purpose and Meaning | Lessons from Viktor Frankl's Masterpiece, Man's Search for Meaning
The Break Free Newsletter - Edition #13
The Power of Purpose and Meaning | Lessons from Viktor Frankl's Masterpiece, Man's Search for Meaning
Before we dive in, let me share a bit about my first encounter with this remarkable book during a challenging period, my divorce. This book had been sitting on a shelf in my old home, once borrowed by my brother from our mother and recommended to me during his tough times. Reflecting on it now, I see how this book served a divine purpose in all our lives, offering a gut-wrenching yet inspiring tale of perseverance through purpose and the profound meaning of our finite moments.
I hope today’s newsletter inspires you to pick up your own copy of Man’s Search for Meaning, to discover, reconnect with, or retain your purpose. Once you've read it, consider passing it on, to initiate a positive ripple effect in your family and community.
Summary of Viktor Frankl and His Inspirational Work
To provide context, Peter Burns in his article 7 Viktor Frankl Quotes to Motivate You to Find Your Purpose: What we can learn from an ex-prisoner of a concentration camp writes:
“Viktor Frankl endured unimaginable hardships during his four years in a concentration camp, surviving on meager rations and the constant threat of death. His survival hinged on his discovery of meaning in his suffering and a purpose that fueled his will to live. As a psychiatrist, he later developed logotherapy, a method for treating depression, substance abuse, and anxiety, rooted in the belief that the primary motivation in life is the pursuit of meaning—what he termed the ‘will to meaning’.”
This week, let’s reignite that flame of purpose and meaning in your life. Without it, we leave room for chaos and devastation, a lesson I’ve learned firsthand.
7 Quotes and Takeaways from Victor Frankl
As we recover from porn’s hold on our future (and navigate our overall life trajectory), finding meaning and purpose is crucial. These seven quotes will guide you on a path of personal meaning and redemption, no matter the challenges you face.
1. Find a Why
"Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose." ― Viktor E. Frankl
Your “Why” is your meaning and purpose, the foundation of your existence. Embrace it as your identity, and life's uncertainties will not shake you.
Personally, I’ve found purpose in advocating for a porn-free life, not just as a mission to help others, but also as my personal mission to glorify God and serve a purpose in Christ’s Kingdom. This mission drives me daily, providing a sense of fulfillment and resilience against life's challenges and temptations that would otherwise undermine and derail my aim to be a man of quality and integrity.
2. Success and Happiness Cannot Be Pursued
“Don’t aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater.” ― Viktor E. Frankl
When I stopped chasing happiness and success directly and instead focused on my daily activities in recovery (Spiritual Health, Physical Health, Relational Heath, and Passions), I found joy and achievement followed naturally. My life became more rewarding when my focus was placed on the day and what healthy activities would take place, rather than some distant pre-set destination of freedom and sobriety.
3. You Choose Your Own Attitude
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”― Viktor E. Frankl
This quote resonates deeply with me and it one of my favorite quotes of all-time. Once I fully realized the divorce of 2023 was in motion and was happening, I had little control over many external factors, but I could control my attitude. By choosing to view the experience as a growth opportunity, I found peace and a path forward through what was the most difficult period of my life.
4. If You Can’t Change a Situation, Change Yourself
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”― Viktor E. Frankl
There were times on my nomadic journey and settling my divorce where I would experience great mental stress and fatigue from financial strains and emotional tidal waves that involved grief and sorrow. Instead of succumbing to the frustration of this season of uncertainty and sadness, I learned to adapt and find creative solutions to make meaning out of this period of life, becoming more resilient and resourceful.
5. Suffering Ceases to Be Suffering When it Finds Meaning
“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.”― Viktor E. Frankl
My struggle with porn addiction was a significant source of pain. However, once I found meaning in the battle, using my story to help others, it became a catalyst for growth rather than just a source of shame and struggle. Just like how my relationship with porn used to feel like a bottomless pit of misery, my relationship with porn today is an endless reservoir of redemption and resonance.
6. Love is the Only Way to Grasp Another Human Being
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality.” ― Viktor E. Frankl
Love has been a guiding force in my life. Whether it's the love for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love for my family and friends, or the love of those who struggle deeply with this destructive habit or those who have seen major success in their own battle with porn, it’s the connection with others that has carried me through tough times and motivated me to keep going.
7. The World Might Be in a Bad State, But We All Must Play a Part to Make it Better
“For the world is in a bad state, but everything will become still worse unless each of us does his best.”― Viktor E. Frankl
Through my writing and podcasting, I aim to contribute to making the world better by addressing the issues surrounding porn addiction. Every small effort counts, and together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.
Featured Articles & Video
For more content check out
and his Victory in Christ course!Building Momentum
52 Weeks of Freedom Series: Welcome to 2025, the year of Undivided Triumph! I'm dedicated to helping you achieve a porn-free year with a structured, week-by-week plan, a post each Friday this year, that builds a strong foundation for your future.
Join the Journey: Start with Week 1 - The Year Ahead – Recognizing the Problem and become part of the Porn Free Millennial community committed to breaking free from porn addiction.
Practical Tips: Logotherapy Exercise | The Meaning Triangle
Viktor Frankl, through his experiences and observations, developed logotherapy, a form of existential analysis where the focus is on finding meaning in life.
Logotherapy posits that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find meaning in life, which Frankl called the "will to meaning." He believed that even in the darkest moments, one could find purpose through three avenues:
Step 1: Reflect on Creative Values - Frankl believed in the importance of doing something creative or productive. Ask yourself:
"What can I create or contribute to the world that wasn't there before?"
This could be anything from writing, art, cooking, gardening, or even organizing an event for family or friends. Your purpose lies in what you give to the world.
Step 2: Explore Experiential Values - Experience beauty, love, or nature. Frankl suggested that meaning can be found through experiences:
"What experiences can I seek out that fill me with awe or joy?"
Whether it's spending time in nature, having a great work-out, enjoying your passions, or deepening relationships, these experiences can reveal or confirm your purpose.
Step 3: Consider Attitudinal Values - This involves finding meaning in suffering or difficult circumstances by changing your attitude towards them:
"How can I find meaning in my current challenges or past sufferings?"
Reflect on how these experiences have shaped you or could shape others through your example or story.
Implementation:
Daily Journaling: Set aside time each day or week to write about how you've engaged with each of these values.
What did you create, experience, or how did you shift your attitude?
Weekly Review: At the end of the week, assess how these activities have contributed to your sense of purpose.
Did one particular area stand out? How can you expand on this in the coming week?
Purpose Statement: After a few weeks of practice, try to draft a personal purpose statement based on what you've learned about yourself.
This could be something like, "My purpose is to inspire others through creative writing about embracing resilience in adversity."
This method encourages a holistic approach to finding purpose, aligning with Frankl's belief that meaning can be discovered or created in many aspects of life, even under the most challenging circumstances. Integrating this into your recovery process can provide a deeper sense of fulfillment and direction.
Community Spotlight
Meaningful words of encouragement (deeply moving) coming from Jaxton- give this young man a follow, he’s got a good head on his shoulders!
Reflection
Additional Resources
Book of the Month that I am currently reading (finishing up soon, I am a slow reader - aiming to finish by end of month at the latest)
Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down Pornhub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking by Laila Micklewait
Porn Free Millennial Podcast of the Week:
34. Redemption and Freedom in Christ: A Journey of Creation w/ James Menendez, Author of the Creation Awaits Substack
In this episode, I sit down with James Menendez, author of the Creation Awaits Substack and host of the @creationawaits YouTube channel, and explore his powerful testimony of overcoming destructive habits through faith in Christ.
Apps to Help You Stay Focused On Your Recovery:
Freedom - Blocks distracting apps
Stay Focused - Limits your screen time
I am Sober - Tracks your sobriety down to the second
A Call to Action: Your Challenge for the Week
This week, find one way to act on your purpose. Whether it's helping someone else, engaging in with your community or church, or simply doing something you love, make it an act of living your purpose.
Closing Remarks: Hope for the Future | Reclaiming Our Focus on Purpose
As you continue on this path, remember that each choice you make towards recovery is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about building a life filled with purpose and meaning. Every step forward is a step towards a future where you are not only free but fulfilled. Keep this vision close, for in reclaiming your focus, you reclaim your life's true purpose.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Break Free.
Be Free.
Stay Free.
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Personal Coaching: A Path to Freedom
Are you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.
What You Can Expect from Coaching with Me:
Personalized Guidance: Every individual’s journey is unique. I tailor each session to your specific needs, challenges, and goals, ensuring that you receive support that resonates with your personal experiences.
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Safe and Supportive Environment: I understand the courage it takes to confront these challenges. My coaching sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your struggles and progress.
Accountability and Encouragement: Recovery is a journey, and it’s easier with someone by your side. I’ll be here to hold you accountable, celebrate your victories, and help you navigate any setbacks with resilience.
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone ready to break free from the grip of porn addiction.
Individuals seeking to rebuild their self-esteem and relationships.
Those who want to understand the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier habits.
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Ready to take the first step? Contact me at pornfreemillennialcoaching@gmail.com to schedule your initial free 30 minute session or to learn more about how I can help you on your journey to freedom.
Where Else You Can Find Me
Let’s thrive together and break the chains that bind us!
Podcast: Listen to the Porn Free Millennial podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Substack: Explore my fictional writings on Mac’s Musings Substack.
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Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey!
Thank you for sharing this! I am dedicated to breaking free of my own porn addiction and your page, along with your recommendation of Porn Free Radio, are great resources.
I am also growing closer to God through this all.
Thank you Brother.