If you are a reader of my articles on Reddit, you may have seen that one of my readers wrote a short summary of Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning in the comments. And you may have seen that, after reading these comments, I was so inspired by them that I decided to make them the subject of my next post.
On the one hand, this text may seem formal, like “it’s just a summary of the book,” and you may think, “I’m interested in reading real-life experiences, not a retelling of the book.” But this is not just a retelling of the book. The person who wrote this first read Viktor Frankl’s book, then, inspired by my story, sincerely gave advice based on Frankl’s book. I have reread this advice several times myself, and I want to share it with you.
May this advice not sound like advice to me. Let them sound like advice for each of you. For all those who are trying to do something good and cannot always find the strength and motivation to do so.
May these words be a source of support for all those who could not bring themselves to go directly to the trenches to defend the country, but who are sincerely making efforts to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to help Ukraine, and to contribute to its victory.
I suggest that all those who are trying to make at least some effort to help Ukraine take these words to heart and let them be a source of support for you.
Introduction
If you are serving and feel that chaos, irresponsibility, and a negative environment reign around you, the search for meaning may seem even more difficult. But even in such circumstances, as paradoxical as it may seem, meaning can be found. It is important to realize that your actions can be meaningful, even when external conditions seem imperfect or chaotic. Here are a few ways to look at the situation through the lens of Viktor Frankl’s ideas:
Find your own meaning in any job
Frankl emphasizes that meaning can be found even in the smallest actions if we approach them consciously and responsibly. Regardless of what your role is (even if it is the job of a clerk), you can still find meaning in performing your duties. You can perceive your work as an important link in the overall functioning of the army. Even if it seems that your work has no direct impact on combat operations, without administrative support and proper documentation, the army cannot function effectively. You can be the person who brings order to this chaos and helps the system work better.
Perceive chaos as a challenge
If there is disorder around you and you feel isolated from important events, perceive this as an opportunity for inner growth. Frankl believed that even in the most unfavorable circumstances, one can find a challenge for personal growth. In your case, it may be a challenge to become an example of responsibility and order in a situation where these qualities are in short supply. If you can do your job with the utmost responsibility, even when others do not, it can become a source of personal meaning.
The meaning is that you are serving your country, even when it is not obvious
Even if your role seems insignificant or far from combat, it is still part of a larger mechanism aimed at protecting Ukraine. Frankl said that meaning may not always be obvious at first glance, but if you look at the broader context, every role can be important. Your efforts, even if they seem routine or unimportant, can contribute to the overall goal of the army. Without administrative support, the army cannot function properly, so your role is essential.
Find personal goals and small victories
When there seems to be no order or motivation around you, set personal goals for yourself. These can be small tasks that you can do every day. Frankl wrote that even in the worst conditions, people can find meaning in small achievements and rituals. This could be organizing your workspace, improving your documentation system, or even just maintaining good relationships with a few colleagues. Find something you can do better today than you did yesterday.
Focus on what you can control
Frankl often emphasized that we cannot always control circumstances, but we can always control our approach to them. If your environment is dominated by irresponsibility or negativity, you cannot completely change it, but you can control your reaction.
You can remain professional in your work and focus on what depends on you. Even in chaotic conditions, your efforts can be meaningful to you personally and to those who see how you work.
Be a source of positivity and order in a negative environment
If you see that many people around you are behaving irresponsibly, this may be an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership qualities. Frankl believed that even in the worst situations, a person can choose how to behave. You can be the person who does not succumb to the general mood and creates a positive environment around you. It’s difficult, but it can become your personal challenge and mission.
Think about how your actions affect others
Even if it seems that your efforts are not noticed or appreciated right now, they can have an impact on those around you. Frankl often emphasized the importance of relationships with other people. Your work and your attitude toward your duties can inspire others and create an environment where respect and responsibility become the norm. Even one person can change the atmosphere in a small group.
Remember that every role matters
Even if your job is not on the front lines, every person who serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine contributes to the common victory. You are part of this great process aimed at protecting the country. Not all heroes carry weapons on the battlefield, but everyone who supports the army is part of this struggle. Frankl emphasized that meaning can be found in any activity if we understand its importance for a broader goal.
I wish strength and inspiration to all those who try to do good. Remember, “The inaction of good people is enough for evil to prevail.”
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