“In search of meaning” is the topic of the final episode of this inaugural season of “This PhD Thinks”.

My guest, Albert Johnson-Mussad shares his views on how we can live a meaningful life.

According to Albert, there are five ways where we can find meaning:
- Relationships and connections and the experience of love
- Work can represent a cause or a purpose
- Vocation when there is a commitment to a greater good
- Spiritual connection that is bigger than us
- Enjoyment – relaxation, recreation, renewal, discovery, time to be and notice
- Tradition and rituals

The journey towards self-actualisation starts by setting intention.

Albert tells us that being curious is one of his intentions. He also makes it a point to ask questions like:
- What do I want?
- Who do I want to be?
- How can I contribute?
- How can I connect to tradition?
- How can I make this situation go better?

He is also open to an eclectic mix of traditions and pathways.

He notices facts versus stories. Facts can mean different things to different people. And stories can help us to have a more productive experience.

Meaning in a life can be measured as satisfaction and gratitude.

When we are anxious, the two questions that we can use to help us reduce anxiety are:
- What matters?
- What is the next step or the next right thing?

Meaning is also about perspective or the view that affords the rewarding outcome.

Meaning can be achieved in small moments, as well as big moments.

My guest, John Yan shares his views about entrepreneurship.

To succeed as an entrepreneur, you essentially need 2 P’s, which are Passion and Persistence.

You need to first find out what you are passionate about and stick with it for a long time. Additionally, you need to be agile, fail fast and pivot quickly to meet user needs.

The tipping point happens when you reach the product-market fit when the product is in its growth stage. Most start-ups reach this stage in about 7 years.

John’s advice for creating luck or opportunities is to be conversant of what you need to know, do and learn.

Another advice from John is – if you have a desire to be an entrepreneur, start early.

My guest, Maleena Suppiah shares that well-being should be approached holistically where the mind, heart and soul are at peace with each other and are thriving.

One way by which we can look at well-being is by using the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – to ensure that our needs including our physiological needs, our emotional needs etc. are taken care of.

Of the many aspects of well being, the most important aspect of well being is social well being.

Maleena advises us to be deliberate and preserve time for our well being. Even the pockets of time that we create in our days can make a difference in preserving our well being.

Furthermore, Maleena talks about the importance of knowing and respecting who we really are, and having deep self knowledge.