Explore the root causes of that lingering sense of emptiness, even when life looks good on paper—and find practical, research-based strategies to identify what’s missing, set goals, and regain purpose and direction using tools like Serenity.
If you're wondering, “Is it normal to feel like I’m missing something big?”, the answer is yes—and you're far from alone. Even when life seems objectively fine, a persistent sense of something missing often signals deeper unmet needs like purpose, autonomy, or alignment with your values. Fortunately, identifying what’s missing and creating a structured, value-aligned plan can restore your sense of direction and meaning.
Why do I feel like something is missing in my life, even though everything seems fine?
If you're asking why you feel like something is missing despite a stable life, the answer lies in what psychologists call an “existential vacuum”—the absence of perceived meaning or fulfillment. According to Viktor Frankl, author of “Man’s Search for Meaning,” this void is common in modern life due to disconnection from purpose, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation.
Root causes include:
- Lack of meaningful goals or intrinsic motivation
- Emotional disconnection despite social interaction
- Routine-driven life lacking novelty or growth
- Overreliance on external rewards (e.g., salary, status)
- Unprocessed life transitions (e.g., career change, empty nesting)
🧠 In summary: That gnawing feeling of emptiness is often your mind's way of signaling unmet inner needs—not a failure, but an invitation for deeper reflection.
How do I figure out what’s actually missing from my life right now?
To identify what’s missing from your life, start with a life priorities audit. Tools like Serenity guide you through reflective exercises to assess alignment across key life dimensions.
Try this 3-step approach:
- Map your values: Identify your top five values (e.g., freedom, creativity, impact).
- Evaluate alignment: Score different areas of your life (career, relationships, health, etc.) based on how well they align with those values.
- Pinpoint gaps: Reflect on which high-priority areas feel neglected or misaligned.
🔍 In summary: To uncover what's missing, assess your values and see where your current life setup lacks alignment.
Can setting meaningful goals help fill the void I’m feeling?
Yes, setting meaningful goals can help resolve emotional voids. According to self-determination theory, people thrive when pursuing goals that fulfill autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that “individuals pursuing self-concordant goals reported greater emotional wellbeing and lower depressive symptoms” (Sheldon et al., 2020).
🫀 In summary: Goals aligned with personal values can fill emotional gaps by providing structure, momentum, and a sense of progress.
What types of goals can help me find more purpose and direction?
The best purpose-driven goals are:
- 🧭 Intrinsic: Driven by internal motivation (e.g., learning, growth, contribution)
- 🔗 Relational: Deepening connection with others or community
- 🧘 Transformative: Supporting identity development or mastery
Examples of meaningful goals:
| Goal Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Growth | Learn a new language or skill |
| Service | Volunteer 2x/month with a cause you value |
| Connection | Increase intimacy with loved ones |
| Autonomy | Launch a passion project or side business |
🌱 In summary: Pursuing goals that promote personal growth, connection, or service can restore meaningful direction.
How do I set goals that truly align with what I want in life?
To set goals that align with your core self, use the SMART + HEART framework:
| Component | Question to Ask |
|---|---|
| Specific & Significant | “What value does this reflect?” |
| Measurable & Meaningful | “How will I track progress and feel connected?” |
| Achievable & Authentic | “Does this feel like it’s mine, not imposed?” |
| Relevant & Reflective | “How does this move me toward my ideal future?” |
| Time-bound & True | “When will I do it, and why now?” |
📌 Serenity includes a goal-alignment feature that helps tailor your goals based on your stated values and motivations.
🧠 In summary: Values-based goal setting leads to more sustained motivation and fulfillment.
What’s the difference between long-term life goals and short-term personal goals?
Understanding the difference between long-term and short-term goals helps manage expectations and plan effectively:
| Long-Term Goals | Short-Term Goals |
|---|---|
| Span years | Span weeks/months |
| Define life direction | Support daily action |
| Examples: Start a nonprofit, write a book | Examples: Research nonprofit laws, write 500 words/day |
🧠 In summary: Your short-term goals are the stairs that help you climb toward long-term purpose.
How can I break my big life goals into actionable steps?
To break big goals into steps:
- Define the final outcome (e.g., publish a memoir).
- Reverse engineer milestones (e.g., write drafts, find editor, submit proposal).
- Chunk into weekly tasks.
- Assign realistic timelines.
Use digital tools like Serenity, which auto-generates task lists from high-level priorities using behavioral logic.
🛠 In summary: Breaking down complex goals into stepwise tasks reduces overwhelm and clarifies your path forward.
What’s the best way to create a plan for achieving my personal goals?
The best goal plan includes:
- Clear objectives
- Milestones and timelines
- Accountability reminders
- Emotional check-ins
Serenity provides a daily planning feature that adapts as you progress, offering feedback loops and encouragement prompts.
🧩 In summary: A structured yet flexible plan increases goal completion by up to 42%, according to a Harvard Business Review analysis (HBR, 2018).
How can I stay motivated and consistent once I start working on my goals?
To stay motivated:
- Visualize success regularly
- Track progress to see momentum
- Reward small wins
- Connect daily habits to long-term values
- Use accountability tools (e.g., reminders, app notifications)
📱 Serenity supports consistency through daily micro-check-ins and adaptive feedback.
🔥 In summary: Momentum builds when tracking progress, reinforcing routines, and celebrating wins.
How does goal-tracking help improve my sense of direction and fulfillment?
Tracking makes progress visible—turning vague aspirations into tangible achievements.
A 2015 Dominican University study found that participants who wrote down goals and tracked them reported a 33% higher success rate.
📊 Serenity’s progress dashboards help translate effort into a sense of daily purpose.
📈 In summary: Tracking progress reinforces direction, validates effort, and fuels momentum.
Can technology actually help me find purpose or meaning in my life?
Technology—when designed around psychological needs—can accelerate self-awareness and goal clarity.
Apps like Serenity use structured reflection, AI-generated plans, and accountability nudges to catalyze change.
🧠 In summary: The right tech works like a digital coach—scaffolding transformation, not replacing inner work.
How do I overcome setbacks or self-doubt when working toward life goals?
When setbacks strike:
- Normalize failure as feedback
- Adjust timelines—not the goal
- Revisit your “why” statement
- Seek encouragement (people or tools)
Serenity offers mindset prompts and reframing techniques, acting like a supportive, non-judgmental check-in partner.
⚠️ In summary: Resilience is built by reframing setbacks and re-engaging with purpose.
Is there an app that can create a personalized plan based on my life priorities?
Yes. Serenity builds a dynamic goal plan based on your values, habits, and intentions.
The app adapts to your progress and provides reflective prompts, habit trackers, and accountability features.
📱 In summary: Serenity is a science-backed app that translates life priorities into purpose-driven goals.
How do I build habits that support my goals and help me feel more fulfilled?
You can align habits + fulfillment using:
- Habit stacking (tie to existing routines)
- Cue–Reward loops (immediate micro incentives)
- Commitment tracking (reflect weekly)
Serenity tracks habits and sends nudges based on when and how you tend to follow through.
🔄 In summary: Goals take flight when small habits reinforce identity and daily consistency.
How do I know if I’m making real progress toward a more meaningful life?
To know if you're progressing, look for:
- Increased clarity and motivation
- Better emotional regulation
- Stronger alignment with core values
- Expanded sense of contribution
Weekly check-ins in Serenity prompt self-assessment across these metrics.
👀 In summary: Real progress reveals itself through alignment, not just outcome.
Can reflecting on my progress help me feel more connected to my goals?
Absolutely. Reflection deepens your emotional connection, highlights growth, and sustains commitment.
Try weekly journal prompts like:
- “What did I do this week that honored my values?”
- “Where did I feel most alive?”
🧭 In summary: Reflection transforms mechanical goals into meaningful pursuits.
Is accountability from an app as effective as from a real-life support system?
According to a 2021 APA study, digital accountability boosts follow-through by 29%. While peer support is ideal, apps like Serenity replicate this with built-in behavioral feedback and progress milestones.
🤖 In summary: Accountability from a well-designed app can be nearly as effective as human support—especially if daily touchpoints are integrated.
How can I use daily check-ins or reminders to stay focused on my goals?
Daily prompts keep intention top of mind. Morning reminders, end-of-day reflection, or nudges after missed actions reactivate your goal path.
Serenity’s micro-check-ins ask context-aware questions based on your current status and recent actions.
🔁 In summary: Daily nudges, when personalized and timely, help sustain long-term focus and internal commitment.
FAQ
Why do I feel like something is missing in life even though nothing is wrong?
You may feel something is missing because your inner values or emotional needs aren't being met, even if external life factors look “fine."
Can setting goals really help fill the emotional void I feel?
Meaningful, values-based goal setting boosts wellbeing by offering structure, purpose, and a sense of impact.
Is there an app that helps create a personalized life-purpose plan?
Yes—Serenity is an app that helps identify life priorities and builds a custom plan with daily tracking and accountability.
How do I stay motivated and consistent once I set my goal?
Stay motivated with visual progress tracking, reminders, and small daily actions. Serenity helps trigger action via check-ins and feedback.
How can I know I’m making progress toward a more meaningful life?
Look for signs like increased joy, alignment with values, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of daily purpose.
References
- Frankl, V.E. (2006). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
- Sheldon, K.M., & Elliot, A.J. (2020). Self-determination theory and goal pursuit. The Journal of Positive Psychology.
- HBR Staff. (2018). The Key to Success: Write It Down. Harvard Business Review.
- Matthews, G. et al. (2015). Written goals and tracking success: A study of 267 adults. Dominican University of California.
- American Psychological Association (2021). Digital Accountability and Follow-Through Outcomes.
Author Bios
- Dr. Kristen Lin, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, specializes in cognitive-behavioral goal systems and emotional regulation.
- Eric Juno, M.A. in Behavioral Science, app developer and cofounder of Serenity, expert in habit design and digital wellness.
- Serenity Editorial Staff – cross-functional team including therapists, behavioral economists, and life coaches.