Logotherapy, a philosophy and psychotherapy approach developed by Viktor Frankl, teaches that the primary human drive is to find meaning, not just chase pleasure or power.
After going through seasons of burnout and “drifting,” I wanted to reconnect with what truly matters to me:
- Spending time in nature and observing birds/wildlife
- Deepening my self-awareness through reading and writing
- Staying active through bouldering and mindful movement
- Enjoying downtime with my dogs and some good ol’ Netflix 😌
Logotherapy’s reminder that meaning can be found through action, experience, and attitude helped me build a routine that supports both outer productivity and inner fulfillment.
To build a schedule that aligns with logotherapy principles and supports a fulfilling, well-balanced life, it needs to:
- 40%: Meets my practical needs (course, job, knowledge)
- 25%: Honors my passions (birding, wildlife, bouldering)
- 15%: Allows for rest and decompression (Netflix/YouTube, pet time)
- 10%: Supports self-reflection, creativity, and meaning-making (blogging, reading)
- 10%: Leaves a bit of “space” for spontaneity
Challenges and Current Reality
Right now, my practical needs are taking up more time than I’d like. My mornings are consumed by the SkillsFuture course, followed by two hours of work in the afternoon. This leaves little room for my passions, rest, or reflection, which can make my days feel lopsided and less fulfilling.
The heavy focus on practical tasks sometimes creates an “existential vacuum,” a term from logotherapy that describes feelings of emptiness when life lacks meaning. I’ve noticed this when my days are all work and no play, leaving me disconnected from what truly matters to me.
For example, last week, practical needs took up nearly 60% of my time, while passions and spontaneity were squeezed to under 10% combined. This imbalance showed me I need to adjust to better align with my goals.
Looking Ahead to September
By end September, my part-time contract will end, and I plan to withdraw from my SkillsFuture course (see previous post). This shift will free up significant time, giving me a chance to rebalance my schedule. My goal is to reduce practical needs to 40% or less, allowing more space for passions like birding and bouldering and explore new experiences.
Finding Balance and Meaning
Logotherapy teaches that meaning isn’t found in a perfect schedule but in how we engage with each moment. By allocating time to practical needs, passions, rest, reflection, and spontaneity, I’m creating a framework to live more fully.
The challenge is staying flexible—life will inevitably shift, and my schedule must adapt. Come September, I’ll reassess my planner to ensure it reflects my evolving priorities, like diving deeper into wildlife conservation or exploring new creative outlets.