[gregjor]

What about the pleasure of learning something new? Of accomplishing something for yourself? Solving a problem, or making a new thing? Or making yourself a better friend, partner, spouse, friend? Enjoying time with people you care about? Those things can give you a feeling of purpose and meaning.

I think the problem comes from expecting to find a larger purpose or meaning. Few of us will change the world significantly. Rid yourself of the idea that your life must have a greater purpose than satisfying yourself and the people you care about.

For example, too many people put a lot of effort into social media status in the form "likes" or "karma." What actual meaning does that have? What purpose does it serve, aside from attention-seeking and narcissism? When people spend their time on getting attention and status display their ego gets crushed when that attention doesn't come, or goes away. Wouldn't enjoying a walk on the beach give more pleasure, even if it serves no purpose beyond relaxation and contemplation?

You have to start with yourself, to find meaning and purpose for yourself in how you treat yourself, and then how you interact with other people. You can't start by hoping to find a greater purpose or meaning in life and feeling down and useless until that happens.