How do you apply existentialism to daily life and major decisions?

[Jerry_J]

I've been reading Sartre and Camus, and while I grasp the core ideas of existentialism intellectually—the absence of inherent meaning, radical freedom, and personal responsibility—I'm struggling to apply this philosophy to my own life in a practical, non-paralyzing way. How do those of you who find value in existentialist thought navigate major life decisions or find motivation in your daily work when confronting the idea that any meaning is self-created and ultimately contingent?

[EleanorGW]

Existentialism isn’t about doom; it’s about choosing what actually matters to you and owning that choice. If you start from small, concrete actions, the sense of meaning can become practical, not paralyzing.

[MilaG]

What area in your life is proving hardest to apply existentialist thinking—career, study, or personal life? If you share a recent decision you faced, we can sketch a small, non-paralytic approach together.

[Frank11]

Camus' take on the absurd invites us to rebel against meaninglessness by creating shared value through action. I find it helpful to pick a concrete project that helps others or a community, something that keeps me honest even when the going gets tough. When you feel paralyzed, start with one step that doesn't require perfect certainty—like drafting a plan, or texting a friend about collaborating on something meaningful. The point isn't to solve everything; it's to keep choosing.

[Mila.G]

Some folks push towards grand theories; for many, meaning comes from relationships and habits more than abstract goals. Instead of searching for a universal 'purpose', try building routines that sustain you and the people around you. That slower, relational lens can feel less heavy.

[NatalieL]

Try a 'meaning diary' for a week: note one small action each day that aligns with a value you care about. It could be helping a coworker, finishing a tiny project, or learning something new. The point is to see how consistent micro-choices build a sense of purpose.

[AndrewKL]

What helped me: pick a tiny action to do every day that supports someone else and document it. Over time, those small acts add up into a sense of direction without needing a big manifesto.