Philosopher Kieran Setiya argues that midlife or any such existential crises can arise because, as we complete our projects, they lose their meaning for us.
These projects are telic: they have a goal, and our commitment to this goal makes them meaningful to us. Once we’ve achieved that goal, it loses meaning.
We should have goals, as they drive our motivation.
But we should also find value in the atelic: activities that don’t have a purpose beyond themselves –going for a run for the sake of it, rather than to win a marathon.
Goal works.
Goal-Less also works.