Where are You Going in Life?

The Life Purpose Lab conducts original research on purpose and offers high-impact training programs on how to find it.

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A lantern in  front of the night sky

what we do

The Life Purpose Lab created an innovative model of how people find purpose in their lives. This model identifies how people create and discern the possibilities in their lives. Based on this model, the Lab has developed training programs that guide people into finding their own purpose in life. Pretest and posttest measures find these programs to have a significant impact on participants' lives--with a powerful effect lasting at least six months.

The Lab is based at the University of Connecticut with serving the UConn Community its primary focus. Increasingly, however, requests for its training programs are coming in from groups and organizations outside of UConn. As scheduling permits, these requests are fulfilled. This website describes the Lab's programs.

Presentation in classroom
Presentation in large hall

What We offer

Graphic displaying a few people
Graphic displaying many people

Small Group Training

Organization Training

Goal: Individual transformation
Groups of 3-12 people
In-person or by group Zoom
Two four-hour sessions
Materials provided
Follow-up resources
Goal: Individual transformation & culture change
Initial training of up to 50 people
In-person initially then ongoing Zoom calls
Two four-hour sessions
Train organization members to lead workshops
Certification for in-house trainers
Ongoing support for trainers
Materials provided
Follow-up resources‍
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By the Numbers

465
Participants trained to date
87%
Participants who report a an increase in their sense of life purpose from the training
1.1
Standard deviations is the main effect size (that's really big)

What People Say

One of the joys of work is the wonderful feedback that we get about the impact of our programs. Here's some of what's been said.

Working with Dr. Wright and the team helped me learn so much about myself and my priorities, and going forward I feel very well equipped to navigate the world around me with clarity of purpose. I am so grateful to have had this experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Irene S.

Strategic Communications

Dr. Wright’s work on purpose helped me make this abstract idea concrete, and provided me with actionable information. I’ve come to understand what purpose is, where I find it in my life, and how I can obtain more of it. His work has proved to be a foundational pillar upon which I have decided to shape my life around moving forward.”

Brady N.

Human Resources

This training event was exactly what I needed during an important time of soul-searching. It showed me how to set aside my self-imposed barriers and deeply explore new ways to move forward with my life and career—ways that align with my deep values and support what I want most out of life. The path forward may not be easy, but I’ve never felt more motivated to pursue it.”

Bryan D.

University Professor

The Life Purpose Lab not only helped me embrace a newfound direction but also showed me how to channel my passions effectively. I learned that purpose isn't confined to a single mission or goal, but rather a continuous commitment to meaningful pursuits.

Paige L.

Mental Health Advocate

The absence of a clear life goal had kept me from experiencing true happiness. However, during a moment in the "Purpose of Life" course, I suddenly grasped what a happy and meaningful life looks like for me. For the first time, I felt as if my life had immense value, and every cell in my body felt relieved. The "Purpose of Life" workshop has been a gift.

Gaofei Z.

Graduate Student

The seminar on finding life purpose has offered me opportunities to acquire a new perspective on my life and enhance my skills on handling the situation. I really enjoyed writing about other possible selves and exploring each one for a week. All in all this class is a great class that honestly didn't feel like a class but felt like a chill place to self improve.

Al-Ameen

University Student

I am endlessly appreciative for the role that you played in putting my future in the right direction.

Nick C.

Health Care Professional
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