top of page
newsletter white_edited.jpg

Finding meaning through movement: Joseph Henderson on purpose and flow

Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, once suggested in his book Man's Search for Meaning that the primary motivation of life is to discover meaning. This sense of meaning, Frankl argued, can be found even in the most dire circumstances. For most of us, the quest for meaning and purpose is a deeply personal journey. Yet, it’s one we often struggle to articulate or pursue with clarity.


In a recent episode of Flow Unleashed, I had the privilege of speaking with Joseph Henderson, an extraordinary parkour and freerunning athlete. Joseph shared how finding meaning in his actions has fuelled his incredible career and allowed him to create a purposeful, fulfilling life. His approach offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to align their goals and passions with a deeper sense of purpose.


What is parkour and freerunning?

Parkour originated in France some 30 years ago, inspired by military obstacle course training. Its founders viewed it as a means of self-refinement—an art of physical and mental control. Practitioners navigate their environment with efficient, fluid movements: climbing, vaulting, running, and jumping.


Freerunning, a stylistic offshoot of parkour, places greater emphasis on creative self-expression through acrobatics and tricks. While parkour focuses on utility and discipline, freerunning allows for more theatricality and personal flair. Both disciplines blur the line between sport and art, offering unique opportunities for physical and mental growth.


Joseph explained the roots of parkour, saying, "It began as a way to become as capable as possible physically and mentally, with the idea of being useful to society. Over time, it’s evolved into a global movement, blending elements of efficiency, style, and even competition."


Finding flow and meaning in movement

For Joseph, parkour is more than just a sport. It’s a practice that merges body and mind, offering a unique pathway to flow—a state of deep focus and immersion in the present moment.


“There are moments of pure joy,” he said, “but the most meaningful times often come when I’m pushing my limits—when I’m tired, scared, or under pressure. Those challenges, though difficult in the moment, provide the deepest satisfaction and growth.”


This mirrors the science of flow, which suggests that optimal experiences occur when we balance challenge and skill. By continuously setting and achieving incremental goals, Joseph has created a structure for personal growth that extends beyond parkour to every aspect of his life.


The power of purposeful goals

Joseph’s method for achieving his objectives is rooted in breaking down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. This approach ensures consistent progress while keeping the ultimate vision in sight.


“I reflect on my long-term goals and break them into smaller objectives,” he shared. “Each day, I focus on tasks that bring me closer to that larger purpose. It’s about creating a thread that connects the everyday to the ultimate goal.”


This structured process not only fosters discipline but also creates a sense of meaning in daily actions. As Joseph pointed out, the key is not to obsess over the end result but to stay present and committed to the journey.


Why meaning matters

The search for meaning is a universal human drive. Research has shown that individuals with a strong sense of purpose experience better health, increased motivation, and greater satisfaction in life. A study of 43,000 Japanese adults even found that a clear sense of purpose significantly contributes to longevity.


However, as Joseph’s story illustrates, meaning doesn’t come automatically—it requires intentional effort. Many of us fall into the trap of chasing societal or parental expectations, only to find that these external goals leave us feeling unfulfilled.


Joseph’s journey highlights the importance of aligning goals with personal values. "The overarching goal provides a sense of direction," he said, "but it’s the small, consistent steps that bring daily purpose and keep me on track."


Integrating meaning into everyday life

For Joseph, the discipline of parkour has taught him lessons that extend far beyond physical movement. Overcoming mental barriers, setting meaningful objectives, and fostering a growth mindset are skills he applies to all areas of life.


“When I’m aligned with my purpose,” he reflected, “everything else improves. My relationships, my focus, my happiness—it all flows from having that sense of meaning.”

His insights offer a valuable reminder that purpose is not just about grand achievements. It’s about creating a life where each action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger sense of fulfilment.


Crafting your own purpose

Whether you’re navigating a career change, striving for personal growth, or simply looking to make your daily life more meaningful, the principles Joseph shared are universally applicable:

  1. Discover your values: Reflect on what truly matters to you and align your goals accordingly.

  2. Break down objectives: Transform long-term visions into manageable, daily tasks.

  3. Embrace challenges: Use difficulties as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

  4. Stay present: Focus on the process, not just the outcome, to find joy in the journey.

As Joseph’s story shows, the path to meaning is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. By approaching life with intentionality and purpose, we can create a reality that feels both fulfilling and aligned with who we truly are.


bottom of page