Life as a Sisyphean Struggle: Finding Meaning in the Futility

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in an endless cycle, pouring your heart into something only to see it undone or overlooked? I know I have, and it often feels exhausting, as though we’re caught in a loop of effort that leads nowhere. It’s like we’re living out the myth of Sisyphus constantly pushing a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down again.

This ancient story struck a chord with me while watching an episode of Young Sheldon on Netflix (Season 5, Episode 4). In a touching scene, Dr. Grant Linkletter tries to persuade Dr. John Sturgis to return to teaching science. But Dr. Sturgis, in his endearing and reflective way, explains why he’s hesitant. He compares life to Sisyphus’ eternal struggle, highlighting how laborious and, at times, futile our efforts can feel. His words stayed with me because they captured a feeling that so many of us share that sometimes, no matter how hard we work, we seem to be stuck in the same place.

Myth of Sisyphus

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to an eternal punishment. His task was simple yet devastatingly repetitive: roll an enormous boulder up a hill, only for it to tumble back down just as he was nearing the top. He would then have to start over, doomed to this cycle forever.

It’s a story about futility, and in Young Sheldon, Dr. Sturgis uses it to reflect on how life can sometimes feel exactly like that. His sentiment hit home because it mirrors the way many of us experience life. Whether it’s the relentless demands of work, the complexities of relationships, or the uphill battles of personal growth, there are moments when it all feels like an endless loop.

Common “Sisyphean” Cycles

We all experience times in our lives that feel Sisyphean. Here are a few examples:

• In our careers: How often do we put in long hours on a project or meet every deadline, only for the goalposts to shift? Or worse, for our efforts to go unacknowledged?
• In relationships: Navigating the emotional ups and downs of relationships can sometimes feel like two steps forward, one step back.
• In personal growth: Think about how hard it can be to break a bad habit or develop a new skill, only to stumble and feel like you’re back at square one.

These cycles can feel discouraging, even disheartening. So, does this mean we’re doomed to live out a never-ending, futile struggle like Sisyphus?

Finding Meaning in the Struggle

Philosopher Albert Camus saw this myth not as a tale of despair but as an opportunity for optimism. In his essay The Myth of Sisyphus (French - Le mythe de Sisyphe), Camus introduces his philosophy of the absurd. The absurd lies in the juxtaposition between the fundamental human need to attribute meaning to life and the "unreasonable silence" of the universe in response [- excerpt from Wikipedia]. He argues that while life might not have inherent meaning, we have the power to create our own. He suggested that instead of lamenting the futility of the struggle, we can choose to embrace it.

Imagine Sisyphus smiling as he rolls the boulder up the hill. For him, the act of striving becomes the purpose. It’s not about reaching the summit; it’s about finding meaning and even joy in the climb. Similarly, Dr. Sturgis’ words reminded me that while our efforts might feel repetitive or unending, they are not without value. Every push, every struggle, shapes us in ways we might not immediately recognize.

Turning Struggle into Purpose

I’m not an expert, nor do I claim to have life figured out. In fact, I’m probably echoing thoughts that many of you have already felt or known. But if this helps even one person and makes their day just a little better or reminds them that they’re not alone in this struggle, then I’d consider the purpose of this article fulfilled.

Life’s challenges might feel heavy, but I believe there are ways to approach them that can bring a sense of meaning or relief. Here are a few thoughts I’ve gathered along the way, not as answers, but as reminders that we’re all in this together:

• Re-frame Your Perspective: It’s easy to focus on the end goal and feel defeated when it’s out of reach. But sometimes, the process itself is where the value lies. Ask yourself: What am I learning? How am I growing? Even in struggle, there’s an opportunity to evolve
• Accept the Struggle: Life isn’t easy, and that’s okay. Accepting that struggle is part of the human experience can make it feel less like a burden and more like a challenge.
• Celebrate Small Wins: While the boulder might roll back down, every push gets you closer to understanding yourself. Celebrate those small victories every step counts.
• Create Your Own Meaning: Like Camus suggested, meaning isn’t handed to us. It’s up to us to create it. This might come from building relationships, pursuing passions, or finding joy in little things.
• Lean on Others: Sometimes, the weight of the boulder feels lighter when we share the load. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a mentor, seeking support can make all the difference.

Why the Struggle Matters

The story of Sisyphus is ultimately a story about all of us. It’s about the effort we put into our work, our relationships, and our goals even when the results aren’t guaranteed. And that’s what makes it so deeply human. The boulder may roll back down, but it’s in the pushing, the striving, and the persistence that we grow.

Our struggles might sometimes feel laborious or even pointless, but they’re not meaningless. They teach us resilience. They connect us to others. And they remind us that the act of trying, in and of itself, is valuable.

So, the next time you feel stuck in a Sisyphean cycle, remember it’s not about getting to the top of the hill. It’s about how you face the climb. And maybe, just maybe, you can find your own joy in the struggle.

References:

• Wikipedia – Sisyphus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus
• E-book – Myth of Sisyphus: https://www2.hawaii.edu/~freeman/courses/phil360/16.%20Myth%20of%20Sisyphus.pdf
• Wikipedia - Albert Camus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Camus
• Wikipedia – The Myth of Sisyphus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Myth_of_Sisyphus
• TedEd: The Myth of Sisyphus – Alex Gendler: A short, animated explanation of the Sisyphus myth and its relevance to modern life. This video breaks down the philosophical and existential undertones in an engaging format. Watch it on YouTube
• Overthink Podcast – Camus: The Absurd. Watch it on YouTube