locating the meaning in life

so, assuming locating the meaning in our particular lives is of paramount importance, in order to lead a fulfilling and content existence, how do we go about doing it? how do we determine this particular thing or cause is the thing we should live for, rather than some other thing? don't these things change all the time, according to our moods, time of day, stage in life?

perhaps - the point is to find meaning in whatever it is we do, and not get tripped up by the meaning in life, rather we should refer it as a generally meaningful life?

or perhaps, we need some kind of ultimate meaningful thing as a distant goal to keep us going?

or, do a bunch of what i would consider meaningful things and see where it goes from there? and what precisely are those things?