CHASING PURPOSE

There are two somewhat related interpretations of the word purpose as it relates to careers. One is about finding your calling, or what I often call career “fit.” This refers to figuring out what you’re supposed to be doing with your life, given your interests, abilities, personality, etc. 

The other use of the word refers to a feeling of gratification and fulfillment derived from applying effort and expertise successfully to better yourself and help others. From this perspective, purpose is a positive feeling – a feeling that you are adding value and making an impact.

The first approach is very important, very interesting, and represents a difficult and worthy goal. Nonetheless, I think we too often focus on this view. At least that has been true for me. For example, I recently tweeted, “The harder you work the faster purpose is revealed.” (@fuel4leaders)

Upon reflection, I think I was half correct at best. Let me explain what I was thinking. You have to try things and gather many professional experiences in the front third of your career. Add to this an above average work ethic and a little continuous education (e.g., books, blogs, certifications, a mentor) and you will certainly accelerate your path towards vocational clarity. So if you define purpose as figuring out what to do with your life, the tweet made sense. 

However, I soon started to realize the narrow nature of this version of purpose.  I began thinking about the difference between “fit” as purpose and real purpose. I realized what seems obvious now: you can experience meaningful purpose regardless of your level of fit.

Thus, for me, purpose is better defined as that amazing feeling your experience when you maximize what you can do for yourself and for others, regardless of where you are in your career.

If you are fortunate like me and find your calling, you will no doubt experience plenty of purpose, both of the “fit” and “feeling” variety. For the rest of you, your task is to achieve purpose anyway! Here are four useful ideas to get started.

First, seek perspective, not just task completion. Everyday you face tasks to complete and fires to extinguish. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Carve our a few minutes each day to actively reflect on the long-term path you are following. Seek insight beyond the day’s tasks. Try to articulate how today is one necessary step towards the next more fulfilling stop on the journey. Make building a larger perspective one of your most important daily activities. The more you gain insight about moving forward, the more you feel purpose.

Next, feel great about a job well done. I wasn’t always a pontificating guru. For example, early in college I was a server at Applebee’s. Like any restaurant role it was tough and sometimes thankless. I do remember, however, a few moments of honest purpose. When the boss loved how you remembered every detail during the late night closing process. When the customer tipped handsomely because they appreciated the quality service you provided. Those moments felt fantastic and provide a sense of adding value. You can strive to create that type of purpose every day.

Purpose is also found when you focus on assisting others at work. This takes two forms. The first is hustling to cover for someone when they are behind and a deadline is closing in. We all need a helping hand on occasion. The second way to help is by teaching someone something they don’t already know. When you help others survive, or when you help someone gain knowledge or build new skills, the feeling of purpose you will experience is strong. 

Finally, you will find purpose when you seek to help others outside of work. The point here is that you need multiple identities to be a healthy individual. Never allow yourself to be defined only by your job. On a regular basis, you must engage other potential identities that help you feel more complete and well rounded while also supporting others: volunteer, tutor, mentor, parent, coach, etc. Guess what? The more you embrace these outside roles, the more you achieve perspective and long-term clarity regarding your career.

You can never use where you are now as an excuse to stop striving or learning. Purpose is yours to experience if you make the right choices. When you chase daily insight, allow yourself to feel good about a job well done, and remember to support others at work and in the community – regardless of your current level of career fit – you will no double feel filled with purpose. 

Learn more by watching Finding Purpose in Your Work – part of the Management Tips series on LinkedIn Learning: https://bit.ly/2k7ZW4o.

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www.drdewett.com