Finding Purpose at Work: A Beginner’s Guide
Impact Recruitment
We believe in the power of big dreams, hard work, great people and strong teams.
“What’s my purpose?” Right, this is a question that people have been asking themselves since the dawn of time, probably – don’t quote us on that. So why do we spend so much time searching for the answer?
To put it simply, having a purpose is a driving factor in living with intention; it provides us with a sense of fulfillment and adds meaning and value to the day-to-day – so, with this in mind, it should come as no surprise that most of us are looking for purpose not just in our personal lives, but also in the workplace.
Uh, well, I don’t totally love what I do… does that mean I should quit?
Woah, woah, woah – let’s pump the brakes for a minute here! Before we go making any hasty decisions, consider this: it’s entirely possible to find purpose in the job you’re in now – no dramatic life changes required.
Identifying a clear purpose is easier for some than others, so if it doesn’t come naturally to you, that’s okay! With reflection, intention and a little effort (from both you and your employer!), you can incorporate new meaning into your work – whether you work at a non-profit, in a warehouse, on a construction site or somewhere in between.
What role does the organization play in all this?
Gone are the days when people joined a company just for the money – not that a healthy salary isn’t a big selling point, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Employees want to be associated with an organization that makes a positive impact in the world and has a strong organizational purpose, vision and set of values that align with their own and, when they find that employer that gives them the opportunity to live their purpose at work, there are benefits for both parties:
When employees find meaning in their job…
To sum up, a big high-five to all the employers who strive to create a purpose-driven workspace. But what if purpose isn’t priority at your organization? Then we’ll just have to take matters into our own hands, won’t we?
That sounded more devious than intended – what we meant to say is this: while it’s certainly helpful to be associated with a company that’ll help you find meaning in your work, there’s nothing stopping you from figuring it out on your own!
Let’s hop to it, shall we?
PINPOINT WHAT MATTERS TO YOU
Before you can identify your purpose, you’ve got to consider what you care about. Trust us, once you have a clearer idea of what’s important to you, it’ll be easier to introduce more meaning into your work life.
Start by asking yourself what you value, personally – go ahead, we’ll give you a moment. Remember, there’s no right answer. Some people might say kindness or helping others, someone else might decide on freedom or innovation.
Next, consider a regular work day – when do you feel most energized and engaged? And, on the other hand, in what instances do you find it tougher to stay focused? You might find that opportunities to collaborate really energize you, while writing content puts you to sleep. Again, everybody’s answer will be different.
Finally, think about the organization as a whole –?how does your role impact those around you? What part of your job do you see as most valuable? What gives you a sense that you’re really contributing to the success of your peers and the company?
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CONSIDER YOUR UNIQUE TALENTS
When thinking about your purpose, it’s important to consider your strengths alongside your passions. You may love Irish dance, but that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily good at it – maybe tap dancing’s where your talent lies.
Your purpose should play on your strengths and, ideally, allow you to use them in the workplace. When we work on tasks or projects that we’re good at, we tend to be more interested and engaged in the job at hand.
What are your unique talents? What skills or abilities are you often praised on, or particularly confident about? What are you naturally good at?
If you’re not sure, go ahead and ask somebody who knows you well – at the very least, you’ll get a nice ego boost!
FIND PURPOSE IN THE EVERYDAY
You didn’t think you’d get through this post without us mentioning goal setting , did you? Well, here it is: set goals, small and large!
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to focus on one big, monumental achievement to live your purpose. Too often, people set the bar extremely high for themselves and miss enjoying the fulfillment from the little moments that come along the way. Remember, you don’t need to win a Nobel Peace Prize to contribute positively to the world around you.
For example, maybe you’ve discovered that your purpose is helping others. Excellent – but not very specific, right? In order to put it in action, break down your broader purpose into smaller, more actionable pieces.
Okay, so: helping others is what you care about. How does that translate into the workplace?
Maybe you ask about mentorship opportunities at your organization , so you can help a junior staff member find their footing. Maybe you jump in and help a colleague make a last minute deadline. Maybe you start looking at customers through a new lens, wanting to ensure they feel heard and supported. Or maybe you just hold the elevator for the person struggling through the doors with, for some reason, their bicycle.
By looking for ways to weave your greater purpose into your life on a daily basis, you’ll find greater satisfaction in the everyday.
UNDERSTAND YOUR PURPOSE MAY CHANGE
The only thing constant is change – isn’t that what they say? Purpose is no different. As we get older and different experiences and people shape us, our purpose may shift or even change entirely.
The same way that your career aspirations probably aren’t the same now as they were when you were in your 20s (unless you’re in your 20s, then just trust us that your career aspirations probably won’t be exactly the same when you’re in your 40s), what you find fulfilling will also change over time.
Go with the flow. Do things you care about. Embrace new opportunities. The more you learn about yourself, the more clearly you’ll understand your purpose – so sit back and enjoy the evolution.
Looking for more advice and insights? Head over to our Candidate Career Hub !