Finding a Sense of Purpose in an Uncertain 2022

Workplaces and communities continue to battle new economic and psychological challenges. With severe inflation fears, new pandemic scares, it feels like the ‘new normal’ entails most of us being pushed to the brink all the time.

While continuing to evaluate the topics of community, personal relationships, and social change, the concept of purpose continues to come up. Like gratitude, purpose is a powerful and vital tool to leverage in our personal lives. Today, let’s jump right into the idea of purpose. More specifically, let’s discuss why finding a sense of purpose is so important and what it means for us in 2022.

“The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you discover the reason why.” - Mark Twain

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Why a Sense of Purpose Matters

Many might assume that income is the?primary driver ?of purpose for most people. While many psychological studies and research have rejected?this notion, the current state of the economy further emphasizes the need for all of us to find purpose outside of the simplest definitions of economic prosperity (easier said than done, I know).

Unfortunately, I fear the past two years have also distanced us from our community as well. With these institutions harder to consistently enjoy, and with social dialogue continuing to trend to more divisive, we all need to make more conscious efforts to seek out community wherever we can. Connection to others helps us create and foster new shared values all of which contribute to individual and collective purpose.

Finding a sense of purpose is derived from our ability to self-reflect and evaluate?what truly matters most , which in turn empowers us to?transform ourselves ?and elevate others. Finding purpose helps us find happiness and confidence which in turn empowers us to show up better in various areas in our personal and professional lives.

When we find purpose and achieve fulfillment, we also become better equipped to forge more meaningful relationships and elevate others. This is the intersection where individual purpose can drive collective growth and innovation?in our communities and workplaces alike .

Finding and Re-Inventing Your Sense of Purpose

Finding purpose starts with some simple and meaningful self-reflection. What makes you happy? Where do you find it easiest to devote your attention? What legacy do you want to leave when you are gone? If you had a free day with no obligations, what would you choose to do with that day? Lastly, what will help you reach the answers to these kinds of questions? Be honest AND vulnerable with yourself especially if the answer to some of these questions might conflict with aspects of your life presently.

I spoke with Dr. Paul Corona of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management last year. Dr. Corona recommends we?ask, listen, and give ?more to build more meaningful relationships while elevating ourselves and others. You can watch this micro-video to learn more.

Another thing to consider is how to re-invent our sense of purpose when life changes. What happens when our world views change? Or unforeseen traumatic life events (like health problems)? Or a world-altering pandemic that completely flipped the careers of millions on their head within days?

As we change so can our sense of purpose. When we change we need to recognize how our purpose changes. This inflection and pragmatism towards purpose help us stay at peace with ourselves over the course of our lifetimes.

Parting Words

Purpose is a vital element that empowers people to bring the best version of themselves to the table. Finding purpose provides a sense of peace, happiness, and even confidence that allows us to elevate others and to devote ourselves to greater causes (either business or personal).

So, what do you think?

What elements complement purpose in helping us become the best version of ourselves? What else helps us find a deeper sense of purpose? What are some other positive benefits of a fulfilled sense of purpose? How can leaders find purpose and elevate others to do the same?

Let us know in the comments!

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