From Purpose to Power: How Commitment Turns Vision into Victory

I must admit, when I decided to write this newsletter about purpose vs commitment—it seemed lofty, at first. But as I thought about it, companies often define their purpose, vision, and commitment to create focus and differentiation in the market, leading to success.

And since purpose helps organizations WIN, it can help us as individuals WIN.? So understanding purpose is an imperative!

But having a purpose alone isn't enough—it must be complemented with a strong commitment.

The Importance of Purpose

What is "Purpose"?

Purpose is the intersection of two critical aspects of your life: 1) what you love to do (your passion) and 2) what you are particularly good at (your talents). When these two elements align, they form your "why"—the reason you were made. This unique combination is what makes your purpose so powerful. Knowing your purpose sets you on a path that reflects your passions and capabilities, providing a personal GPS to navigate life's journey.

• Guides Decisions and Behaviors: Your purpose isn't just about knowing where you're going; it also determines how you get there. It helps guide your decisions and behaviors, ensuring that every step you take aligns with who you are at your core.
• Sets Vision and Direction: When you focus on your purpose, you shift from merely doing things to becoming something. It's no longer about checking tasks off a list but about fulfilling a deeper calling. This shift allows you to set a vision for your life, your family, or your organization.
• Provides Motivation: Purpose gives you a reason to wake up each day, a reason to persevere through the challenges, and a reason to keep striving for greatness.

But here's the catch: knowing your purpose is just the starting point. It’s the “why” of your existence, but you need to answer the “how” and “what next.”

The Power of Commitment: Bringing Purpose to Life

Understanding Commitment

While purpose gives you direction, commitment is the fuel that propels you toward that destination. A commitment is more than just a decision—it's a deep promise you make to yourself or others. It's about laying out the actionable steps to reach your "why."

Les Brown, a Hall of Fame speaker and a friend, once said to me,

“Daphne, a career is how you are paid, but your purpose is why you were made.”

This was a revelation for me. I realized that knowing your purpose is essential, but without commitment, it remains just a lofty idea.

• Actionable and Concrete: Your commitment statement must be actionable and concrete. For instance, my commitment to teach wisdom to the world involves speaking truth to power through my board roles and empowering underserved leaders through my book and motivational speaking. This is a specific, measurable, and actionable commitment that aligns with my purpose.
• Creates a Roadmap: A well-defined commitment provides clarity and focus, serving as a clear roadmap towards your goals. It transforms the vague notion of purpose into specific goals and reduces ambiguity.

Look Deeper—Find More

It wasn't long ago that I was a young executive, ambitious and eager to make a name for myself. Moving from big company to big company—IBM, J&J—I climbed the corporate ladder with determination, motivated by recognition and external achievement. However, despite my polished exterior and material success, I felt incomplete.

I was committed to my job, but something was missing. My commitment was not aligned with my true purpose.

A turning point came during a company retreat. A renowned motivational speaker talked about the profound difference between purpose and commitment. It struck me that while commitment is a conscious decision to follow through on a task or goal, purpose is a deeper sense of meaning that drives one's actions.

I realized I had been so focused on climbing the corporate ladder that I had lost sight of what truly mattered to me.

This led me to discover my 5 F’s—Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Furthering Career. I began to explore my values, passions, and the impact I wanted to make on the world.

Through this introspection, I discovered a deep-rooted desire to help, teach, and inspire others as a tech leader while also helping myself. I wanted to create positive change using people, technology, data, and processes. Armed with this newfound purpose, I began making intentional commitments aligned with it.

The Value of Moving from Purpose to Commitment

Benefits of Purpose and Commitment

1. Action-Oriented Mindset: When you have a clear purpose, you know the “why.” When you add a commitment, you define the “how.” This combination creates a mindset focused on taking action toward meaningful goals.
2. Clarity and Focus: Your purpose statement may be broad and somewhat abstract, but your commitment statement provides specific goals that bring clarity and reduce ambiguity. It shows you where you might be out of alignment with your stated purpose.
3. Enhanced Motivation: While purpose can be inspiring, it may not always lead to immediate action. Commitment, with its clear targets and measurable steps, motivates you to achieve your goals. You see the progress and are encouraged to keep moving forward.
4. Increased Impact: Purpose tends to focus on long-term aspirations, whereas commitment includes short-term enablers that help you achieve your purpose more intentionally.

By moving from merely having a vision to actually achieving your purpose, you create a life that is more effective and impactful. This shift, from purpose to commitment, enables more successful outcomes both personally and professionally.

The Journey from Purpose to Commitment

Practical Steps to Take

1. Self-Reflection: Take time to explore your values, passions, and strengths. What truly matters to you? What are you exceptionally good at?
2. Define Your Purpose: Articulate your purpose clearly and concisely. It should reflect both what you love to do and what you are good at.
3. Set Intentional Commitments: Create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) commitments that align with your purpose. These commitments should be actionable steps that drive you towards your long-term vision.
4. Take Consistent Action: Regularly work towards your commitments. Stay focused even when faced with obstacles, and keep your eye on the long-term impact.
5. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and reward your progress. Celebrate both small and significant achievements as they come.

My Personal Transformation

I began to make more intentional commitments grounded in my purpose. I volunteered my time to mentor young professionals and joined organizations like ITSMF and NSBE.

I championed initiatives that promoted diversity and inclusion, such as the African American Leadership Council (AALC) within J&J. My commitment to these causes was no longer driven by a desire for external validation but by a genuine belief in their importance.

As my purpose became more apparent, my commitment and ability to lead evolved.

I inspired my team to find their own purpose and encouraged them to make commitments aligned with their values. Although I made mistakes along the way, I created a culture where my global team felt empowered, encouraged to showcase their unique strengths, and inspired to make a meaningful difference.

Why Purpose and Commitment Matter for Leaders

When leaders prioritize purpose and commitment, they are more likely to attract and retain top talent, foster a positive organizational culture, and create a lasting impact. This approach ensures that everyone on the team is aligned with a shared mission and motivated by a sense of meaning in their work.

• Motivation and Engagement: Employees driven by a sense of purpose are more engaged in their work, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.
• Resilience and Perseverance: Purpose and commitment provide the strength needed to overcome challenges and setbacks. They serve as a North Star guiding you through difficult times.
• Positive Impact: By aligning actions with purpose and commitments, leaders can make a meaningful difference in their organizations and communities.

The journey from purpose to commitment is transformative. By understanding your purpose and making intentional commitments, you unlock your full potential and achieve lasting success.

Remember, it's not just about where you're going but also about how you get there. With purpose and commitment as your guiding stars, you can navigate the path to career victory with confidence and fulfillment.

Are you ready to transform your career and life by finding your purpose and making intentional commitments? I am available for speaking engagements to discuss topics like this. Let’s explore how you and your organization can Win When They Say You Won’t. Please send all inquiries to [email protected].

See you in the Winner's Circle!