Know What to Do, Not How to Do It

I believe following a purpose is the single best career decision I've ever made.

Let me explain...

I've always believed in following your passion.

Its gotten me some happiness...but not fulfillment.

Passion is a funny way to think about work. We get passionate about so many things...but often that passion fades away over time.

Have you ever had a hobby you started and over the next year, its your obsession? Then, three years later you tell your friends you don't remember the last time you did that thing.

Why?

Passion is like your interests on steroids.

The problem is: interests change as we do. We grow older, have life changes, hopefully get a little wiser and the things we used to love give way to new passions.

So why not follow your passions?

Passions are great but I have found that chasing passions looking for fulfillment leads to a never-ending chase. Passions change! How can you reach the end destination of fulfillment when the target is always moving?

If we truly want happiness and fulfillment in our work it needs to be driven by PURPOSE...

What does purpose look like for you?

For me, I was unfulfilled and unchallenged in my career.

I knew something was off...what was it? I could barely describe. I liked what I was doing but I could never shake the feeling that there was more.

We spend 40-50 years of our lives working. That's a LONG time to be unhappy & unfulfilled. I wanted to avoid this trap for my life.

When I sat down to think and solve this problem the first place I started was to clearly identify my purpose for my work.

Not only "what did I want to do?" but "what did I want to give and get out of every day?"

What do I feel like I am missing?

Answering those questions has led to the best career decisions of my life.

I realized I wanted to be my own leader, grow other leaders, and make a positive impact.

That become my purpose.

How was I going to do that?

No idea.

Seriously, no idea.

But having that "end" purpose clearly outlined, its funny how life begins to show you the path to get there.

Flash Forward (Years)

Now, I own two businesses (be my own leader)

I have between 15-25 employees all under 20 years of age whom I have the privilege to work with every day (grow other leaders)

Our businesses sell a product that makes people happy, feel better, and we re-invest in the communities that gives back to us (positive impact)

I am living my purpose.

Gone are the feelings of unmet challenges and fulfillment.

Now, I burst out of bed each morning knowing that I can create my life and each day exactly how I want it to be.

Know what to do not how to do it

Years ago, I could not have possibly told you I'd own multiple Nautical Bowls. It didn't even exist, how could it have been the goal?

But, I clearly defined my end destination through my purpose.

Life waited until I knew where I wanted to go before it showed me the path.

In other words, I knew clearly for the first time in my life what I wanted to do. I wanted to be my own leader, grow other leaders, and make a difference.

I had NO idea how that would manifest for me. But it has.

If you are unfulfilled or lost...

Define your purpose. Know what you want to do. Stop stressing about how you do it and how you get there.

Your purpose may not be owning a business.

But if you spend enough time thinking...you will find your calling. Your purpose.

And then..

Life will take care of you.