The Power of Purpose
Last night St Kilda played for a higher purpose and smashed it. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world Bernard Tomic played with admittedly no purpose, and lost it. And what fascinates me is that across all walks of life - sports, business, politics and education there is a growing divide - between those that seek out and find their WHY, their purpose, their belief and their cause and those that can't, won't or simply don't. Between those who that are driven by something bigger than themselves and others that will run out of gas.
Last night Nick Riewoldt was playing for his late sister - Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision - finding a cure for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. It's a great cause and if you'd like to get behind it you can Donate here. Nick and the team took this higher purpose and ran with this. And the results speak for themselves. By half time the Saints had a lead of 82 points and never looked back. Their goal kicking was phenomenal - better than we've seen all season. Why? Maybe it had something to do with the fact that each goal raised more money for research. That each goal had attached to it a higher purpose.
Meanwhile at Wimbledon, Tomic is out and in his own words couldn't care less. He is "bored" and is playing "only for money". Whereas Roger Federer, 11 years his senior, is still in and after winning 18 Grand Slams still playing his heart out. Is Roger in it for the money? If so he's done OK - having won over $100M in prize money alone. Or could it be that Roger plays for a higher purpose?
Well, look no further than the Federer Foundation website where he and his team aim to educate 1,000,000 children by 2018. That's his why, his cause and what motivates him to keep winning. Imagine if Tomic could finds his purpose and his WHY. Let's hope he does.
If all of this sounds familiar, then you will also be familiar with the work of Simon Sinek. If you are not, his 2009 Ted Talk this is the best 17 minutes you will spend this weekend!
For us at GoodCompany our WHY is to connect those that can give with those in need so that we can bring out the best in everyone.
What is your personal purpose? What's your company's purpose? I'd love it if you could share this in the Comments.
Managing Director ~ STWS
6 年Very well structured article Ash, thanks for posting. Sinek reference ageless.
Neuro-affirming and Mental Health Advocate | Producer | Strategist | Finance and Business Operations Transformations specialist with a deep passion for quality, governance, and effective risk management.
7 年'Activate Arts purpose for a well rounded civil society'
Clinical Manager - Health Information Services (Specialist Consulting/Outpatients)
7 年Nick all of Melbourne was behind your worthwhile cause. Salute the Game Changers in footy. I've got my purple pair of Converse
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth/ Connector/ Tech solutions for Supply Chain & Logistics
7 年We are always making sure we never loose sight of our WHY. Our purpose is to assist high performing women into the senior roles they are capable of. Through developing their executive presence and personal brand.