The Power of Purpose and It's connection to Energy

In a recent video we shared, Simon Fagg shared a recent experience he had at a youth camp as a leader. He shared a story of a young man who was tired, worn out and too exhausted to engage in a particular activity. However, minutes later was spotted running around playing football, Simon reflected on the link between Energy and Purpose. I’ve been thinking about this link since he shared this experience.

?In the pursuit of career success, we often focus on skills, education, and networking. While these factors are obviously important, there's one often-overlooked element that can assist you in your professional journey: energy. It seems that only later in peoples careers do they start to focus on their energy as they realise it is certainly a finite resource. Energy, in the context of your career, isn't just about staying awake at your desk; it's about the passion, enthusiasm, and inner drive that will help to propel you forward. More importantly, it's intrinsically linked to your sense of purpose.

?Uncovering Your Purpose

?Your career isn't just a job; it's a significant part of your life. To thrive in it, you need to understand why you do what you do. This is your purpose – the underlying reason that fuels your career aspirations. Without a clear sense of purpose, your professional path may feel like an aimless wander through the job market.

?To discover your purpose,? you may consider asking yourself:

?What Impact Do I Want to Make?

Consider the kind of impact you aspire to have on the world, your community, or even just within your organisation. Is it helping others, creating art, solving complex problems, or something else entirely?

?What Drives My Passion?

Reflect on the activities or subjects that genuinely excite you. What could you talk about or work on endlessly without feeling drained?

?What Are My Core Values?

Identify the values that matter most to you. Your career should align with these values to feel fulfilled.

?

Energy in your Career

?As briefly mentioned before, Energy in your career isn’t just about staying awake at your desk, but it's about the passion and enthusiasm you bring to work each day. Once you've pinpointed your purpose, you'll discover that it's like an energy source waiting to be tapped into. Here's how your purpose and energy are intricately connected in your career:

?Motivation and Resilience

When your career aligns with your purpose, you'll find a source of motivation to overcome challenges. You're more likely to bounce back from setbacks because you're driven by a deeper cause.

?Passion and Creativity

Purpose fuels passion, and passion sparks creativity. When you're passionate about your work, you're more likely to come up with innovative solutions and ideas, making you an asset in your field and to your organisation. I have found that when a task is linked to one of my core personal values my creative thinking is heightened.

?Work-Life Balance

We have heard a lot about this since the pandemic, however, pursuing your purpose in your career often leads to a healthier work-life balance. You're less likely to burn out because your work is intrinsically rewarding.

?Networking and Collaboration

Your purpose can be a magnet for like-minded individuals. When you're passionate about what you do, you'll naturally attract people who share your values and goals, leading to fruitful collaborations and networking opportunities.

?

?Cultivating Energy and Purpose

?Like every journey, there are ups and downs and our careers are not indifferent, at times we may feel energised and enthused in our chosen profession. At other times we may feel like we are stuck in a rut, we may struggle to connect to our inner purpose and consequently may feel lethargic at work. Here are some potential suggestions to cultivate energy by remaining true to our purpose.

?1. Continuous Self-Reflection: Regularly revisit your purpose and ensure that your career is still aligned with it. As you grow and evolve, so too may your sense of purpose.

?2. Set Meaningful Goals: Your career goals should be rooted in your purpose. These goals will serve as milestones that keep you motivated and on track. As humans we desire progression and goals are a great way to positively reinforce our efforts.

?3. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from mentors, colleagues, and friends. They can offer valuable insights into whether your energy is being channelled effectively.

?

In conclusion, energy is not just a physical resource; it's the emotional and mental fuel that powers your career. When you connect your career to your purpose, you unlock a bank of energy that can propel you throughout your career. It is important to take the time to uncover your purpose, nurture it, and watch as it transforms your professional life into a journey filled with passion, creativity, and meaning.