The Power of Shaping Your Destiny

Introduction:

It can be tempting to believe that we’ve been handed a script already written by our circumstances, upbringing, society, or even a higher power.? It’s a script that tells us who we should be, what we should value and, more importantly, where our purpose lies.? However, as we step into the spotlight, a bigger question arises.? Do we find a purpose, or do we can create one?

The idea or concept of purpose has fascinated us for centuries.? Some argue that we can stumble upon it, like a hidden treasure waiting to be found as our destiny plays out.? Others believe that purpose is a raw material we can shape with our intentions.

I want to examine whether we find or create purpose and discover the beauty of what happens when we embrace the power to shape our destinies.

To Find a Purpose

During my coaching sessions, I meet people who seem to be trying to “find” their purpose.? They do this by looking at their careers, relationships, hobbies, and spirituality.? It’s as if they’re navigating uncharted waters to reach the mythical land of Purpose.

1.?????? The Idea of Destiny:? The people who believe in finding their purpose subscribe to the holistic idea of destiny.? They tend to trust that predetermined path that each of us has, with a purpose waiting to be unveiled.

?2.?????? The Search for Passion: Some search for purpose through their passion. There’s a belief that if they follow their passions, their true purpose will reveal itself.? This approach can allow us to explore various interests, hoping that one will resonate with us deeply enough that we can declare, “This is it!”

?3.?????? External Validation:? We can also look at purpose through having external validation, where our worth is measured by societal standards, such as seeking approval, admiration, and signs that we’ve been successful in finding our purpose.? This is where many of us feel that purpose equals achievement.

But hold on, is it a matter of finding a purpose, or is there more to this concept?

The Power to Create Purpose

However, what if we came with a different perspective and realised that we hold the power to create our purpose?? So, instead of being passive, why don’t we become active architects and create our destinies?

1.?????? Our Blank Canvas: Imagine your purpose as a blank canvas that we’re actively painting with our choices and intentions. This way, we can view our purpose as a creative endeavour where we’re simultaneously the artist and the masterpiece.

?2.?????? Evolution and Adaptation: We know that life isn’t static, nor is purpose.? When we can embrace the concept of creating purpose, we recognise its ability to evolve, adapt and grow.? Another interesting thought is that a singular purpose does not bind us; we have the freedom to explore, change direction, redefine, and grow.

?3.?????? Embracing Meaning: ?We decide to create meaning, and we can infuse it into every aspect of our lives.? From professional careers to relationships, we find significance in the seemingly mundane, transforming everyday tasks into purposeful actions.

?4.?????? Overcoming Challenges:? When life throws challenges our way, and we have accepted that we can create our purpose, these challenges become opportunities.? We no longer wait for a crisis to find a purpose; we actively seek it even at our darkest times.

The Defining Intersection

Allowing the debate of finding or creating a purpose to rage on, perhaps this is an opportunity to recognise the harmonious intersection that can be achieved of both approaches.? There’s no need for it to be an either-or scenario; it’s more of a delicate dance between discovery and invention.

1. Inner Exploration: To create our purpose, we must first embark on a journey of inward exploration.? We must understand our values, desires, and talents.? Following this process of self-discovery will help us uncover the ingredients with which our purpose will be created.?

2. External Inspiration: The fire of inspiration can be ignited by external influences.? Wisdom from a mentor, an incredible book, or an experience that changes our lives, all of which can trigger moments of profound clarity.

3. Mindful Living: Whether we find or create our purpose, being mindful plays a crucial role.? Being present and fully engaged in the experience allows us to recognise purpose in the smallest moments.

4. Authenticity: To pursue purpose (whether found or created) demands us to be authentic.? This requires us to be true to ourselves, unburdened by the expectations and judgements of others. Authenticity can be used as our compass.

Leadership and Purpose

Looking through the lens of leadership, purpose takes on a profound significance.? A while ago, I read an article in the Harvard Business Review which talked about leaders who are clear about their purpose, role, whom they serve, driven by their values and authentic, are the kind of incredible human beings that capture the imagination of their teams.? Their wisdom isn’t merely about profitability, surplus or market share; they have a higher aspiration that transcends that all.

1.?????? Values as the Foundation: Having values as a foundation is a good indication of having a purpose in leadership.? Your values will act as the foundation by which you make decisions.? When you are constantly able to align your actions with your values, it creates a sense of trust and authenticity.? Your team will recognise that they’re following someone principled and consistent.

?2.?????? Impact-Oriented Action: We’re not talking about crafting an eloquent mission statement that looks great on the wall; it’s about tangible impact-orientated action.? Purpose-driven leaders actively seek ways in which they can make a positive difference each day in the lives of their teams, customers, and community as a whole.? It’s not about just talking; it’s about walking the walk.

?3.?????? Inspiration and Empowerment: Purpose-driven leaders inspire and seek to empower.? They fully understand that a motivated team's collective energy and commitment can achieve great things.

?4.?????? Adaptability and Resilience: We’ve previously discussed that purpose isn’t static; it evolves as circumstances change.? Purpose-driven leaders are adaptable and resilient.? They can understand that challenges and setbacks are inevitable.? When faced with such challenges, they hold fast to their purpose and adapt their strategies.

?5.?????? Continuous Growth: Leaders committed to their purpose are also committed to personal growth.? They seek knowledge, embrace change, and are open to new perspectives.? This ensures that their purpose remains relevant and impactful.

The Interplay in Leadership

Just like the broader concept of purpose, finding or creating, leading with purpose isn’t binary; it’s a harmonious exchange between the two.

Finding Purpose in Leadership

Often, leaders find their purpose after having experienced a profound realisation or experience about their strengths or passions.? These moments of clarity can transform you and set you on a path of purpose.

Creating Purpose in Leadership

Creating purpose, however, involves a deliberate and conscious effort to shape a leadership identity that aligns with your values and aspirations.?

Leaders who can navigate this interplay skilfully understand that finding and creating purpose are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Finding purpose provides the initial spark of inspiration, while creating purpose empowers you to turn that inspiration into a guiding force for your journey.

To Finish:

So, do you think you could find a purpose or create one? The answer lies in recognising that both aspects are intrinsic to our human experience. Sometimes, purpose reveals itself in unexpected moments of clarity; other times, it emerges through deliberate actions and intentions.

Leadership purpose exemplifies the combination of these two approaches. Regardless of who you’re leading, purpose is your compass, your guiding light. It's not about following a preordained script; it's about becoming the author of your purpose-driven leadership narrative.

As leaders, we need to embrace the duality of purpose, acknowledging that we have the power to find it within ourselves and create it in our organisations. By doing this, we shape our destinies and inspire those around us to embark on powerful journeys of their own.

When you reflect, remember that purpose is not a destination but a journey where you are both the seeker and the creator, the explorer and the architect. So, go out there and lead with purpose; it’s in your hands to find and create it, and in doing so, make a meaningful impact on the world.