Purpose in the Storm: How Challenges Can Reveal Your Why

The Power of Purpose in Adversity

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes it's in those challenging moments that we discover our true purpose. Having a clear purpose can increase our resilience and help us navigate difficult situations (Csikszentmihalyi, 2014).

The Consequences of Unclear Purpose

When faced with challenges and an unclear purpose, it's easy to feel demotivated and lost. As Victor Frankl said, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose" (Frankl, 1946). In our work teams, this lack of purpose can often devolve into finger-pointing, infighting, and even the loss of top performers.

A Personal Storm

In my 20s, a relative was accused of theft, thrown into police cells and faced prison time. He was about to lose his future because a university roommate accused him of stealing his clothes. Since I didn't have an exact address, I spent an entire afternoon knocking at people's houses looking for the accuser. When I finally found him, he agreed to drop the charges for a "reasonable" amount of money. My purpose was simple, "Keep the relative in university to secure his future". That emboldened me to knock every door, and agree to the inflated settlement.

Finding Your Purpose in the Storm

When challenges arise, it's an opportunity to reaffirm your purpose. Here are the steps you can take:

• Face the Challenge head on: Define the problem and its consequences. For instance, are you confronting the possibility of reputational damage.
• Explore Options: Gather your team and brainstorm solutions. What actions can you take to minimise the damage and keep the trust of your clients. Make sure you listen, especially to those team members who only talk when asked.
• Choose a Path: Select the best option and get the team's buy-in. Before choosing, ask yourself, did we have a frank discussion about the different options. If you were all in agreement, it might be a sign that you didn't have a frank discussion.
• Take Action: Start immediately, while emotions are high, to gain momentum. Many great solutions die due to loss of passion.
• Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly assess progress and adjust your approach as needed. Always keep in mind, the option you selected might not work. You should be open to change, in line with your purpose.

Conclusion

Purpose is the anchor that holds you steady in the face of adversity. Make sure that you and your team are always clear on your it. What's your purpose, your big WHY? Will it stand in the face of a storm?

Quote:

"Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose." Frankl, 1946

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References:

[1] Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2014). Flow and the Foundations of Positive Psychology. Springer.

[2] Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man's Search for Meaning. Simon and Schuster.

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