Stop Trying to Find Your Purpose in Life

Supervisor Sam needed a break from his usual morning routine, so he decided to go into the office early to unwind. His plan was to catch up on the news while sipping a cup of coffee. He arrived at 6:00 am to find his boss’ assistant, Angie, already hard at work. She was preparing packets for an important meeting with the bigwigs at 8:30 am. Her eyes were red,  her hair was a mess and she looked as if she had been up all night.

Seeing Assistant Angie in such distress concerned  Supervisor Sam. He asked Angie if she needed help. ''Yes!” screamed Angie as she hugged Sam. ''Thank you so much. I’ve been here all night trying to accommodate Ben’s requests.'' Angie asked Sam to copy and staple some additional materials that Boss Ben had emailed her a few hours earlier. In the meantime, she would pick up breakfast for the meeting. So Sam went to work copying and stapling.

Boss Ben arrived an hour later to find Sam hard at work doing “Assistant Angie’s duties”. Boss Ben was not pleased and informed Supervisor Sam that he was not to ever perform assistant work again. Ben went on to explain that if he wanted to be a “leader”, Sam had better learn that his purpose for being at the company was to give orders and get out of the way.

Now remember Supervisor Sam was helping Assistant Angie on his personal time. The work day had not officially started yet. Sam was confused. He thought he was being a team player by helping out a team member in need. As Sam was retelling the story to me, he shared something that will forever be with me.

Sam told me that, like many of us, he spent his entire life either trying to find his purpose or live up to what he believed to be his purpose. He performed a series of expected tasks (go to school, get good grades, get a job, work hard, etc) that he hoped would one day help him fulfill his purpose in life (invent something to change the world, save a life or two, etc).

He said that he had spent most of his life chasing his purpose instead of living a fulfilling existence daily. But when Big Bad Boss Ben attempted to define Sam’s purpose in life, Sam was offended. He said that it was at that moment he understood the true purpose of life. He said that he believes EVERY person's purpose in life is to DO GOOD (or at least try to do good). AND the small tasks that we perform while doing good (or attempting to) fulfills our purpose. So helping Angie was a small task in fulfilling his purpose in life.  Further, he believes our life’s purpose is not a destination that takes years to reach, but rather a journey within which we fulfill our purpose each day doing good WHENEVER, WHEREVER and HOWEVER.

 As soon as he said it, I was sold on Supervisor Sam’s belief that our purpose in life is to try to do good daily. Grand gestures are great, but the little things count too. So whether it’s opening a door for someone with a handful of groceries or saying good morning to your coworker in the hallway; there are small things we can do to improve the lives of others. So Sam got me to thinking. I was wondering if there are some principles that if practiced will help us fulfill our purpose. What follows are 5 principles that I believe promote goodness.

Principle 1 - Be a Teacher

The world is full of wonderful people who are extremely smart. These smart people are bakers, plumbers, electricians, engineers, doctors, advertisers, authors...I could go on. One of the most impactful things you can do is teach others. When you teach someone something that they can apply in their life, you have contributed to improving their life.

Principle 2 - Be a Student

Life moves fast. We live in a time where the answer to most questions is a keystroke away and  entrepreneurs can setup a business and start selling products and services in 24 hours. Technology is transforming lives at a rapid pace. You must be a lifelong student if you want to thrive today. And the more you learn, the more you can teach others.

Principle 3 - Be a Giver

Giving your time and talents to others is one of the most valuable things you can do. Volunteerism is a powerful way to improve the lives of others. So whether you volunteer at a homeless shelter or a professional association, do something.

Principle 4 - Be Kind

Your words have the power to build people up or tear them down. Kindness is the most inexpensive gift you can give someone.  It’s free. Being kind does not mean you are weak nor does it mean that you agree with everything others tell you. Kindness simply means that you are friendly and considerate.

Principle 5 - Be a Believer

You must believe in yourself. This does not mean everything will be perfect. What it does mean is that you will try to make a difference. Some days will be better than others. But you will be the most kind teacher, student and giver that you can be.

Conclusion

In the years since having this conversation with Supervisor Sam, I have tried to be the best me that I could be. I no longer feel pressure to chase my purpose in life as if it were some grand destination I'm trying to reach. This lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Instead, I do the best I can to spread some good each day. I must admit, it is difficult, but worth the effort.

This is just my opinion, belief and experience. How about you? Are you chasing your purpose or living each moment?

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About the Author

I am an advocate for better business environments. In my day job as an auditor, I have helped companies save millions while reducing redundancies. As an author, speaker and trainer, I hope to do my part in improving people, processes and profits.

I’m a Blog Poet. We are a collection of some of the world’s best Linkedin.com author’s (still trying to figure out why they let me be one!).

Disclaimer

All comments are my personal opinion and may not reflect past, current or future employer opinions.

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