Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to chair a lively panel discussion at the Cambridge Judge Business School on the topic of corporate purpose. During the reception and mingling that followed, I was surprised how quickly the informal conversation turned to the theme of personal purpose. Providing space to discuss individual life purpose resulted in an engaging dialogue -- a poignant reminder of the important role that purpose plays as we navigate challenges and make sense of our lives.
Meaning, contribution, connection and fulfilment – these terms capture the concept of life purpose. As the year draws to a close, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on purpose and its potential to enhance meaning in your life.
What is my purpose?
This fundamental question dates back to the philosophers of ancient Greece. The world’s great thinkers reflected on the power of purpose that is uplifting, unselfish and altruistic. It’s this type of purpose that fuels engagement, energy and satisfaction. Purpose guides your choices and signals what you should avoid.
Not a catchy slogan
Purpose is a reflection of your unique nature -- not a catchy slogan. Instead of aiming for a grand, heroic cause, an authentic purpose represents the breadth of your values, interests and strengths. Having several sources of meaning strengthens purpose and resilience. This broader perspective releases us from the daunting pressure of embracing a single, superhuman mission.
Benefits of purpose
Purpose is an essential part of wellbeing, with decades of research supporting its value. Life purpose is associated with a remarkable range of benefits. People with a clear sense of purpose experience better mental and physical health. Purposeful living has also been linked to resilience, confidence, fulfilling relationships, career engagement and reduced stress levels.
Bringing purpose to the forefront
While you may feel a general sense of purpose, articulating that purpose is often a challenge. Purpose is notoriously abstract, and for some, it may be an unsettling topic. Our busy schedules and routines may further cloud awareness. As a consequence, we may find ourselves off-track and unfulfilled.
There are numerous approaches to explore personal purpose. Journaling, meditation and guided questioning are often recommended. In my book “60 Minutes to Reveal Your Purpose”, published March 2023, I offer a practical (hopefully fun) tool to clarify and enact purpose. In my next blog, I’ll provide an overview of these methods with advice on developing a purpose statement. Check back in January to launch 2024 with purpose!
About the author
Diane Gorsky is an international writer and speaker on the topic of purpose at the personal and organisational levels. With an MBA and 20+ years senior leadership experience, areas of expertise include workshop facilitation, culture change and organisational planning.