Personal Purpose Power

As the year winds down and performance reviews approach, have you paused to consider what truly drives you? Crafting your personal purpose could be the key to guiding your life's work.

Why Personal Purpose Matters

Think of your purpose as your North Star statement. It clarifies what gives you meaning, reflects your values and strengths, and inspires joy in your life’s work. It is a succinct statement that summarizes what you do and why you do it.

A personal purpose reminds me of the yoga practice of concentrating on a ‘drishti’ – or focused gaze. In yoga, your gaze could be focused on an unmoving point on the wall, a steady breath, or an inner vision. Ancient yogis found that where you are focused, your attention follows, increasing the clarity and quality of your thoughts and movement.

Similarly, when you intentionally define and focus on your life’s purpose, you create clarity of what you value and build mindfulness that leads to action.

Crafting your North Star

This powerful statement is also simple in design. Here’s a construct to get started:

I (what you do) so that (inspirational benefit to others/organizations/world).

Here are some examples:

• I teach children to thrive so that they can be happy, healthy, and productive.

• I push the boundaries of technology to so that people may live healthier lives.

• I help people learn and grow so that they can achieve their greatest potential.

• I champion the rule of law so that organizations can ethically contribute to societal needs.

Are you inspired? Take five minutes right now to draft your purpose statement.

The Gut Check: Is it Right for You?

Once you have a statement, ask yourself:

• Exciting: Does it energize you?

• Expansive: Does it reflect your life’s broader goals?

• Worthy: Does it benefit others?

Keep tweaking your purpose until it feels right to you. Then, share it with others to get their reaction.

Reflecting on your Purpose

Once you have your purpose statement, use it as a lens to view your performance goals in a broader light. Journal your thoughts:

• Why is this purpose important to you?

• In what ways are you living to your personal purpose?

• Are you having the impact you aspire to have?

• How might your colleagues describe your purpose based on your actions?

• How else might you intentionally live to your purpose?

Your personal purpose is a powerful North Star to guide your life’s work. Embrace it, share it, and let it guide your choices and impact on others. A life driven by purpose is truly fulfilling.