When we think of purpose, we can sometimes get this concept confused with mission or vision. But purpose plays a completely different role in business and in life. Purpose is the WHY. Why you do what you do. Why you keep going. And your “why” is permanent — it holds a deep place in your heart. Finding your purpose takes place not only in your personal life, but also your professional career. Your purpose can be contagious, and it will help you lead your team in a successful direction.
Connect Your ‘Why’ to Your Behaviors
You won’t be able to identify your purpose if you can’t connect and find the reasoning behind the actions you are taking in your daily life. Sometimes this can come off as muscle memory, and as Ashley Grice said in her recent TED Talk, purpose is your muscle memory. Purpose is the cultural norm and the shared understanding of behavior that you practice every day.
Finding your purpose can take some time, and many people don’t truly understand the difference between purpose and vision. Purpose will never change your style of leadership; however, vision and mission will change based on leadership styles and it should change as you and your team adapt.
Can you identify your purpose? Now, can you identify your vision and your mission?
Be Authentic
People will know and catch on if your purpose doesn’t replicate your true, authentic self. It’s not rocket science, but it takes time to find out how to be your authentic self and then how to truly find your purpose. Check out my previous blog post about how to be authentic and how to engage authentically with others.
Your purpose must be consistent with your values, and this is being authentic. Your purpose will be applied to your entire business operation if you are authentic and can show people the passion behind your why.
“The two most important days in life are the day you were born, and the day you discover the reason why.” – Mark Twain
Ask For Help
Finding your purpose may not come to you right away, so asking your friends and family members may be helpful in truly finding your purpose. They are the ones that are interacting with you most. They will also have a different perspective on who you are and how they perceive you. Surprisingly, their perspective may be completely different than yours. So what do you have to lose? It may only help you in the end.
By using your ideas and their ideas combined, I am confident you will find what your purpose is.
What steps will you take to find your purpose? Or, if you already know your purpose, please share it below! Thanks for reading.
Emma Condon - Business Development through Leadership 
These are great points you make! I appreciated you recommending to ask your friends and family because they will definitely have a different perspective. I look forward to reading more!
LikeLike
Thank you for your comment, Shannon!
LikeLike
It is important to be authentic in your purpose because others around you will know when you don’t have passion. Great post!
LikeLike
Hello Alex! Thank you for your comment. I hope to connect with you soon!
LikeLike
I love the authentic recommendation to often people pretend to be something they are not because they are in a room with important people and everyone can see right through that. Great article!
LikeLike
Hello Pamela! I love your comment and I can relate. I hope to connect with you soon!
LikeLike
I absolutely loved this topic and the part about asking your friends and family. As for your question, I have an inclination to believe my purpose is to spread love- but the method of which to do it, especially in a world where it isn’t the most rewarded ambition, is yet to be known. Cheers!
LikeLike
Hello Justin! Thank you so much for commenting. I think your purpose of spreading love is wonderful! I hope to learn from you and your blog posts about spreading love.
LikeLike
Absolutely love this blog and especially the Mark Twain quote. Its all about discovering the reason ‘why’. So true and something that everyone should definitely take into account more. These steps and this sort of meaningful intention helps to focus on what truly matters the most. This helps me to really think through and prioritize things in my life; what does and doesn’t serve a purpose. Definitely something to consider before taking on any endeavor in life.
-Thanks Emma
LikeLike
Thank you for your comment, Brandon. I agree with you, it helps me prioritize things in my life as well. I appreciate your feedback!
LikeLike