How to Find Purpose and Make Your Mark at Work
For the first few years in my career, I was completely lost.
I had no passion. My career didn't align with my purpose, my values. I stood for nothing. My job paid the bills. That was the only driver!
Then something changed.
I started thinking about my core values. What did I really stand for? Or put it another way, what was it that got me in my element?
I realized that my work was my opportunity to express myself, to manifest myself to the world. I could solve problems. I could change lives, help others grow. It was the vehicle for my own progression. It taught me to deal with the outside world, handling uncomfortable situations to find my growth. It taught me about myself.
This change of perspective just got me on a different trajectory. I started bringing energy to work. My interactions with the outside world improved. My positive mindset, curiosity to grow, desire to help started creating a ripple. My sphere of influence increased.
There's a long way to go for me. But if there's one thing that I've learnt that's helped me change things for the better, that is to respect and appreciate what I do for a living. Finding meaning and value in my work has completely changed the way I show up everyday.
It all comes with time. But it starts with a thought. Start thinking about ways you can challenge yourself and buckle down to work harder than ever before. Remember, you have to give before you get. You have to serve before you expect.
If you want to elevate your game, you need to start showing up as if you have a stake in the business. Every conversation you have, every problem you try to fix is your opportunity to make your mark.
You can can bring out your best version with a smile and intent to help or waste these precious years of your career aimlessly moving along without a purpose. The choice is always there.
It took me many years to realize this. Hopefully it doesn't take you that long to figure it out. You can change your mindset now!