Discovering Your Purpose

March 8, 2018

One of the first components of building a personal brand is to understand your purpose. Having a sense of purpose is essential to our wellbeing. Believe it or not, numerous individuals wander through life without ever knowing their purpose.

I have worked in the communication field practically all my life and I can honestly say it’s been both my life’s purpose and passion. I say practically because there was a time when I got off track. Early in my career, I was downsized, and I used this opportunity to try my hand at being a buyer at a major retailer. While it seemed like it would be glamorous, I absolutely hated it. At night, I often dreamed about thousands of SKU numbers! And finding that one missing Jones New York skirt during our monthly inventory was enough to send me running for the hills. While the clothing discounts were fabulous, I quickly realized that retail wasn’t my purpose and, in fact, I wasn’t that good at it.

Purpose is a fundamental component of personal branding and of a fulfilling life. Purpose gives us a reason to get up in the morning with energy and zest to take on the world. Purpose is our “why.” When you are “in purpose,” life becomes so much easier, less complicated and less stressful.

As you begin defining your purpose, here are some things to consider:
1. What Are You Good At? In other words, what unique qualities and talents do you bring to the world? More importantly, do you love doing it. Purpose also enhances our self-confidence as we automatically feel a sense of competence and achievement as we move closer to our goals.  For example, I’ve always been a good writer and, more importantly, interested in people. I can sit for hours and talk to people. And, there’s nothing more energizing than hearing a good human-interest story. However, there are people who would rather die than attend a cocktail party and spend their time making small talk with others.

2. Are You Learning and Growing? There are many ways to update your skills. As a communications professional, I’ve personally witnessed rapid changes in the industry—especially as it relates to social media and e-marketing. Last year, I invested in myself and attended a social media conference. It allowed me to build expertise in this area and provide a strategic offering to my clients. You can also learn by volunteering for stretch assignments—especially if they align with your purpose.

3. Don’t Let Others Define You. Often, we let others define our purpose and fulfill “their” dreams instead of our own. Purpose is about being “your best you” not your mother’s best! Do what comes naturally to you.

4. Get Beyond the Fear. Fear can paralyze. The fear of failure…judgment…rejection can all contribute to not following our purpose. Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Many people get caught up in day-to-day living and surviving, instead of focusing on their true calling. However, there is no substitute for pursuing your inner purpose and bringing your authentic self to the world.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.”  Pablo Picasso