8 Ways to Fuel Your Career and Drive With Purpose
I once heard someone say that when you wake up and your feet hit the floor running, that you have found your purpose. Well, this morning, I was dragging – I was tired, and didn’t feel like getting up at all, but I did anyway. I struggled with fatigue from the weekend celebrations. I poured a cup of coffee and went through my routine, not feeling like working out, but I did it anyway. It was tough, but I powered through it. I then showered and started my work day. Is it because I haven’t found my purpose – absolutely not – it’s because I’m tired… LOL! However, when we drive with purpose, we get through the tough moments in our career and life and it helps us stay on track. I once heard Deion Sanders, Hall of Fame Football player and college coach share, I don’t have bad days, but I have bad moments or bad hours.” That is all this is and we should give ourselves grace when they show up… but stay in pursuit.
Earlier this week, I was having a conversation with a friend about my new book Drive With Purpose and some of the career lessons I shared in my books that have guided me during my career. So, as I was running this morning, I started reflecting and made a list of those lessons or “milemarkers” that have made the most impact on me and for me along my career journey. It’s was has shaped me and helped me power through – especially during the tough times. My uncle Walter was a high school football coach for many years and he would always share this quote when passing out equipment to his players in the locker room, “we can issue you everything you need, but desire” – and that cannot be handed out. It has to come within. With desire, you can accomplish anything, you just need to drive with purpose every day.
So here are a few lessons that have stood out in my career… and with desire, they will help you too…
Your network is your net worth – start walking with the dreamers and the doers, those that light a fire within you, and connect with those that light up when they see you coming. Developing a network starts with one conversation.
Give up to go up – I first read this in a John Maxwell book – the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. It may be time for you to give up a project, or volunteer position, or make a lateral move to get to the next – and it might include taking a pay cut – the best has all made sacrifices.
Know people’s names. When I attended a Dale Carnegie sales class years ago, I walked away with lot of resources, but nothing bigger than knowing people’s names – it’s a skill, and the ultimate connector. Learn people’s names, use them, practice them, and make it part of who you become.
The 100/0 rule – this is a trap that many of us get caught up in – we get distracted when we start wondering why others aren’t doing their part, or leading like we think they should – but when we focus on giving 100% and expecting 0% – we no longer worry and live in gratitude.
Send a note and build friendships – In my book “Find Your Lane” I talk about the art of writing personal notes and how personal notes have lifted me like no other. I have since made it a practice and want to encourage you to do the same – it will be a treasure like no other.
Don’t ever look at the empty seats – I heard a story years ago while watching Charlie Daniels being interviewed and the best advice, he might share for others… he said, don’t ever look at the empty seats.” Stay focused on the people or the clients that came to see you or who you get to serve and stop worrying about who’s not there.
Leaders are dealers in hope – I once wondered if I was making a difference speaking with a group of professionals at a luncheon about personal development when an attendee came up after the meeting and shared how I gave her hope. She was stuck and needed some inspiration to believe again. You may not be there to help everyone – but you are there to help someone.
The top of the mountain is the bottom of the next – when you think you have reached the peak, you are now ready for your next ascent – keep climbing!
In “Drive With Purpose, I talk about the three stages of our career – learn, earn, and return. Many of you are in the learn stage, it’s the stage of learning as much as you can, it’s a stage of learning both success and failure, and a chance to learn from others. Many of you are in the earning stage – taking what you have learned and adding value to your organization and those around you. And many of you have moved into the return stage – taking the opporutnity to invest your time and pay it forward by sharing your wisdom and expertise with others. However, the common thread for high performers in all stages is growth and gratitude. When we live in growth, we are always moving forward and when we live in gratitude – we are grateful for every stage, every moment, and every day. Stay in pursuit – even when you wake up feeling tired!
“Significance offers a consistent direction amidst the ever-changing landscape of success. (Excerpt from Drive With Purpose)
Call to Action – What stands out to you? What would you add to this list? Share this list with others and tag #MoveToInspire on social. I would enjoy hearing from you!
Looking for more fuel to continue driving with purpose? Listen to Life in the Leadership Lane podcast – Season 5 is here!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday and Hot Off the Press - Drive With Purpose, Move Your Career from Success to Significance! All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.