How do you find purpose in the workplace?
One of the things I enjoy about speaking is sharing perspective… and then getting questions when I finish. One of the more popular questions I receive each time is around finding purpose. I think we can all relate to feeling more connected to our work and personal life. I often share how early in my career, I was also trying to find my lane, my purpose, my calling… and when I found it, life just got better in all areas of my life. So how do we find it? How do we find that connection that creates joy in our everyday? For some it’s easy and others it can be very difficult. In fact, the New York Times reported in July 2020 that only 25% of people surveyed said they knew their purpose. I get it - which is the reason I named one of my chapters “driving with purpose” in my book “Find Your Lane” … and it takes an intentional pursuit to be purposeful in our everyday!
On my podcast, Life in the Leadership Lane, I ask my guests the question, when did you “find your lane” in your career? Love the question and the stories by everyone. Some share that one big moment - while others talk about little moments over time. However, there is a common theme, and its awareness. It’s your why? It’s knowing what makes you feel inspired and what brings joy to you and others in your everyday. For me – I remember than moment!
When I joined Armstrong Relocation, I was in pursuit of purpose… I knew my purpose in life was to be a great husband, dad and follower of Christ, but I had not found fulfillment in my previous jobs, and was starting to wonder about the direction my career was headed. I remember hearing the quote “find the work you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” over and over… Then my phone rang from a friend that had a friend that needed to help his mom relocate from an assisted living center. I called the friend, and he was so stressed about his mom’s move and saw how my role was able to reduce his stress. It was that day I realized that my purpose was to help, support, and encourage others in the area of relocation (a stressful time) and found many ways to do this over the next 18 years through my work as a relocation executive, volunteer leader, author, speaker, and more. But it didn’t just happen overnight, it evolved over time… some people know their purpose early in their career and hit the gas - but it can take time for others. So, what are some things we can do? Start where you are…
1. Take an assessment – this leads to reflection!
2. Share reflection with others – this leads to ideas!
3. Try new ideas – this leads to a world of possibilities!
4. A world of possibilities will help you serve others – this leads to purpose!
Finding our purpose comes down to finding alignment in who we are and who we want to be – in the workplace and in our personal life. So, let’s start here…
Later, I did find that saying to be true… “when you find the work you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. When you find this to be true, then you know your living out your career purpose.
“Stop managing your career and start leading your life.” (Bruce Waller)
What is important to you? How do you find yourself helping others in your work? Start a conversation with someone you know around purpose and see where it leads… in the workplace or in your community. It just may change your career – and your life.
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. 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.