Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, or that your job lacks deeper meaning? Connecting to your personal “why” could be the key to transforming your work from just a job into a fulfilling journey. In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps to align your work with your deeper motivations, leading to greater satisfaction and success.
What Is Personal Why, and Why Does It Matter?
Your personal “why” is the driving force that gives your work meaning. It’s what makes you passionate about what you do and connects your daily tasks to a greater purpose. Reflect on your top three career moments. What made those experiences stand out? How did they align with your core values? As Simon Sinek highlights in Start with Why, understanding your “why” can significantly impact your motivation and effectiveness at work (Sinek, 2009).
“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
The Essence of Purpose
At its essence, purpose is the driving force behind what you do—it’s the underlying reason that fuels your passion, motivates your actions, and gives meaning to your work. Purpose gives you the fuel and energy to create and live with meaning. Discovering your purpose involves introspection, reflection, and a deep exploration of your values, strengths, and aspirations. Your purpose is not merely about what you do but why you do it—it’s the higher calling that surpasses your day-to-day tasks and propels you toward a greater sense of fulfillment and impact.
Aligning Personal Purpose with Organizational Goals
Your purpose within the company is intricately linked to the organization’s values, mission, and objectives. When your personal purpose aligns with the company’s overarching goals and vision, magic happens. You feel a sense of resonance and alignment with the organization’s mission, which fuels your motivation, engagement, and commitment to making a meaningful contribution. By understanding how your individual purpose intersects with the company’s purpose, you become a driving force for positive change and progress. With this, there is a natural momentum that forges you forward and typically comes with successful results.
The Impact of Purpose on Engagement and Productivity
Individuals who are connected to their purpose are more engaged, productive, and invested in their work. When you understand the deeper meaning behind your role within the company, you approach your tasks with a sense of enthusiasm, ownership, and dedication. Challenges become opportunities for growth, setbacks become learning experiences, and successes become milestones on your journey toward realizing your purpose. By tapping into your “why,” you unleash a reservoir of energy and passion that propels you to new heights of effectiveness and achievement.
How to Discover Your Personal Why
- Reflect on Your Values, Strengths, and Passions: Consider what truly motivates you and how these elements align with your current role.
- Visualize Your Ideal Workday: Imagine waking up each morning excited to tackle your tasks because they’re connected to something meaningful.
- Daily Practice: Set aside 15 minutes each morning to connect with your “why” and see how it shifts your focus and energy throughout the day. Daniel Pink’s Drive emphasizes that aligning work with your intrinsic motivations can enhance overall performance and satisfaction (Pink, 2009).
References
- Sinek, S. (2009). Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Penguin Group.
- Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
- Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.
- Irwin, J. R., & Cialdini, R. B. (2017). The Importance of Purpose: How Meaning in Life Drives Success. Journal of Business Psychology, 32(4), 423-435.
- Coutu, D. (2009). The Role of Purpose in Career Success. Harvard Business Review.
- Harvard Business Review. (2021). Finding Your Purpose at Work. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review
- Waldinger, R. (2015). What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness. TED Talk. Retrieved from TED
- Mind Tools. (n.d.). Finding Your Purpose. Retrieved from Mind Tools