Purpose

Often when one feels stuck or stagnant in their current job it’s because there’s a discrepancy between the work they actually do, day after day, and their drive to make a positive impact in their work. Sadly, often that desired impact is entirely missing. Purpose is missing. A big black hole. Misery!

There is high value in knowing, affirming and living one’s purpose because it provides the powerful driving force to be engaged in their work -  and to keep moving forward.

Simon Sinek provides a simple framework to clarify one’s Purpose:

MY ASSETS (Knowledge, Interests, Values Skills) , to make a CONTRIBUTION, to make an IMPACT

Example: Using his many tools, the cabinet maker constructs a cabinet, resulting in the delight and pleasure of his customer.  

Let’s start with Impact and work backwards.

What Impact am I driven to make?  

  • The builder’s impact: to build a house that is a place of respite for a family.

  • The crime investigator’s impact: to sort through the evidence to solve a crime so there is justice.

  • The pianist’s impact: to provide music that is enjoyable, inspiring and affirms “Life’s good.”

  • The educator’s impact: to inspire their students to learn and succeed in life.

  • The leader’s impact: to inspire coworkers to work at their best.

  • The financial planner’s impact: to organize numbers so the client can be hopeful for a promising financial future.

Now think about your ideal job: 

  1. What impact are you driven to make? 

  2. What value are you driven to provide?

  3. Clearly articulate what makes you feel fulfilled.

  4. Better understand what drives your behavior when you’re at your natural best.

While there are several essential components to one’s Career Profile, one’s clearly articulated purpose is at the very heart of it. The very foundation of it. 

Second Story Career Counseling

  • Clearly articulated Purpose Statement

  • Write My Story Career Profile

  • Crucial conversations to process and explore 

Together, your pathway will be clear. Start moving forward with confidence and hope.

~Phil Nienhuis, LMSW