Leaning In to Purpose Power

Since 2015, I've been a paid contributor to Forbes. My "swim lane," as developed by me and my editor at the time, Christina Vuleta, is "aligning your career with your life purpose."

Studies show that we benefit in many ways when we are purpose-driven in our careers. For example, we enjoy:

• Greater job satisfaction: According to the 2015 U.S. Purpose Index, people with a strong sense of purpose report 64% higher levels of fulfillment at work.
• Higher levels of engagement at work: People with purpose are more engaged in their tasks, motivated to excel, and less likely to experience burnout.
• Improved health and well-being: A 2017 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that a strong sense of purpose in life was associated with a lower risk of death over a seven-year period. Having a clear purpose can contribute to reduced stress, increased meaning in life, and better overall mental and physical health.

WRITING TIP OF THE WEEK: Explore Your Sense of Purpose

Are you aligned with your life purpose? Do you even feel that you have one? Let's explore this topic with a short writing exercise.

1. Prepare an inspirational, quiet place to sit and reflect.
2. Set your alarm for 10 minutes.
3. Answer these questions:
   1. When do I feel most in the flow? During what activities do I find that time flies by, without my even glancing at the clock?
   2. When, in my work life, do I feel like I'm not working? When do I think to myself, "Wow, I am getting paid to do this?"
   3. When, in my personal life, do I find myself thinking, "Gee, I really wish I could do this for a career."
   4. What activities do I engage in, during the course of my everyday life, that make me feel as though I'm making a positive impact with my efforts?
4. Now reflect:
   1. Are there ways to incorporate these activities into my current job?
   2. Is it time, perhaps, to consider a career change?
   3. Can I find volunteer opportunities that feel in alignment with my purpose?

Did you learn anything about yourself during this exercise? 

Aloha,

MeiMei

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?"

– Henry David Thoreau