Everyone seems to be searching for their purpose these days—but what if we’ve been asking ourselves the wrong question?
Purpose is such a hefty topic these days. Every company I work with is exploring their purpose: why they exist as a company and how they are going to make the world a better place for future generations. Don’t get me wrong – I think it’s great that for-profit companies are having this conversation. I’ve seen it prompt some meaningful strategic trade-offs and ‘bold moves’ that undoubtedly will have a positive impact on our world.
Purpose is also an important topic for individuals, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. And yes, the so-called Great Resignation is evidence of people leaving their jobs in droves to pursue work they find more meaningful. If you are one of those people who has a strong sense of what your purpose in is life and are fully living it, then I am delighted for you (really!). At the same time, I’ve met many more people who are not so clear on this point. They can sense a lack of meaning in their lives and may to some extent feel stuck, but they are not (yet) able to articulate their ‘personal purpose’.
If you feel this way, I want to advocate for a different perspective, so beautifully captured in this poem by Martha Postlethwaite. Rather than preoccupying yourself with grand questions of purpose, why not tune into a contribution that is uniquely yours – ‘the song that is your life’? This could take so many forms – bringing moments of laughter to stressful situations, hosting dinner parties for your community, playing the piano with the windows open so others can enjoy the beauty of your music. For me right now, it’s simply putting this poetry out into the world for others, in the hopes that it provides a moment of rest and some space in your day.
We don’t all have to be Oprah, Elon Musk, or Jason Sudeikis (that’s for you, Ted Lasso fans!), performing on a world stage. But if we can each tune into and express our unique voice, we can add to a growing chorus of people touching the lives of those around us and bringing positive change to the world, no matter the scale.
