The power of personal purpose: why it's trending at work & how to find yours
“Find your purpose. Live a life of purpose. What's your purpose?” Why are we all talking about purpose?
Purpose has long been a buzzword, but now it seems more urgent than ever. In workplaces worldwide, discussions about purpose are becoming central to how we define success and fulfilment.
And it's not just workplaces driving the conversation – from podcasters to LinkedIn commentators, thought leaders everywhere are all exploring what it means to live a purposeful life. It's shaping how we think about everything from relationships to careers.
But what exactly is personal purpose? Why does it matter? And how can you uncover yours? Let's dive in.
What is purpose?
Purpose is something we all crave. It's the meaning we derive from our actions – big or small.
Your personal purpose is an overarching sense of what truly matters in your life. Think of it as your North Star – the "why" that drives your decisions, intentions, and behaviour.
At its core, personal purpose connects your actions to your values and clarifies what makes life meaningful. It's the difference between just going through the motions and living with intention.
Why is personal purpose important?
Having a clear sense of purpose is essential to overall well-being. A longitudinal study found that people with a strong sense of purpose experience a 15% lower risk of death.
Just look at the people of Okinawa, Japan. Purpose has been embedded in their culture for centuries through ikigai – the philosophy of finding value in life. For example, one person's ikigai might be to care for their family or animals. Another person's ikigai might be faith. It’s one reason why Okinawans are among the longest-living people in the world, showing us how purpose can transform our entire lives.
Purpose doesn't just help you live longer; it can also motivate you and provide direction when life feels chaotic. It gives meaning to your efforts and enables you to bounce back from setbacks.
Now, imagine bringing this sense of purpose into your work.
The quest for personal purpose at work
The past few years have profoundly shifted how we think about purpose. Gartner reports that the pandemic alongside economic and political uncertainty have forced many to reassess how we spend our time, energy, and social capital.
People are constantly asking themselves questions such as:
What makes me happy and whole?
What truly satisfies me?
What makes me feel valued?
Many of us spend most of our waking hours at work, and now that's under the microscope, too.
One study revealed that 76% of employees crave a sense of purpose and fulfilment in their jobs. People want their work to feel meaningful and aligned with their values.
A sense of purpose can transform how we experience our jobs. According to research from the Harvard Business Review, individuals who find meaning in their work perform better, report higher levels of health and well-being, are more effective team members, and bounce back quicker from setbacks.
Leaders who connect their work to a larger purpose are more likely to inspire and motivate others. Another study found that purpose is the most significant driver of job satisfaction and increases engagement fourfold.
So how can you align your personal purpose with your work?
Here are some examples:
Global Head of HR Strategy, Planning & Integrity for BHP, Elisa Nerone has a personal purpose to help others, saying “What is more rewarding than giving to others, problem solving, coaching and seeing people change, grow and ultimately succeed?”
On his personal purpose, Maxme’s Sachin Remson said, “Helping and supporting my fellow humans is what drives me on a daily basis, and gives me the greatest of joys.”
Acclaimed Brand Strategist Luke O’Shea’s personal purpose is to inspire others to change themselves and their community through sport.
Dive into our Human on the Inside stories for more examples of purpose at work.
How to discover your purpose
Still searching for your purpose? That's okay. Finding your purpose isn't something you can solve over coffee – it's a lifelong pursuit. If you're ready to start the journey, here are some practical steps:
1. Reflect on what energises you.
Think about moments when you felt most alive, engaged, and fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with?
2. Identify your values.
What principles guide your life? It might be kindness, curiosity, or flexibility. Being clear on your values helps you align your purpose with what truly matters to you. This is all part of your self-awareness journey.
3. Experiment and explore.
Purpose isn't always discovered by some deep thinking. Take action to find your purpose. Try new roles, volunteer, join communities that resonate with your values, and pursue your interests in new ways.
4. Keep refining.
Your purpose will evolve. Stay open to change and continue checking in with yourself about what feels meaningful.
Live your purpose
Living with purpose doesn't guarantee that every day will be inspiring or every task will feel profound. But it does mean pursuing roles and organisations that align with your values and bring out your best self. When you find ways to bring your purpose to work, everything shifts. You'll feel more engaged, fulfilled, and connected to the bigger picture.
Start small. Reflect on what truly matters to you. Experiment with opportunities that excite you. And don't be afraid to take a few wrong turns – it's all part of the journey.
Ready to discover your purpose? Simply download the Hodie app, or explore Maxme’s menu of human skills programs for organisations or schools.
Prefer to talk through your options? Contact us at any time.
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