What is the point?!

…of my life, of my work, of my time? You may ask yourself these questions periodically and rightly so. As a career coach, I encourage this type of reflection on one’s life throughout the year, not just at the beginning of a new year or the close of an old one, but throughout. We should seriously think about how we are spending our time, both at work and at home.

@ Work: You know, I remember my first job. I remember being so eager to do a good job for my boss because he was the first person to give me a chance to “make my own money”. At the age of 14 or 15 with a worker’s permit, my first job was with a janitorial service in my hometown. I cleaned office buildings and courtrooms. (Side note: It was one day in that courtroom that I decided to go to law school.) I worked with such pride in every task given because there was a purpose to my work. To me, my work with my hands reflected me. It reflected my value to my boss and to his clients. Fast forward say 20 years, I constantly ask the question – does my work reflect me? my value? Do I have a purpose in my work? I must say that over the years, while my work has always been important to me, I can honestly say that it is not about the ability to “make my own money” that gives me purpose. Now, I seek lasting impact.

@ Home: I have two elementary aged children and a spouse. I must say that they all keep me very busy. If you have immediate family members, your time with them is invaluable, priceless and absolutely necessary. In this day and age, where every thing is vying for our time, I would encourage each of us to spend more time with our loved ones. My parents passed away at 51 and 67 respectively, both very young. My mom passed away from breast cancer when I was 25 years old and my dad passed away when I was 37! At what I think is still a young age, I’m without parents. I was not prepared for how much this would affect my outlook on life. Lessons learned here are (1) tomorrow is not promised, (2) life is fragile and (3) love hard, love often, and love regardless! At the end of the day, life is full of marvelous opportunities to make lasting memories that can and will live on beyond one’s lifetime.

So what is the point? The point boils down to two words. Value and Meaning. Pay attention to what you value and how you’re valued. Find those things that give you meaning and allow you to bring meaning to others. The point: To be purposefully mindful of what you put your hands to do and be intentionally present with those who deserve your attention and will miss you the most when you’re gone.

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We are living in a purpose culture and I love it!

The world is so chaotic right now. We are living in unprecedented times. From the current divisive political climate to the troubling and crippling weather patterns we’ve experienced as a nation and the world, there is much going on. Yet, one beautiful thing has risen in our culture, during what seems to be unsettled times – that one thing being, the pursuit of purpose. Everywhere you turn, whether it is in popular magazines, colleges and universities, and even in the corporate world, people are asking deeper questions about life and work. What is the point? Why am I here? How do I find my “why”? How do I find my purpose? How do I find meaning and fulfillment in my life and work?

Maybe this is a product of the times we are living in or maybe it is a desperate reach for validity and value of humanity. Whatever it is, I am so excited to be in the middle of it. I enjoy asking questions that lead to individuals finding confidence in their natural talents, gifts and interests. I enjoy connecting people with the population they feel called to serve or the issue or cause they desire to address.  I enjoy helping people find value in the work of their hands and the creative thoughts and ideas of their minds.

The reason why I enjoy purpose is because I believe that each and every person has one. And each is significant because the world needs it all. We, humanity are somehow incomplete when others aren’t pursuing their purpose. I truly believe in the connectedness of mankind and ultimately our individual purpose serves a collective purpose – yet to be determined. But most importantly, there is so much FUN in the pursuit of it!