Tuesday’s Tip – Find meaning and purpose in your life
The last time that I checked, I have held jobs at nine different companies. I have been a salesman, a product manager, an organization development consultant, a training manager, and even a college football coach. And, I can honestly say that there were certain aspects of every job that I really loved. As a salesman selling payroll services, I enjoyed speaking with prospects about their companies. Working in the field of training helped me discover my passion for teaching and helping others. Managing other people allowed me to learn that I do much better working on teams where I can consult with others on big or complex decisions. As a football coach, I enjoyed connecting with the players and seeing them improve.
I can remember one conversation with a friend of mine about ten years ago after I had finished telling him about a new job. He said, “It’s amazing how much passion you have for each new job. You talk about how you’re helping people or your product is the best thing since sliced bread. You know, Doug, you’re kind of an idealist…” I don’t really remember what he said after that. Keep in mind this is someone who had majored in one subject in college, got a Master’s degree in the same subject, and has been working in the same field for the last 19 years. I was really taken back.
“Am I really just an idealist, chasing something that I will never attain?” I thought. It was a scary thought and kept me occupied for the next couple of days. In the end, I realized that by finding meaning and purpose in my work, I was highly motivated and more productive. In his popular book, Happier, Tal Ben-Shahar writes, “Being an idealist is being a realist in the deepest sense – it is being true to our real nature.”
I have two goals in life: inspire other people to be happier and leave the planet in better shape than I found it. These are some pretty lofty goals but I really cannot imagine living life any other way. Having lofty goals motivates me for the long term. My vision for happier.com is that we are the place to go for anyone interested in improving themselves. I can see us improving the lives of millions of people, helping companies, and, possibly, affecting public policy in a positive way. But, my goals also motivate me in the short term. There are certain aspects of my current role that I do not like but knowing my goals and my strengths always seems to pull me through the toughest of tasks.
So, if you are having trouble with your current role, you can always look for something else. In the meantime, ask yourself these questions to see if you find meaning and purpose in what you do.
- Who do you serve directly in your current role?
- Who might benefit, indirectly, from what you do every day?
- How might you contribute more by using your strengths?
- If I were to write my own personal mission statement, what would it say?
As Todd Kashdan writes in Curious, “Meaning enhances our capacity to work toward a future that is most in sync with our deepest values and interests.” So, while we usually think of being happier as pleasurable activities, finding meaning and purpose in what you do every day has the staying power for long-lasting happiness.
happier.com is a personal trainer for your happiness. With more than a dozen tools and tests to help you measure, track and improve your happiness, you can trust the happier.com experts to help you reach your goals. Exclusive videos and a popular blog mean there’s something new to learn every day. Download the free iPhone application or find what you’re looking for with the Positive Psychology Practitioner Directory. happier.com is on Facebook, LinkedIn, and twitter and has meetup groups in Washington, Philadelphia, and Portland, with more planned. Click here for a social media press release from our launch.
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Your vision is quite achievable and so necessary. It seems like the world (or at least the United States, where I have the most experience) is coming to a bit of a crisis.
Today, we have so much on our plate. Perhaps we can all use a good dose of simplification guided by what’s important to us. Or of our deepest values. Or enjoyable and meaningful as Ben-Shahar writes.
Years ago I attended a self-improvement program called the Forum. After a few days you come to the guided conclusion that life is “empty and meaningless.”
On a certain level, I don’t think we’ll ever be able to prove that “this is my purpose” or even that life would be better if we all followed our inherent purpose. All I know is that “empty and meaningless” means that I–and you, get to put anything in that empty spot.
It’s interesting to put different things there over our life time and see which ones make us (enjoyment + meaning) most happy.
Thanks for the site. I’m enjoying the blog, Doug.
I love that you jump around all over the place doing different things. What better way to help and enjoy people and life. If that’s your ‘thing’. Don’t let anyone tell you that isn’t your ‘thing’.
I am big into stress management and as far as I can tell this is great for your stress management. Good on ya!
My oldest son, Best Life Teen, just last night was saying how life was boring because it is so routine. I agree. Get out there and mix it up!
Chris – Thanks for taking the time to read our blog. I like the idea that our lives are ultimately what we make of them. Thanks for your kind words!
doug
Dear Stressmanagementmom (I love that tag!!),
Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes, the amount of change in my life does cause a little more stress than I would like, but the constant challenge and new opportunities make it all worth it! Good luck helping your son find meaning and purpose in his life (I bet that you will benefit too
doug
Doug:
I just finished reading your blog and am truly inspired! These days it is so easy to become “stuck” and your words are uplifting. Great to know this is out there and you are a part of something that can be a true change in this world. (I also now have some direction re: the core questions to ask yourself that you posted- and it is just what I’ve been seeking). Thank you and keep it going!
I look forward to logging on more – Best Wishes !!!!
Vicki
Vicki – You made my day! Thanks for inspiring me to continue writing. Best of luck with your new direction and don’t hesitate to reach out with any comments or questions.
Thanks!
dh
Doug,
and wondering if he is on his right path. I love your site. Keep it up! This is so up my alley. Go happier!
My husband and I are taking our son up to the States. (We live in Calgary, Canada) for an internet marketing workshop with whom we’ve involved with for the past year. We want to expose him to different ways of life and careers so that he doesn’t get to be 40+
I enjoy this site, it is worth me coming back
Kelli – Thanks for your support!