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.
