What are you working for? When is the last time you thought about it? I know the knee jerk reaction is "I am working because I have to," or "I am working to pay the bills." (Don't feel bad if under your breath you say: "What a stupid question! What does she think?") Work, for most of us, is a necessary part of life. Work income provides the basics for ourselves and our families. Working very hard and managing our income hopefully provides some of the niceties of life. Still, asking yourself: "What am I working for?" begins a path of discovery that may change your career path– or not. At the very least, the question will lead to ways to find greater meaning in everyday life and add enjoyment to whatever work you choose to do. In the powerful book Built to Last, (HarperCollins) authors Jim Collins and Jerry Porras undertook the study of several extremely successful, long–lived companies and compared them to others in the same field. The comparison group, while solid in their own right, had not reached the same pinnacles as the study companies. One of the important features consistent in all of the more successful companies was clarity of Core Purpose. This Purpose was demonstrated by an understanding of the primary motivators for that company and a commitment to a shared reason for existence. Applying this Clarity of Purpose to yourself as an individual means finding your Core Purpose, and evaluating all of your decisions based on that purpose. A short term purpose may be to keep the lights on. A long term purpose is a calling; the activity that you would do for free, and love it. Incorporating that purpose into your plans; and determining that everything about your life coincides with that Core Purpose means the difference between simply existing, or prospering in all you do. Having a core purpose means work becomes a means to an end and not the total focus of your life. If you are looking for a group of people motivated by Purpose and a Place to Be– they are out there! One place to find them is in the activities of the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Community. Join Us!
