Oct 30, 2018
We live our lives in search of our purpose. We go where everybody else goes, trying to answer the same questions everyone else is asking. But then you realize you're different, weird even! The answers everyone else finds don’t make sense to you or don’t live up to your expectations. If this sounds like you, congratulations! You manifest the signs of a purpose-powered individual. Today, Kevin shares the 10 characteristics of a purpose-powered individual and how you can tap into that power to become a better leader.
Just because life doesn't always give us the answer we want when we want it, doesn't mean it isn't there. The big picture is often a blur before it becomes clear. Sometimes life leaves us on an unreasonably long and winding road, unaware of the amazing journey that lies ahead. This is because life's mysteries often don't unravel until we're ready. Once we're ready, that's when life hands us a gift - the pleasant surprise of ‘suddenly.’ Suddenly is that pivotal moment of clarity, where random moments suddenly make sense.
Now, clarity might not come as soon as you'd like or in a way that you would like, but it will come. So how do you stay in tune with the universe and be ready for clarity when it does come? You must live your life with action and contemplation. You must live your life passionately pursuing your purpose in all aspects of your life.
We're going to walk you through 10 purpose-powered characteristics:
You are purpose-powered if money is not your only motivator, nor is it your ultimate measure of success.
We understand that money matters. Money is a tool or a resource, but it's not a primary goal in life. It's not the only measure of success. A purpose-powered individual's motivation is grounded in stewardship and significance. Purpose-powered people resonate with those who value the meaning in life and not just money in life.
You are purpose-powered if you want to make a dent in the universe.
You want to be a positive influence in the world. You want to make a significant contribution to people's lives and make the world better. You believe that there's room for change, that the world can be better as a result of your hard work and involvement. Leaders have a huge opportunity to make a lasting impact by supporting a great cause. Business owners can make a dent in the universe by using their business as a force for good.
You are purpose-powered if you want to live a life of legacy.
A legacy is leaving behind something so significant that it lives on long after you are gone. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean your death. It can be after you've left an organization or parted ways with someone. The mark you leave, how people remember you, is your legacy. Throughout your life, you will leave several legacies - your mark and significant contribution to those around you.
You are purpose-powered if you see yourself as a steward, not a celebrity.
As a steward, the universe will bless you with gifts, talents, and opportunities to make the world a better place. You want to maximize the way you wield your blessings, not for fame and fortune, but for the sheer fulfillment of being one of the stewards of this planet.
You are purpose-powered if your why, what, and how are closely connected or interconnected.
Why you do what you do forms how you do it and who you do it with. Your purpose is the criteria that evaluate what activities you pursue, how you'll do it, and who you will connect with. "The end justifies the means," or so they say, but purpose-powered people believe that it's actually the motivation (why) that helps shape the means which leads them to the end.
You are purpose-powered if you see what you do through the lens of mission.
Purpose-powered people see the 'mission' element through their work. When something doesn't feel right in the world, they work to correct it. If something is broken, they work to fix it. Their mission is to address the unmet need with the gifts they have. Purpose-powered leaders want to see their work advance a mission and fuel change.
You are purpose-powered if you have a set of principles and values that inform your decisions and inspire your actions.
How you do what you do matters. List and rank your principles and values. Then focus your actions on principles and values that matter the most to you. Remember to think and act with integrity - doing the right thing should always come first.
You are purpose-powered if you are more 'we' focused than 'me' focused.
Our purpose is so much bigger than us, and we cannot possibly accomplish it all on our own. We have to learn how to share the stage, the spotlight, and the power with others. The drive to make a dent in the universe must be larger than our ego. Purpose-powered people find contentment in knowing that, "Together, we made a difference. We made it better than it was when we got here."
You are purpose-powered if you persevere through difficulties.
Purpose-powered individuals understand that the journey won't be easy, and yet they persevere knowing their mission is worth the sacrifice. Setbacks, struggles, and challenges will come, but you will plow through and overcome it anyway. You are what Viktor Frankl calls "A Tragic Optimist," someone who experiences hardship but perseveres.
You are purpose-powered if you truly care.
Purpose-powered people are compassionate. They genuinely care for other people's well-being, they invest in others so they too can grow and advance.
Going through this list, we believe that YOU are purpose-powered. You don't have to get all ten characteristics to identify as a purpose-powered leader - 5 is enough. As long as your purpose is what drives you and defines you, then you are purpose-driven. You belong to a tribe of passion and compassion. Find ways to connect with others like you, like us, because we need one another to thrive, grow, and make a dent in the universe.
Do you need clarity on how to move forward?
Are you at a crossroads or facing a transition and not confident about what to do now or next? Then you're invited to join Kevin Monroe for a Clarity Call. You can enter for a free call or book right away!