A Framework for Purpose: Your Ultimate Roadmap
In this last article of our series, we wind it up the last two elements of PURPOSE: SACRED, and ENRICHING.
Finding your purpose, for yourself, and ultimately your work, is like unlocking a hidden treasure within you that you can share with the world. It becomes a SACRED contract and quest.
Just as the keystone in architecture rests at the top of an arch and locks all of the other stones in place, so does your PURPOSE. The keystone gives the entire structure stability and integrity, just as PURPOSE does for us.
PURPOSE also ENRICHES everything and everyone it touches. It is the culmination of everything we are and all that we bring. That is why I compare it to a capstone.
The term capstone is used in a variety of applications, but it always involves something akin to the ultimate demonstration of mastery and value. It is where we take our body of work and integrate it into something that can continue to grow in value. It is also where we share that value so that it can ENRICH others.
The framework we have been reviewing together over these past few months is now all together below. These are the words I chose because this is how I see PURPOSE as a framework. But you may see it differently. In fact, going back to our first segment of the framework, since PURPOSE is PERSONAL, your words should be different.
If you've missed any of the previous articles, you can find them through the links provided.
P – PERSONAL: What matters most is that you have a clear reason for the business that is personal to you. Then, you can use that reason as a proving ground for all decisions about moving forward and know that the spark that started it all is being fanned into a flame that is lighting the path ahead.
U – UNIFYING: PURPOSE is not just about you. Your customers, team, investors, and even society as a whole are all impacted and influenced by your PURPOSE. It is the most vital point of connection you will have in developing and nurturing all your relationships.
R – RESILIENCE: PURPOSE is both the foundation and fuel for RESILIENCE.
When we stay focused on our PURPOSE, we embrace the importance of keeping on. In the end, that's the essence of RESILIENCE.
P – POTENTIAL: Your PURPOSE is about recognizing, developing, and delivering on some form of POTENTIAL. This element is where mission, vision, and PURPOSE converge. Your mission and vision are not enough. PURPOSE is what creates the underlying context for them all. What do you make possible?
O – OPTIMISM: PURPOSE is essentially about belief. It's what we believe we are meant to do and the difference we are here to make. But an essential part of that belief is hope. Hope is a powerful emotion. It is what moves us into action and keeps us motivated. OPTIMISM is all about hope.
S - SACRED: PURPOSE is not a whim. It is a SACRED quest. It provides a constancy of focus in everything and cannot be compromised.
E - ENRICHING: PURPOSE ENRICHES everything and everyone it touches. It provides meaning to our lives, our work, our world. It is a multiplier of all, for all.
It is my hope you will take up the challenge I’ve offered to create your own framework for PURPOSE.
Once you do, I know you will find what I have found, your roadmap to fulfillment as you bring your gifts to the world.
“When we are inspired by some great PURPOSE, all of our thoughts break their bonds. Our mind transcends limitations; our consciousness expands in every direction; and we find ourselves in a new, great, and wonderful world.”
~ Simon Sinek
