Purpose Training Techniques

Defining Purpose

Purpose isn’t unattainable. It isn’t some formless concept lacking real, defined, measures. It’s not a fantastic theoretical ideal. It can be applied to any job in any company by any person. It is easily grasped and applied at any time.

It is also the way that you will find motivation and contentment in anything that you do. It’s so easy to implement that once you do grasp the concept of purpose, it will become second-nature. It will become your mindful way of moving through your life and work day. It will define every task that you set out to do.

So what is it? How do we put purpose into practical terms? Let’s get down to the roots.

Technically Speaking

Purpose: noun pur·pose \ ˈpər-pəs. A) something set up as an object or end to be attained: intention. B) Resolution. Determination. This is how Merriam-Webster defines purpose and it’s a good definition. Something to be attained. Resolution. Determination. These are all powerful concepts.

Your purpose is something that you can achieve. It is something you strive for. Something you set out to attain. At work, that purpose could be your end goal. It could be completing a project. Or it could be even more precise — it could be the part you play in any work task. It might also be the reason why you do what you do, or why you are part of your larger company.

The second part (B) of that definition says a lot about purpose too. You may find your attainable purpose in a completed task or in figuring out what piece of the larger work puzzle fits you. Through this recognition comes determination. The desire to finish or complete the task at hand. The striving to find where you fit and apply it to everything you do at work.

How to Find Your Purpose

The best image I have come across when helping people to define purpose is that of a puzzle. Everyone you work with is a part of that puzzle. Yourself included. Without all of those pieces, a company cannot exist. To find your purpose, envision the piece of the puzzle that defines your work. Now, remove that puzzle from the bigger picture.

What’s left is incomplete. An unfinished puzzle with a large gap. A hole missing. No matter what job or position you hold at your company, the puzzle cannot exist without you. Find your puzzle piece to find your purpose.