Jane is a devoted mom of boys ages 8 and 6. She’s quick to say, “My sons are my purpose in life.” Jim, her husband, is a hardworking residential real estate agent who loves his work. He says, “Finding dream homes for young married couples is my purpose.”
What happens to Jane’s purpose when she becomes an empty nester? What happens to Jim’s purpose if skyrocketing interest rates crash the housing market and force Jim to seek provision elsewhere?
Little do Jane and Jim recognize they’ve bought the lie “My work is my purpose.” They’ve bet their happiness and identity on the success of their missions. This displacement of purpose festers unhealthy thoughts, exaggerated egos, and codependent drama. Having boarded this never-ending emotional roller coaster, they’re one TOUGH SHIFT event or bad bump away from a downward-spiraling identity crisis and divorce.
Once Jane and Jim find their respective 2-word purpose statements, they’re more insulated from the inevitable trials and tribulations of life. Purpose offers the advantages of personal distance–an inner perspective and identity apart from the success or failure of their situations or circumstances. Each person can more rapidly assess and astutely process what’s happening and respond maturely. Such mental and spiritual preparation makes them far more capable of regulating their affect and ready to more fluidly reorient to a new chapter or mission.
Purpose is permanent. Work is seasonal. Work may provide a sense of purpose but it is not your purpose. Your work is a mission — it’s an expression of purpose, no more or no less.
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
