Enter the Purpose Dragon!
Ever wondered what Purpose and Dragons (mythical creature) have in common? No…really? For the sake of FOMO, (fear of missing out), please read on for the 7 reasons why I think myth and reality are inescapably congruent…
1. PURPOSE UNLOCKS SUPERPOWERS
Our team recently co-created our awesome collective purpose. We referenced Carolyn Tate, author of The Purpose Project, to help us with getting started on the purpose journey.
Carolyn identifies three essential levels of purpose required to unlock human potential power in any organisation — BYO purpose, collective purpose and higher purpose. She writes:
“Collective purpose is one that everybody knows and takes responsibility for and is proud of, no matter what their job or title. It’s one that people feel connected to and empowered to deliver on. It’s one that unites us all…”
During the creation of our collective purpose, I found the act of social connectedness gave rise to meaning, motivation, genuineness and affection within our team. With words, we conceptualised the collective imagination of our human potential…That’s some serious human superpowers!
2. PURPOSE HAS FIRE
Having a purpose has given me greater clarity about what matters and where to apply my energy. Frederick Laloux, author of Reinventing Organisations, writes:
“Through purpose….individual energies are boosted when people identify with a purpose greater than themselves”
It’s a powerful force this energy. It can set our hearts on fire! Who wouldn’t want their hearts on fire? (rhetoric question)
3. PURPOSE IS A QUEST TOWARDS A NEW REALM
Aaron Hurst, author of The Purpose Economy, sees people’s quest for purpose in the realm of creation and experience. In other words, in this new realm of purpose-making, we employ our skills, passion and energy to sense and respond to the infinitely complex, infinitely messy mysteries of the world.
In fact, in Google world, Google’s Secret to Hiring “Googley” People, purpose-orientated employees are more likely to be advocates for their company, build stronger work relationships and adapt to change more easily.
I think, if we can start calling ourselves ‘Googley’ we’re for sure in another realm.
4. PURPOSE IS THE STUFF OF LEGENDS
Purpose calls us to adventure! How do I start my legendary purpose adventure? Simon Sinek, thought leader and author, inspires us to Start with Why.
A legend starts with a journey. We will meet and help people, people will meet and help us. We will be challenged. We will self-transform and self-transcend. We will return the Hero.
My legend? This article. You’re welcome!
5. PURPOSE HELPS FIGHT THE BATTLES
Why am I inspired to meet goals and tackle impossible challenges? Because I care about the outcome. Purpose motivated people are empowered to pursue the most difficult of problems. Joseph Campbell, American mythologist, writes:
“Where you stumble and fall, there you will find gold”
I can endure battles, because my purpose helps me to discern my value.
6. PURPOSE IS MYSTERIOUSLY POWERFUL
A hidden interconnected power exists where my higher purpose nourishes my inner purpose. When these two align, mystery happens. Joseph Campbell writes:
“We’re not on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves. But in doing that you save the world”
It’s a curious case, this mysterious purpose, this slightly discomforting element of uncertainty. Experiencing the point of ‘not knowing’, has helped me realise that there is something greater than myself.
7. PURPOSE GIVES US WINGS
Breathtaking views unfolds before us, when our purpose gives us freedom to fly above it all. From this view we can see the complex and unified whole, rather than just the parts — an interconnected worldview.
In Mark Zuckerberg’s commencement address at Harvard, he recalls:
“When John F. Kennedy visited the NASA space center, he saw a janitor carrying a broom and walked over and asked what he was doing. The janitor responded ‘Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon”
Zuckerberg continues:
“Purpose is that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for”
Ultimately, this journey of ‘purposing’ ourselves — to the moment, to the world, to organisations, to people — can be perhaps the most elusive Dragon of all. Our attempts to master it may leave us frustrated and confused, and yet therein lies our greatest chance for finding deeper meaning and fulfilment in our lives.
May your quest be a never ending story of enchantment and delight.
