3 Mistakes About Finding Purpose

We ignore the purpose that’s under our nose

In 95% of my coaching sessions, my clients tell me they want to work for a purpose-driven company.

As humans, we need to feel useful to a purpose larger than ourselves. And our generation is increasingly putting purpose above profit.

But, in our pursuit of purpose, we make some mistakes, which I would like to explore with you today.

We over-index on purpose and forget pleasure

I often coach overworked leaders who, between their job and family obligations, have neglected themselves. On the surface, it sounds like a noble thing to do; the philosophers said so:

“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be “happy.” I think the purpose of life is to be useful.” — Leo C. Rosten

“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” — George Bernard Saw

And while I agree with the quotes above about being useful to an important cause, there is a problem.