The Power of a Higher Purpose

It’s that time of year when many of us start to evaluate our resolutions for the year or work to commit to new goals – personally and professionally.   I have found that many of us experience a good deal of self-doubt and criticism during this period.   We perhaps set lofty goals at the beginning of the year such as:

-       I will lose weight.

-       I will find another job.

-       I will secure that promotion.  

-       I will generate new clients.  

As we recognize that the process can take awhile, we can easily become fatigued and discouraged.   For myself, I have found that grounding in a higher purpose, and not just the result, creates inspiration and encouragement.    The reframing from the result that I want to the value that the process will bring helps us to see the smaller victories and progress that we are making. 

From: I will lose weight   To: I will see how making healthier choices make me feel.  

From: I will find another job  To: I will take steps to understand career options.  

From:  I will secure that promotion.   To: I will learn a new skill, take some risks, or develop myself.  

From: I will generate new clients   To: I will find new ways to market my services and meet new people.  

These shifts in how we think about purpose help us to stay focused, motivated, and encouraged while experiencing gratification in the process.   Sometimes we can take this approach unintentionally, but many times we must try to shift our mindset.   I myself have had both experiences.   As a former Senior Vice President, I was once asked by a manager on my team, “What did you do to get to this level?”    It was at that moment that I realized that I had reached a career goal without focusing my energy on the goal itself.   I realized that I loved the work that I was doing, was always looking to learn new things and take on new work challenges– and it was all of that which got me promoted.   Alternatively, today as I am building my business, I deliberately remind myself not to worry about obtaining new business.   If I focus on meeting new people, marketing my experience, and doing the best work that I can, I will ultimately build a successful business and appreciate the learning along the way…  

 Bree Ranieri

Co-Founder and Coach

CoTalent