What is My Purpose?
My Purpose Diagram
- There are many ways to answer the question, "what's my purpose," but perhaps you've never gone about it in a systematic way. This diagram can show you the intersection of 4 key components of self: 1. Your talents: how are you naturally gifted? What comes easy to you that doesn't come easy to others? What is natural to how you think? What seems effortless? 2. What brings you joy: what makes your heart sing, your toes tap, your face smile? What makes you giddy? 3. How you can serve others (often this is part of your interpersonal skills set): Ok, yes, I could be a missionary to Zimbabwe, but is that what I'm really called to do without a natural connection or interest in Zimbabwe? We can do lots of things, but consider 1 & 2 when you answer this--what fits with who you are innately. 4. What motivates you. This section corresponds specifically to The Color Code--a workshop I provide to groups that is designed to reveal an individual's core motivating drive. However, you can answer that question generally for the purposes of filling out this diagram. What is the carrot that you dangle for yourself to get things done? This is different than joy, however--this is about action--what drives you to get things done?
- So why do the conscious work of filling in this diagram? Let it be like your own Success Coach-- Sometimes we can't see what's so obvious to everyone else until it's staring us in the face! And sometimes we don't do this same activity for our teams like we do for self. So whether you're thinking individually or as a business, church, or group with a cause, dare to to be completely honest, transparent and open to feedback as you fill this out. The goal is clarity, not confusion. Scripture says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a sound mind--let's use that as we approach this activity. Ask others what you're great at and what you're not great at--same thing for teams--be prepared to ask others but balance the feedback with what you know you are called and equipped to do.
- Change the lingo to fit who you are--if the word "purpose" is tripping you up, substitute for a word that has more meaning.
- Draw 4 overlapping circles and try your own purpose diagram using my example as a reference.
- Don't overthink, but do think.
- Be completely honest about who you are as an individual or team, warts and all! This is an exercise in truth not ego.
- Be prepared to act on what you discover!
BURNOUT IS REAL
How to recognize burnout
Whether its career burnout or burn out regarding your role or duties in life, burnout is real. In fact as of 2019 burnout is recognized as a medical illness by the World Health Organization that takes weeks to years to overcome I waited too long to address my burnout at work and 5 years shy of retirement I quit my job because of utter mental and physical exhaustion. 15 months later I'm just now starting to feel recovered. So, here's how you can recognize burnout:
1. you are mentally and physically tired and no matter what you do you can't shake it
2. You're easily stressed and may over-react
3. You're emotionally detached from people's feelings perhaps saying or doing things "normal" you wouldn't.
4. You may have a cynacism that "normal" you wouldn't
5. You have experience compassion fatigue because you have no fuel left for anyone but you
6. You may feel ineffective in your work
7. you might feel you don't accomplish anything even if you do
8. You might experience insomnia, loss of appetite or emotional eating
9. Depression, anxiety, anger and extreme pessimism at people or the world.
10. You might feel apathetic toward your work.
One of my favorite workshops I give is called Overcoming Burnout: When vacations and vodka aren't enough! We must understand that burnout is healed more slowly than we'd like because it came on slowly. If you suspect you're experiencing burnout out, try some of these:
a. If you can, take some time off. Utilize vacation and sick days (yes, mental health is health and most doctors will write you a note for mental health reasons.)
b. Talk about how you're feeling
c. Utilize Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Most employers have EAP's with benefits like a few sessions of counseling.
d. See if you can move your office to a new building with new scenery.
e. See if you can transition to a new job within the same company.
f. Read your job description--are you do way more than you are getting paid to do? Sometimes we assimilate tasks into our jobs that aren't really ours.
g. Learn a new skill to keep your mind stimulated.
h. exercise more intentionally but for less time.
i. Perhaps you could take an unpaid leave of absence to rest and regroup.
The important thing is not to wait until you're so tired and mentally numb and so apathetic that you aren't thinking straight. I left a toxic work environment and not a day too soon. But there are financial consequences for doing so. Consult a financial planner or your accountant for ways to mitigate your financial loss if you decide to leave your career for some rest. And most importantly, don't judge yourself too harshly. I may do things differently today, but I'm not the same person I was back then. Burnout is real, serious, and needs your attention sooner rather than later. If you're feeling challenged, reach out and I'll help you as your personal cheerleader and success coach.
