#563
October 17th, 4 AM – A moment of quiet reflection...
This morning, my Apple Watch posed a thought-provoking question: “What is the purpose of your life, and how have you progressed?” At first, the question seemed simple, but as I began journaling later that night, I realized how layered and complex it really was. This prompt stirred a cascade of reflections—not just about my personal purpose but also about how our understanding of purpose has transformed over the years, especially in the corporate world.
What Does Purpose Mean?
For me, the purpose of life is being a facilitator—to help myself and others achieve a desired state. This applies to multiple dimensions: physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Over the years, I’ve contemplated this deeply and have come to believe that purpose evolves alongside us.
But this brings up a deeper question—why? Why do we pursue purpose, and how has it come to shape our personal and professional lives in such profound ways?
Purpose, I think, can be broken into a few core ideas:
- Self-Realization: Knowing who you are, what drives you, and where you want to go.
- Contribution: Understanding that our lives are richer when we give to others, whether in small, daily acts or grand, life-changing efforts.
- Fulfillment: A sense of inner peace, knowing that we are living in alignment with our values and desires.
As I look back on my corporate life from 1985 to 2012, I see how my sense of purpose was often implicit—woven into the fabric of my work. Purpose wasn’t something we explicitly discussed; it was lived. My colleagues and I derived meaning through the work we delivered, the relationships we built, and the growth we experienced. It wasn’t about endless discussions on why we were doing what we did, but more about how we did it and the inherent satisfaction in doing it well.
The Corporate Shift: From Quiet Purpose to Purpose-Driven Mantras
However, in recent years, there’s been a dramatic shift. “Purpose” has become one of the hottest buzzwords in corporate circles. It’s plastered across mission statements, featured in leadership talks, and written about in countless articles. But what’s behind this sudden obsession?
I believe it stems from a few key changes that have swept through the corporate landscape over the past decade:
The Millennial and Gen Z Workforce: Today’s younger workers demand more than just a paycheck. They seek meaning, values, and a sense of contribution. They aren’t content with working for the sake of working—they need their efforts to align with their personal beliefs. This generational shift has made corporations rethink how they present themselves and their missions.
A Move Toward Human-Centric Models: Companies are no longer just profit-driven machines. They’re expected to be socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and deeply invested in their employees' well-being. The narrative has shifted from “maximize shareholder value” to “create a positive impact.”
The Impact of the Pandemic: COVID-19 forced many of us to reevaluate our lives and priorities. People began to ask themselves tough questions about what really matters. In the corporate world, this resulted in employees seeking more fulfilling roles, even leading to phenomena like the "Great Resignation."
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG Metrics: Today, companies are judged not only by their financial success but by their ethical behavior and social contributions. This demand for transparency and purpose-driven work has pushed businesses to embrace purpose as a core part of their identity.
Mental Health and Burnout: The relentless pace of modern work has taken a toll on employees, leading to widespread burnout. In response, workers are increasingly seeking roles that not only fulfill them financially but also emotionally. The idea of a “purpose-driven job” has become an antidote to the burnout epidemic.
What Changed Compared to My Time?
During my corporate career, purpose was more innate—it wasn’t something we consciously discussed. We worked hard, we achieved results, and we found meaning in that. Now, the nature of work has evolved, and the conversation around purpose has shifted:
Work as a Craft vs. Work as a Calling: In my time, work was seen as a craft to be honed. It was a source of pride and satisfaction in and of itself. Today, however, many people see work as a calling—something that must align with their personal values and broader societal issues.
Globalization and Connectivity: Today, we are more connected than ever. Employees and consumers alike have more choices and higher expectations. They want to work for companies that align with their values and contribute to global issues like climate change, social justice, and equality.
Loyalty vs. Mobility: In my era, people stayed with companies for decades. Their sense of purpose was tied to long-term relationships and shared achievements. Today, employees are far more mobile, and purpose serves as a tether to keep them engaged.
Are People Lost?
In some ways, yes. The sheer pace of change, the flood of information, and the constant pressure to perform have left many people feeling "lost in the maze." In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions are constant, people need a compass—purpose—more than ever. They’re searching for something that gives their work and lives deeper meaning.
While purpose has always existed in corporate life, today it’s become more visible and necessary. It’s no longer just about what you do, but why you do it. And that shift, I believe, reflects the growing need for personal connection in a world that often feels disconnected.
Final Thoughts on Purpose
Purpose isn’t static. It evolves with us as we grow, experience new things, and reflect on our lives. It’s deeply personal and often shaped by our individual journeys.
For me, the purpose of life is about facilitating growth—both for myself and those around me. It’s about creating a state of well-being across all areas of life—physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. As I continue to reflect on this, I realize that purpose isn’t a destination but an ongoing journey. It’s something that reveals itself not in grand moments, but in the small, everyday choices we make.
Let me know your thoughts?
Karthik
18th October 2024 10am.
Books:
"Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
A timeless classic where Frankl explores how finding meaning (or purpose) was key to surviving extreme hardship, especially during his time in concentration camps. It’s an inspirational read about purpose beyond corporate life and has a deep philosophical and existential grounding."Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
This book explores how great leaders inspire others by clearly defining the “why” behind what they do. Sinek’s "Golden Circle" concept helps individuals and organizations find their core purpose."Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel Pink
Pink looks at what drives human behavior and motivation. He emphasizes autonomy, mastery, and purpose as key drivers for long-term satisfaction, both in personal and professional life.
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