Purpose. Why do you do what you do? Not a bad question.
It was a not just good work, it was great work. World-rocking work. But after 10 years at First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio as director of an idyllic summer camp and leader of local and international service projects, my gut told me it was time to evolve. So I took a leap of faith into the unknown. (Thank God for a supportive wife who cheered me on!)
I decided to people watch over seven straight days in seven different cities across the United States, without stepping foot outside the airports. I eventually determined I wanted to write a book.
Why? What was the purpose?
Glad you asked. Because it’s my favorite question.
I wanted to write a book that could speak to people right where they were in their life and work. I wanted to write a book that could connect with people of all backgrounds, all faith traditions, or no faith tradition at all. I wanted to write a book that could resonate with the business traveler, the soccer mom, the college student heading abroad, the flight-crew member who lives in this environment every day, TSA, the retired family member coming home, or the first-time traveler. I wanted to write a book that invites all of us to focus on what we have in common and suggests ways we can improve the environments where our lives cross. I wanted to write a book that would inspire others to bring a loving spirit to small actions, and then watch those actions permeate our world.
I had no idea how I was doing it, but once the why was clear, the how happened organically. One book evolved into keynote speeches and leadership workshops worldwide. From that WHY grew a connection with people, teams and organizations who are passionate about developing their people, their culture, their clarity on their mission and vision for the future. Pretty cool, humbling stuff.
My question for you, then, is this: What’s your WHY? What’s your purpose?
Stepping back from your work to answer that simple question can recalibrate all you do and propel you forward in unimaginable ways.
Know your WHY. Answer that, and the how may not be easy, but it may seem remarkably more clear.
Travel gracefully,
Jason
Jason Barger is the globally celebrated author of Step Back from the Baggage Claim and ReMember, as well as a coveted keynote speaker and leadership consultant. More importantly, he’s striving to be an above average father, husband, and friend.
Follow on Twitter @JasonVBarger and learn more at JasonVBarger.com
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