Purpose and Passion

If only we knew how to have more courageous conversations in a clear, inspiring, and nonjudgmental way with people who hold a different opinion than us or with people from whom we desire a different result, then our world, our workplaces, and our families would be significantly better. I am passionate about this fact.

I believe my purpose is to help professionals and leaders to have unscripted, authentic, exceptional conversations, especially as they relate to aligning and growing a team and to helping them to positively manage conflict.

But how did I come to that knowing? Through pain. I suffered within a failed marriage for many years. I lost good friends from some seriously different opinions. I underperformed at work. And in navigating those painful moments in my life and learning and expanding in the skills I lacked, I learned how to get different results for myself. When those results became consistent, I began to teach my process to others who were experiencing the same kind of pain.

A while back I remember reading about a simple formula for finding purpose:

Pain + Passion = Purpose

It’s an interesting formula to contemplate.  The author suggested that if you have pain and you add to it the fuel of anger, sadness, resentment, and regret, all you end up with is bitterness. But if you take the same pain and you add improvement and service to others (passion), you end up with purpose.

For me, finding my purpose was not about finding a way to make more money, though it has been one of the beautiful outcomes. Finding my purpose was a way to do the work I feel called to do in this world, work that I would do whether I made a dime from it or not because my pain and my passion are fueling it.

What is that for you? Are you going through the motions of your career feeling resentful, lost, or bitter? If you aren’t experiencing joy in your professional journey, I’m urging you to consider how you can take your pain (frustration, anger, etc.) and use it to discover your passion. It will often be the opposite of what you “don’t want” or “don’t enjoy.” You can add those together to find your purpose.

Living a life centered on your calling or purpose is rich and fulfilling. So, don’t get bitter; get better. Use your pain and passion to fuel your purpose to serve others who really need it.

“Follow your passion.  It will lead you to your purpose.”

~ Oprah Winfrey