Purpose is Power
Dr. Mia Cary, CEO & Change Agent, Cary Consulting
Most organizations and associations have a documented purpose. Have you ever made the time to think about and create your own personal purpose statement? Your personal purpose statement should be short and sweet, action-oriented, and will likely evolve over time. It should answer questions such as:
“Why do I exist?”
“What matters most to me?”
“Why do I get up in the morning?”
“What are my superpowers?
“How do I want to be remembered?”
If you are not sure how to get started on documenting your purpose, think about the answers to the questions listed above. Start with a few key words and morph that into one action-oriented sentence that rings true to you.
If you already have a written purpose statement – well done! Now might be a good time to review and refine to ensure your purpose statement is still valid, and that your daily actions and activities are in alignment with your purpose! Having a documented purpose statement helps you to know what to say yes to and what to say no to. It will help you to focus, serves as a guiding light, and keeps you engaged with what matters most. To YOU.
Following are a few examples to get your creative juices following.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation “All lives have equal value. We are impatient optimists working to reduce inequality.”
“I inspire the world. I help others identify their gifts and transform goals into reality.”
“To inspire positive change through teaching and coaching.”
“To create opportunities for today’s youth.”
“To encourage, engage, and equip others to believe in the possibilities.”
“To positively impact the life of every person I meet.”
“I encourage everyone I interact with on a daily basis.”
“I help others live the lives they would if they only knew how.”
Oprah “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.”
Denise Morrison, CEO Campbell Soup “To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference.”
Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group “To have fun in my journey through life and learn from my mistakes.”
Amanda Steinberg, Founder of Dailyworth.com “To use my gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to cultivate the self-worth and net-worth of women around the world.”
Mia Cary, CEO and Change Agent “I activate others to thrive.”
