“When I see people who are tired before their time, yawning away during the day, lagging with their life, and complaining about their circumstances, I know without a doubt that they have no purpose.”
“What if you started each day asking yourself, what are you happy and excited about? What are you proud of? Can you see how empowered you would feel?”
When I was praying last week about a great topic for this week’s blog, living with purpose kept coming to me. I received a text from a fellow landscape business owner that I have been coaching that solidified my thoughts when he said “You are an inspiration. I’m counting on you to stay the growth course for many of us”! Today also happens to be my 44th birthday. With 44 trips around the sun, I’ve had some major ups and downs in my life! But when I reflect on the journey, now more than ever, I wake from bed each and every morning knowing that I’m fulfilling my God-given purpose! And the journey is just getting started!
We were all made on purpose, for a purpose. But how often do we take the time to truly discover and live out that purpose? In leadership, this pursuit is not only personal but also impacts how we inspire and guide others. When you meet someone who is living their purpose, it’s unmistakable. There’s something different about them. Their energy is contagious, and you can see it in the way they carry themselves. There’s a pep in their step, and when they talk about their work or passion, their face lights up. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it.
“When you are bigger than your purpose you have a career. When your purpose is bigger than you, you have a calling”
— John C. Maxwell
One of the most popular questions I receive from leaders all over is “How do I become successful?”
I’ve come to learn a very quick answer when I say, “Well, what does success look like to you”? The reason for that response is designed to help the person begin the journey to discovering his or her purpose. I have learned from experience that the problem for most people who want to be “successful” is not that they can’t achieve success; it’s that they cannot define their purpose. That’s challenging for many of us, even some of you reading this now because we often picture success as looking like someone else.
We find ourselves pursuing the financial wealth of Jeff Bezos, or the athletic ability of Koby Bryant. My point is that when becoming someone else is our picture of success, we eliminate the possibility of becoming who we are meant to be.
So how do you discover your purpose in life? How do you discover the person you were created to be?
As leaders, it’s essential to help not only ourselves, but also those we lead discover this deep sense of purpose. Here are three key takeaways on how to identify and live out your purpose:
1. Reflect on What Lights You Up!
The first step toward living out your purpose is self-reflection. Ask yourself, What truly excites me? What do I find myself doing, even without recognition or reward? Often, our purpose lies in activities or passions we naturally gravitate toward. As a leader, carve out intentional time to reflect on your passions and how they align with your leadership journey.
2. Pay Attention to the Impact and Influence You Have On Others
When you’re living out your purpose, the impact you have on others will be very noticeable. Leaders who live with purpose create ripples that inspire and uplift their teams. Start by observing the moments when you feel most alive and engaged, then look at how your leadership is affecting those around you. Are people energized by your presence? Do they leave conversations feeling uplifted and motivated? These can be strong indicators that you’re aligned with your purpose.
3. Empower Others to Discover Their Purpose
A true leader doesn’t just lead—they help others find their way. Encourage your team to explore what lights them up. Ask them, What is something you’ve done recently that made you feel accomplished or fulfilled? By nurturing their growth and helping them identify their purpose, you’re building a more motivated, purpose-driven team.
Living out your purpose as a leader sets a powerful example for others. Not only will you lead with greater clarity and energy, but you’ll also inspire those around you to do the same. So take time to reflect, act with intention, and empower others on their journey to purposeful leadership.
Work to discover your purpose. Don’t wait… start today! You will find the fulfillment and success you want in life!
Final Note: When I think of someone near and dear to myself, and many members of The Atlas Outdoor Team, it’s my friend and team member, Ray Cleveland. We caught Ray out in action over the winter during a snowstorm. If this quick video doesn’t summarize what it’s like to live on purpose, then I clearly, have more work to do to discover mine!
Here’s where the rubber meets the road: If you don’t understand your purpose, you cannot be successful, because success begins with purpose. I believe that God created every person for a purpose. I also have come to know that it is our responsibility – and our greatest joy – to figure out what it is.
I hope you enjoy watching this video!