Living a life of purpose brings about
happiness and fulfillment. The
following pages contain verbiage,
tips, a printable poster and other
articles and resources about how we
can discover those things that bring
personal value and self worth, often
while benefitting others.
WHAT AND WHY
• Finding your purpose or calling can seem like a daunting and illusive.
Most of us have several different facets to our lives and we have a
variety of interests and goals within those areas, so we probably
don’t have a single purpose in live. To further complicate finding our
purpose, things change over the course of your life. What is of
interest to you in your 20s many not be something of interest in your
50s. The point is that doing meaningful work, giving in an impactful
way, and helping yourself and others achieve their potential is
incredibly rewarding personally. We all have unique talents, skills and
characteristics that can be leveraged. Let’s put those to work.
IDEAS FOR ACTIVITIES
• Figure out how you want to give. Do you have expertise to lend, time
to offer? Charity Navigator has an interesting list of things to think
through before you commit.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/?bay=content.view&cpid=201#
• Employees that use their strengths outperform those who don’t.
Gallup’s StrengthsFinder survey identifies individual strengths.
http://strengths.gallup.com/110440/About-StrengthsFinder-20.aspx
• Ask staff to offer ideas of charities or volunteer opportunities they
would like to learn more about. Invite these organizations in for a
lunch and learn with staff.
RESOURCES
Articles
• Finding Your Purpose In Life
• Five Steps to Finding Your Passion
Videos
• How To Know Your Life Purpose in 5 Minutes
• Why Knowing What Makes Us Feel Good About
Our Work Matters
25 TIPS
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When you meet someone new, remember to ask questions and listen.
Help someone who cannot return the favor, such as an elderly person with their
shopping.
Finding out how to support children’s learning and getting involved in activities
can help you feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to your early
childhood service which will help your child’s mental health and learning.
Gifts + passions + values = purpose. Gifts are your talents — not just what you’re
good at, but what you LOVE to do. You’re not going to get up in the morning to do
something you don’t like with as much energy as something you do like.
Make sure you take some time to talk to you children and find out how they are
feeling.
MORE TIPS
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Stretch yourself by volunteering for something new. For example, volunteering to
work on the newsletter for the local animal shelter will improve your writing and
editing abilities —- skills that may help you in your career. Or, volunteering can
simply offer a change from your daily routine.
Dedicate a place in your house to display your passions, accomplishments and
the things of which you are proud. Every time you walk by, you’ll be rewarded with
a surge of pride and a reminder of how you fit into the world.
Communicate to people in your life more often, including the things that you
appreciate about them, as a person.
Show your employees that you truly care about, appreciate and respect them.
Something as little as saying “please” and “thank you” can go a long way. Treat
them the way you’d want to be treated.
MORE TIPS
10. Help employees understand that by expanding their network within the
organization will help them in their own job and professional development.
11. Consider the skills you have to offer. If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for
teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer
work that would incorporate these aspects of your personality.
12. When organizations take a personal interest in helping their employees’
development, employees feel valued and motivated to give back to the
organization.
13. Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve your other goals for
your life.
14. A sense of purpose doesn’t need to be complex, radical or far-reaching. It can be
as simple as seeing your children or grandchildren grow up and being a role
model for them, or from really engaging in your job or a hobby.
MORE TIPS
15. Live in the present without hyper-focusing on the future or the past.
16. Acknowledge people as you walk down the street with a smile and a hello.
17. Think about your ideals, principles, standards and morals. Then think of your
physical, emotional and mental talents, strengths and abilities. Take out a blank
sheet of paper and write or type for about 20 minutes. Then write your Personal
Purpose Statement to incorporate what you like to do and where you can share
your talents.
18. The preferred method of communication is in person. Managers and leaders, who
take the time to listen and who make themselves available and approachable to
employees help their employees feel a stronger sense of belonging.
19. When jogging, do not listen to your headphones —- instead take in all the sights
and sounds around you, particularly when in a natural location.
20. According to research by Gallup, it is important that employees feel they have a
friend(s) at work. Help foster an environment that supports relationship building.
MORE TIPS
21. People will support what they help to create. If an employee does not feel they
are able to contribute, or feel they are not appreciated for their contribution, they
will quickly become disengaged. On the flip side, when employees know their
input is valued and expected, their level of responsibility and commitment will
naturally increase.
22. Carrying out good deeds doesn’t need to take a lot of time or even cost money.
Small changes can make a big difference.
23. Practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply saying ‘thankyou’ all work wonders for your well-being.
24. If you feel socially awkward at any gathering, seek out the person who is alone
and say something to make them feel at their ease.
25. Making friends and having positive relationships with staff helps children develop
a sense of belonging at their early childhood service.
26. When managers help employees grow and develop through their strengths, they
are more than twice as likely to engage their team members.
APPENDIX
• We can’t take all of the credit. In compiling this information, we referenced the
following organizations and websites:
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HerdWidsom.com
NetworkForGood.org
BlueZones.com
VibrantLivesWellBeing.com
WheelOfWellBeing.org
KidsMatter.edu
IowaHealthiestState.com
HBR.org
MentalHealth.org