Life Purpose

Dr. Robert Wright spoke this morning for American Family Insurance at their Business Accelerator program symposium in Chicago. As the keynote, Bob got the opportunity to work with small business owners on how the journey of a small business owner has the potential to become an adventure in transformation. One of the points Bob focused on that is relevant for all of us in these times of change is the life purpose behind the choices we make.

From his book, “Beyond Time Management: Business with Purpose,” Dr. Wright shares,
“Purpose refers to a wonderful capacity in each of us—to joyously take our place in the progress of humanity and do our part to help all reach full potential. Purpose is the heart of the matter, the “why” behind what we do. It summarizes our reason for doing what we are doing. A clear life purpose gives meaning to all activities. Life purpose is the container into which we fit our goals. If we think of a projector shining a concentrated light through film onto a screen, purpose is the lens through which life flows to project our highest vision.”

He goes on later in the book to say, “Each one of us has an overarching life purpose or reason for being. Sometimes we can boil this down into a purpose statement; sometimes it remains an unstated, motivating force that directs our actions. A well-articulated, accurate life-purpose statement brings our highest goals and principles into focus in a way that helps us clarify choices and move forward. It provides the foundation for powerful, integrated vision. It serves as the ultimate guide to balance in our lives. As we sort our way through life choices, we can keep our purpose in mind to more easily identify which alternative best forwards our ultimate aim.”

In a time where so many are re-evaluating direction and focus, a re-orientation to purpose is a helpful reminder.