I think most of us can probably think back in our careers to examples of people we worked with who clearly were called to and passionate about the work they did. When we come across these individuals it is hard to miss the fact that they are on a mission to make a difference toward their passion and calling.
What drives and motivates people looks different, but when someone knows, and is clearly driven by something deep down within them, a passion and calling worth striving for, it is evident.
Aaron Hurst and Dr. Anna Tavis studied purpose-oriented, financial-oriented, and status-oriented people. They found that that people who are “purpose-oriented approach work as a way to gain personal fulfillment and help others, regardless of their job” [1].
They found that purpose-oriented people were 65% more likely to have high levels of fulfillment than people who were not purpose-oriented [1].
Their work shows that purpose-oriented people will look for ways within any job to connect their work to something meaningful, to something they are passionate about. They do this regardless of the task, the specific work, or the role.
Purpose-driven people find ways to live out their unique passion and calling at work, regardless of their specific situation.
Perhaps you are having a hard time staying motivated in this season. Maybe you view your work as more of a job than something that allows you to contribute to something significant.
If this is you, I encourage you to take time to identify what motivates you. Take time to refocus on your passion and calling. Think back to a season where you were thriving, a time where work did not seem like a chore, where you came home encouraged each day. Think about what motivated you in that season, think about the work you did, who you worked with, and the difference you were trying to make.
Perhaps your purpose, your passion and calling, will be evident through this process. Perhaps you will be purpose-oriented and thriving once again.
[1] Hurst, Aaron. Tavis, Anna Dr. “2015 Workforce Purpose Index” 2015 Workforce Purpose Index. https://www.imperative.com/2015-workforce-purpose-index
