Do it on Purpose

By Angel Jones, CEO of Homecoming Revolution.

If we spend 57% of our waking time at work, shouldn’t we make sure that our career is reflecting the best version of ourselves?

But what is the best version of yourself? Only one person can tell you – YOU! It’s no use sitting back and waiting for someone to hand you your dream job. You need to actively seek it out.

In our Homecoming Revolution Insights Report (Aug 2015) we found that 42% of employees wanted to “Make a Difference” in their daily work.

This doesn’t mean that you should suddenly change jobs and go and work on a wind farm in the mountains.   But it does mean that you need to take a good look at your career and realise that you have the tools to shape it.

Every person’s version of Making a Difference is different. It’s aligned to your own personal PURPOSE. It’s aligned to that burning flame of desire inside of you that gives you the thrill of excitement when you do something that’s important to you.

But how do you discover it? Ask yourself these few questions and write them down. Be specific and use as many adjectives as possible.

1. Describe the last time you felt a thrill of excitement at work.
2. What activities in your workday cause you to lose track of time?
3. When do you feel your most creative?
4. What about the world disturbs you or puzzles you?
5. Now imagine you had an hour a day to do something about it – what exactly would you do? (Be specific and realistic).
6. Share these thoughts with your friends and family, making note of which things feel really RIGHT.
7. Lastly, write out what it would say on your gravestone one day – what will you be remembered for?

Once you’ve discovered your personal purpose, you must make every attempt to align it into the current role you are doing. You’ll be surprised at how open many employers are to helping you make your role more fulfilling.

Employers are people too. You can inspire them with your vision. It’s up to you to show them the magic. And if that doesn’t work, then it’s time to find another role with another employer who gets you.

Remove “one day” or “some day” from your vocabulary.  Shape out a career that feeds your soul, not just your wallet.