When Your Purpose Feels Uncertain
May 30, 2024 | By David M. Wagner
“I’m feeling lost.”
My friend had been working jobs that were in her comfort zone, but that didn’t feel fulfilling.
I empathized. Before starting Clear Mission Consulting, I was also feeling lost and unsure which direction to go.
I’ve also worked with clients who, as an organization, had the same dilemma – which way are we going?
A Question of Purpose
That uncertainty often stems from a lack of clarity about purpose – whether individually or collectively.
Purpose is all about “why:” why your organization exists, why you choose to be a part of it, why you feel drawn to certain roles or missions.
Purpose is the most enduring part of creating a vision for the future and the key to motivating the people who support your mission.
Feeling Lost
But what do you do when your purpose is uncertain?
As I wrestled with this question, I came across this unhelpful advice: “Most people intuitively know what it is they really want to do.” (Here’s that book for attribution only, not a recommendation.)
Great for those people.
For the rest of us, here’s what I’ve learned.
It’s okay if your purpose isn’t clear.
I don’t have evidence, but I think most of us have struggled to truly know (intuitively or otherwise) what our purpose is at one point or another.
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable and lost when we lack that clarity. So don’t beat yourself up about being unsure – it won’t help you get any clearer.
“Try on” different purposes.
When I help organizations identify their purpose, I ask key stakeholders to fill in the blank: “I support this mission because I believe _______.” Together, we’ll brainstorm a few variations (substituting “we believe”) until we find one that feels right.
Individually, you can sometimes discover a suitable purpose by cobbling together pieces of what motivates other people. Talk to others whose lives or careers seem to resonate with you.
Nothing is permanent.
This is important: it’s okay for your purpose to change.
Your understanding of your (individual or collective) purpose is allowed to evolve over time. Take the pressure off yourself to decide on anything “permanent;” embrace the uncertainty.
I have found it helpful, and I advise my clients, to commit to a purpose that you know you can live with, at least for right now. You can always revisit your strategy later.
Uncertainty about your purpose can feel daunting, but it’s perfectly normal. Finding your “next closest” purpose can help you break through the logjam as you continue to seek clarity for yourself or your organization.
If you reached this point hoping I would guide you to finding your purpose…sorry. That takes a bit more than two minutes. But I would be happy to discuss how coaching or strategy consulting can help you or your team gain that clarity – just set a free consultation.