On Purpose: "You Are Not The Work You Do; You Are The Person You Are."

As a coach, people often work with me because they're trying to figure out what to do career-wise.  Sometimes, they feel stuck and are looking for concrete next steps. Other times, they feel like they have a great opportunity and want to maximize it. Either way, without fail, I point them toward purpose.  Why purpose? Because it's hard to know what to do if you don't know why you're doing it.

Unfortunately, purpose is one of those terms that has become so overused that sometimes we take it for granted. So, over the next few weeks, I'll spend time unpacking a few aspects of purpose that have helped me and my clients live fuller, richer, more joyful lives. I'll also debunk some common myths that can keep you from (re)discovering your purpose.

The first myth I want to debunk is that purpose is the same as a job.  No boo. Purpose is the very reason you exist.  In the words of Toni Morrison, "You are not the work you do; you are the person you are."

While our careers can be a way to express and live our purpose, you were not brought to earth solely to announce, "clean up on aisle 5," to work with Bob in accounting on annual financial statements year in and year out, or even to become a celebrity.  Purpose is so much more.

Purpose is where our passion and talent meet the world's needs.

For example, I am passionate about singing.  If you have been on a road trip with me, in the vicinity of me in a shower, cooking, or meandering the streets, you have most likely had the misfortune of hearing me sing.  Why misfortune?  Because while I'm passionate about singing, I have no talent for it.  Zero, zip, zilch, nada.  And this is not false modesty.  My own mother tapped me on the shoulder during Christmas Eve service one year and demanded that I stop my tone-deaf attempts at “Silent Night” and leave it to the rest of the congregation.  Apparently, there was concern that my singing would send sweet baby Jesus to the grave early.

Now contrast the sad state of my singing to that of Nina Simone, a bonafide child prodigy. Simone had a passion for music and performance. She obviously had the talent, and through her music, she gave the world something it needed: hope, inspiration, and a life-giving and affirming articulation of Blackness.

From compositions like "Mississippi Goddam" to "Four Women" to "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," Simone called out the lethal realities of racism, the misogynoir visited upon Black women, and demanded society do better while still celebrating the genius, talent, and gifts of people of African descent.

But What Was Her Purpose?

If you asked me what Simone's purpose was, it was to be a mirror: She reflected society's realities and possibilities. While she did this through her gift of music, if Simone had never been paid to perform, she'd still be herself and would have likely utilized other platforms—perhaps as a music teacher, producer, or writer—to express her purpose.

In fact, off the stage, Simone daily reflected the times through her speaking, dress, relationships, and activism.  In the process, she inspired others to live more authentically and fully.

Which is part of the reason that purpose is so important. When we walk in ours, we inspire others to do the same and give them a glimpse of what it would be like to use gifts and talents to help meet the world's needs.

Today, I'd love to know your purpose. Comment and let me know. And if you're a woman of color looking for a safe, supportive space to explore your purpose and how to live it out professionally, consider enrolling in Accelerate, my six-week professional development course for women. The class starts on October 27th. Interested? Book your discovery call today; space is limited.