Lead with Purpose: Follow Your North Star
April 14, 2021
As human beings, we all desire to live a fulfilled and meaningful life, don’t we? We want to wake up every morning knowing that we are living our best lives and contributing to making the world a better place. Whether in our personal lives or professional careers, we want to be intentional with everything we do and lead purpose-filled lives.
But with so much noise and distractions around us, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Sometimes, we find ourselves caught up in daily routines, juggling competing demands and struggling to find our bearings. In such situations, we dearly need a guiding star to help us find our way back on track.
To lead with purpose, follow your North Star. Your North Star represents your truest and most cherished values, guiding principles, and passions. It is that calling that gives your life meaning and direction, shining brightly amidst the noise and clutter of everyday life. Whether you’re starting a business, trying to find your footing, or advancing in your career, leading with purpose is critical to your success.
In this article, we’ll explore what it means to lead with purpose, why it matters, and how to find your North Star. We’ll also discuss the connection between purpose and leadership, and how leading with purpose can transform teams and organizations.
What is Purpose?
The purpose is the why behind everything we do and the ultimate reason for our existence. It is the core driving force that moves us towards our North Star. Purpose isn’t necessary materialistic and doesn’t revolve around financial success. Instead, it’s a deep and profound calling that helps us recognize what we were meant to do in life.
Our purpose is based on our passions, talents, and the difference we want to make in the world. For example, some people’s main aim is to make a positive impact on the earth such as solving climate change issues, while some wish to excel in their careers and make as much wealth and success as they can achieve. Similarly, some aspire to change the world by solving complex problems using technology. The point is that everyone’s purpose is different and unique, so finding it can require deep introspection, soul-searching, and an openness to finding deeper meanings.
Why Does Purpose Matter?
Leading with purpose is critical to leading a fulfilling life and unlocking your potential. An individual with a sense of purpose has a clear sense of direction and a powerful vision for the future. When purpose guides your thoughts and actions, it becomes easier to align your daily activities with long-term goals. This can help you avoid distractions, stay motivated, and make informed decisions.
Purpose also serves as a source of inspiration. It gives you a sense of hope and optimism, even in the most challenging situations. When times are tough, purpose helps you stay focused on the bigger picture and keeps you motivated.
Moreover, having a purpose can give you a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. You know that you are making an impact and contributing to something larger than yourself. This is particularly important in leaders; by aligning their personal purpose with the company’s mission and vision, they can inspire and energize their employees to work towards a common goal.
How to Find Your North Star?
Finding your North Star can be a daunting task, but it is possible with the right approach. Here are some steps to help you find your North Star:
- Cultivate Self-awareness
The first step to finding your North Star is to understand yourself better. Self-awareness helps you uncover your strengths and weaknesses, what you enjoy doing and where you excel. Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and motivations. Write down your thoughts in a journal and keep reviewing and updating them regularly. - Set Intentions
Once you have a clear sense of self, the next step is to set intentions towards finding your North Star. Write down your dreams, hopes, and desires. Ask yourself the following questions: What do you want to achieve in life? What difference do you want to make in the world? Be as specific as possible in your answers. - Identify Your Skills
Your skills are the building blocks of your North Star. They are the tools that will help you achieve your goals and make an impact. Make a list of your top skills and talents, and think about how you can apply them to create value. You may also consider getting feedback from colleagues, friends, or a mentor. - Follow Your Passions
Passion is an essential part of finding your North Star. When you’re passionate about something, inspiration flows and ideas flourish. Identify the causes, activities, or hobbies that ignite your soul. Consider how you can align your skills and passions to make a difference. - Get Feedback and Support
Finding your North Star doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. They can help you uncover blind spots, offer new perspectives, and provide emotional and psychological support. In addition, working with a coach can also help you accelerate your journey.
How Purpose Relates to Leadership
Leadership and purpose are inherently linked. Purposeful leaders inspire, encourage, and motivate their teams towards a shared vision. They cultivate a culture of excellence, creativity, and innovation, and place a premium on collaboration and learning. Purposeful leaders understand the importance of aligning their personal values with the company’s mission and vision.
When leaders lead with purpose, they harness the collective power of their team towards achieving a common goal. They create a sense of belonging and community, and everyone feels invested in the company’s success. Moreover, purposeful leaders are authentic, transparent, and compassionate. They inspire trust and loyalty, and their employees are willing to go above and beyond to achieve the mission.
Conclusion
Leading with purpose is not just a noble ideal but a critical strategy for personal and professional success. By finding your North Star and aligning your daily actions with your purpose, you can unlock your potential and live a fulfilling life. As leaders, cultivating purpose and infusing it into the company culture can help create a compelling vision and engage your team towards achieving a shared goal.
So, if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, turn towards your North Star. It will never lead you astray!