
Sep 6, 2017 ● Michael Hoon
6 steps on the path to finding your purpose
In his commencement speech to the graduating class at Harvard University this past May, Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg spoke about the need for purpose. He told graduating seniors, “Purpose is that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness…But it’s not enough to have purpose yourself. You have to create a sense of purpose for others.” Then he went on to describe how his purpose, creating the site that would become Facebook, wasn’t just a way for him to connect to other students—it was a way to connect the entire world.
To find your purpose and find meaning in your career, it’s not enough to do stuff that you like or that is important to you. The deeper meaning of purpose, the thing that makes it all worthwhile, is more than just helping yourself thrive and succeed. The most successful and fulfilled people make life easier or better—for everyone. Bottom line: personal success doesn’t matter that much.
If you’re having trouble identifying your purpose, try some of these useful tips.