In today’s fast-paced world, finding fulfilment in our work can feel like an elusive goal.
We often get caught up in the day-to-day grind, losing sight of what truly matters and for many people in the public sector we find the additional challenge of knowing what truly matters but being unable to work in a way that aligns with our values and purpose and allows us to make the difference that we set out to achieve on that first day.
Being really clear on your purpose can be a game-changer, not just for your personal wellbeing but also for your career.
I’ve walked this path myself, and the transformation it brought to my career was nothing short of extraordinary.
I spent over 20 years in the Police Service, a role that demanded leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment. While it was deeply rewarding, and I loved being part of the service, when my role was made redundant and I had to make a decision on where my career went next I had to sit and reflect, and get clarity on what that needed to look like to ensure that it aligned with my values, needs and purpose.
When I joined the police service at the age of 18, I knew I wanted to make a difference. I didn't want a 9-5 and I wanted variety in my days. I wanted to leave work feeling that m work and interactions had been impactive, and 20 years on that had not changed.
Over the years I was able to contribute in different ways. In roles that had an impact on the public, those that had an impact on staff under my leadership and in roles that had an impact on the organisation. I had a huge amount of experience and a toolbox of tools and skills that I could utilise, the question I had to answer was 'what next'?
I also had a desire to make a difference on a more personal level, to empower others in a way that was aligned with my own values and passions. That’s when I embarked on the journey to discover my purpose.
It wasn’t an overnight revelation but rather a process of reflection, learning, and growth.
When I reflected on my time in the police I recognised that many of my highlights were related to personal development, personally and professionally. Supporting individuals on their own development journeys, helping them to reflect on their strengths and to map out a path to help them reach their full potential.
This journey led me to coaching, mentoring and self-development training whilst in the police. A side role alongside my contracted role, one that I looked forward to and always found both rewarding and fulfilling.
On leaving the police I decided to pursue this path under the umbrella of my own business and over the years I worked with hundreds of clients, both 121 and as groups, coaching, training, speaking and supporting people on their self-development journeys both personally and professionally.
This has evolved over the years. I now help others, particularly those in the public sector, to find their purpose and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams alongside my work in the corporate world supporting leaders with the strategies, mindset and confidence for success.
Why Purpose Matters in Business
Aligning your business goals with your personal values and passions isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a strategic advantage.
When your business is purpose-driven, it’s not only more fulfilling, but it also tends to be more successful. Customers today are savvy—they can sense when a business is authentic and when it’s simply going through the motions. There has been a shift and people are being selective with where they spend their money, and where they earn it.
A purpose-driven business resonates with people, builds trust, and fosters loyalty. It also gives you, as the business owner, a powerful source of motivation and resilience, which is crucial when you’re building a business alongside your ‘day job’.
Businesses that incorporate discussions about values, needs, and purpose into their recruitment process experience lower turnover rates and higher levels of staff satisfaction, fulfilment, and performance.
Purpose acts as your North Star, guiding your decisions, inspiring your team (if you have one), and setting you apart from the competition as well as finding opportunities to collaborate and partner with other business owners who share your values and purpose.
It turns your work into something more than just a means to an end; it becomes a platform for making a difference, for leaving a legacy.
Steps to Discover Your Purpose
If you are wondering how to begin this journey of discovering your purpose, here are some actionable steps:
Reflect on Your Values and Passions: Take time to think about what truly matters to you. What are the values and principles that you live by? What are the activities that make you feel most alive? Consider journaling or brain-dumping the answers to these questions or discussing them with a trusted friend or mentor. If you are working as part of a team complete this as a collective exercise.
Identify Your Strengths:
What are you naturally good at? What do others come to you for advice on? Understanding your strengths can give you clues about your purpose. As a team, how do you bring your strengths together, like an orchestra, to bring everyone together?
Explore Your Interests: Think about the topics or activities that you are naturally drawn to. What books do you read? What hobbies do you pursue? What are you passionate about within your community and in the wider world? Your interests can point you towards your purpose.
Consider Your Impact: Reflect on the difference you want to make in the world. How do you want to contribute to others’ lives? What legacy do you want to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered?
Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Sometimes, the only way to discover your purpose is through experimentation. Volunteer for causes that interest you, take up new projects at work, or start a side hustle that excites you. This may change over time so continue to challenge yourself to try new things.
Ask Yourself the Big Questions: Questions like “What would I do if money were no object?” or “What would I regret not doing at the end of my life?” can help you gain clarity on your purpose.
Real-Life Examples
In the podcast 'If I Knew Then' you can hear my conversations with business owners who left the public sector to pursue their passions and purpose.
In each episode, we dive deep into the journeys of business owners who transitioned from the public sector to entrepreneurship. We explore their backgrounds, the pivotal moments of their transition, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way.
Hear how they built their businesses, the skills carried over from their public sector roles, and their candid advice on what worked, what didn't, and what they would do differently.
If you want to hear real-life examples then this is a great way to be both educated and inspired!
Implementing Purpose in Your Business
Once you’ve discovered your purpose, the next step is to make it the golden thread of your business. Here are some tips:
Integrate Your Purpose into Your Business Plan: Make sure your purpose is reflected in your mission and vision statements, business goals, and strategy.
Communicate Your Purpose Clearly: Share your purpose with your team, your customers, and your community. Let them know what you stand for and why it matters. Use this as one of your content pillars to help the ideal clients and customers connect with you.
Make Purpose-Driven Decisions: Let your purpose guide your decisions, from the products you offer to the way you interact with your clients and customers. Ask yourself, “Does this align with my values and purpose?” before making key decisions.
Measure Your Impact: Set goals and track your progress to ensure your business is creating the impact you have set out to achieve, and the life you want to live.
In Conclusion
Discovering your purpose is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, self-reflection, and courage. Once you find it, it can transform your career and your life in ways you never imagined.
If you’re ready to take the first step, I encourage you to reflect on the questions and exercises above. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our community of 'Aspiring and New Business Owners from the Public Sector' where you’ll find support, resources, and like-minded individuals all on the path to discovering their purpose and building businesses that make a difference.
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