Start with your purpose in mind.

Did you ever wonder why sometimes things come easily and naturally? Occasionally, it seems like all the stars align and we’re able to achieve great things. We feel we have all we need, and we don’t even have to think about what to do next. We just follow our “gut instincts” and move from task to task effortlessly. Other times, we find ourselves stuck. What should we do next? What are we trying to achieve? It turns out there is one factor that explains the difference between these two circumstances. In the first case, we have a clear understanding of our purpose. In the other, we are exclusively focused on our actions and outcomes.

Don’t get me wrong – actions and outcomes are really important. We get paid for actions and outcomes. However, clear understanding of purpose is critical to driving outstanding results. When you say it that way, it makes sense why we should all begin by defining our purpose. When we have a purpose that agrees with our core values and beliefs, and we align everything to that purpose, we can go much farther and get there much faster. 

This is true for both you and your team. This reminds me of the times in my career when I’ve had to “go slow to move fast.” This is about taking the time to explain the “why” to get everyone onboard and pulling in the same direction. If you can align the values and desires of the individual, with wants and needs of the organization, then great things will happen. It becomes a virtuous cycle where each person is passionately focused on the mission. True motivation comes from a clear sense of purpose and a belief that what we do matters. Make a commitment to being purposefully driven. Understand your purpose and explain it to your team. If you do you’ll multiply your success.