3 Steps to Elevate Your Purpose and Maximize Your Impact
Leadership
February 5, 2014
Mike Henry
Operations and IT Consultant
Topics
Calling, Difference, Elevate Purpose, impact, make a difference, PurposeThe words “Elevate Purpose, Mobilize People” have been resonating with me for a while. So much in fact that I’m going to focus much of my writing on them over the next few months.
You see, I believe one of the most important things you can do to maximize your impact in 2014 is to narrow your focus and concentrate on your highest, most noble purpose.
What is an elevated purpose? My definition of an elevated purpose is one that creates great value for others. An elevated purpose isn’t one that benefits only us. In the end, our legacy will be what we did for others. The hole we leave will only be measured by those we leave behind. Therefore our greatest purpose benefits others. And our most elevated purpose married with our greatest passion creates the greatest benefit for the whole world. Let me say that again. Your best energy working on the world’s greatest need will energize you and mobilize you. You will create impact. You will make a difference.
"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman
Great leaders are those who serve people in great causes. We don’t remember those who served few. We remember those who sacrificed and served many. What makes you come alive will meet a great need in the world. How do I know? I believe the bible, and there’s a verse in there that explains this phenomena:
For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)
Three steps to finding your most elevated purpose
- What do you hate? That’s right. No one likes using that word. But there is injustice in the world. If what you hate only relates to the injustices in your life that you experience, you need to begin to think of others. Is there a problem in the world you just can’t tolerate? Is it a problem for someone other than yourself? That problem may have something to do with your most elevated purpose. Take a minute and list some of these things and list why you hate them.
- If you could do anything what would it be? Why? Again, make the list. List both the thing and the why. In the answer to the question “Why?” lies some secrets that will help you identify your most elevated purpose. Deep down inside, you want to do something. List those somethings and their reasons.
- Force rank them. That’s right. Once you’ve got a list of 3-10 things, force rank them. Assume you’re invited to do them all right now. Which one will you do?
It’s no accident that your greatest passions and your strengths lie along the line of your greatest calling. Focus on using your best strengths and your best energy, to maximize your impact and your value to others.
Share below any ideas you have or anything you’d add to the conversation. Let’s all spend an hour more on our most elevated purpose this month and see where we end up. Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. Are you part of that small group? You are if you can elevate your purpose and use that to guide your impact.
Elevate Your Purpose is the first step in a new 6 week boot camp I’m putting together to help character-based leaders and coaches increase their influence and impact. If you’re interested in learning more about this upcoming program, please respond at our Contact Us page.
Mike, thank you so much–this is very timely for me. I’ve just made a commitment to focus the next several years of my work on the idea of Business For a Better World. I’ve spent this week buying domain names, organizing our first event (a telesummit), and writing copy for the website I’ll be developing over the next few weeks.
The quick hit: businesses can change their thinking about resource use and in the process address issues like hunger/poverty, war, and catastrophic climate change. This certainly falls under the category of “elevated purpose,” and I’m tremendously excited to be working on it.
–Shel Horowitz, primary author, Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green
Shel, thanks for the comment. Not only do I agree with you, but I believe a commitment to something larger than the success of your organization makes everything about you and your organization sharper and more effective. I’m excited you’re working on it too. Mike…
[…] 3 Steps to Elevate Your Purpose and Maximize Your Impact by Mike Henry. Key quote: “What is an elevated purpose? My definition of an elevated purpose is one that creates great value for others. An elevated purpose isn’t one that benefits only us. In the end, our legacy will be what we did for others.” […]