We process an almost constant stream of comparative judgments, ranging from the tangibles like our appearance, clothes, jewelry, cars, homes – to the intangibles, like status, accomplishments, influence, and respect. We are quite skilled comparing ourselves to others, yet remarkably unskilled at measuring our potential relative to where we find ourselves.
Some 80% of us report we are unhappy in our jobs. We find them dull, monotonous, even life-draining. Simon Sinek, in his book Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, shares a story of a pair of stone masons working mere feet from one another.
The first mason is asked, “Do you like your job?’ He looks up and replies – ‘I’ve been building this wall for as long as I can remember. The work is monotonous. I’m in the scorching hot sun all day. The stones are heavy and lifting them day after day is backbreaking. I’m not even sure if this project will be completed in my lifetime. But it’s a job. It pays the bills.'”
A few steps further, a second mason is asked the same question, “Do you like your job?’ He looks up and replies, ‘I love my job – I’m building a cathedral. Sure, I’ve been working on this wall for as long as I can remember and yes, the work is sometimes monotonous. I work in the scorching hot sun all day. The stones are heavy and lifting them day after day is backbreaking. I’m not even sure if this project will be completed in my lifetime. But I’m building a cathedral.’”
Am I just ‘working in the hot scorching sun,’ or am I ‘building a cathedral?’
The answer to this profound question lies in whether or not we have discovered and are pursing our life’s purpose and passion – our why. Those who can answer yes have discovered a treasure that knows no scarcity. The 80% who are busy competing with others for the fleeting stuff of life can so easily miss the real, sustaining treasures that lie within each one of us – our purpose and the subsequent passion that inevitably follows when we pursue it. All that is required to cut the chains of life-draining work is some serious soul searching and practical observation.
When you discover your purpose you “find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about,” says Steve Pavlina. You’ll find new energy and direction in life. Triumphs come more often, and hurdles become less formidable. Emerson said, “It is a fact often observed, that men have written good verses under the inspiration of passion – who cannot write well under other circumstances.” I can certainly testify to that statement.
However, as with anything, passion to excess is dangerous. Ben Franklin wisely counsels “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.” Few doubt the importance of good planning, but still, very few do it.
Jim Collins, in his landmark book “Good to Great,” sets out four stages to guide organizations from mere goodness to greatness. His principles are equally applicable to purpose-driven individuals.
STAGE 1: DISCIPLINED PEOPLE
Leaders are ambitious first and foremost for [their] cause, the organization, the work—not themselves—and they have the fierce resolve to do whatever it takes to make good on that ambition. A leader displays a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.”
STAGE 2: DISCIPLINED THOUGHT
Confront the Brutal Facts—the Stockdale Paradox. Retain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. It may take a financial belt-tightening to make the change, but if you have assessed well and aligned your skillset with your purpose, the triumphs will follow.
The Hedgehog Concept. Greatness comes about by a series of good decisions consistent with a simple, coherent concept—a “Hedgehog Concept.” The Hedgehog Concept is an operating model that reflects understanding of three intersecting circles: what you can be the best in the world at, what you are deeply passionate about, and what best drives your economic or resource engine.
STAGE 3: DISCIPLINED ACTION
Culture of Discipline. Disciplined people who engage in disciplined thought and who take disciplined action—operating with freedom within a framework of responsibilities—this is the cornerstone of a culture that creates greatness. In a culture of discipline, people do not have “jobs;” they have responsibilities.
The Flywheel. In building greatness, there is no single defining action, no grand program, no one killer innovation, no solitary lucky break, no miracle moment. Rather, the process resembles relentlessly pushing a giant heavy flywheel in one direction, turn upon turn, building momentum until a point of breakthrough, and beyond.
STAGE 4: BUILDING GREATNESS TO LAST
Preserve the Core and Stimulate Progress. Adherence to core values combined with a willingness to challenge and change everything except those core values—keeping clear the distinction between “what we stand for” (which should never change) and “how we do things” (which should never stop changing). Great [people] have a purpose—a reason for being (their why)—that goes far beyond just making money, and they translate this purpose into BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) to stimulate progress.
Howard Thurman offers this wonderful challenge to us all: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Go and build your cathedral!