Your Purpose: The Steady Compass for Your Life’s Journey

 “Steadfast with Purpose” – 2010 

Courthouse Butte

Sedona, AZ

How Conviction and Clarity Sustain Your Purpose

It's common in our culture for individuals to define themselves by what they do—their title, profession, or vocation. This is often evident in social settings when someone asks: “What do you do for a living?” or “What kind of work do you do?” Rarely does someone ask: “Tell me about yourself?”

Why is this the case? The reasons are both cultural and personal.

Culturally, we are conditioned from an early age to associate identity with occupation. Consider how children are frequently asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” rather than, “What kind of person do you want to become?” Over time, this emphasis on “what” rather than “who” can obscure our deeper sense of self.

Yet, clarity of identity is not about titles or roles. You are not merely a “human doing,” but rather a human being, shaped by core principles and values. 

Life’s Exclamation Points 

We commonly live our lives with a sense of who we are. For years, we have known about our character, purpose and how we choose to express it. Yet, this very personal knowledge seems to lie somewhat dormant as we conduct our daily routines expressing it. This degree of awareness, beneficial as it has been, may not be as profound as it needs to be at certain junctures. Some refer to them as crossroads or existential moments. I have experienced each of these and describe them with a  degree of emphasis as life’s exclamation points:

Triumph, Tragedy and Transition from Career

At these times , it’s very beneficial for you to reflect deliberately, purposefully on your principles and apply your convictions upon the matter you are facing. This approach will benefit you enormously as it will more fully inform and guide the decisions you make in life.

Clear Questions, Fuzzy Answers

Having had the privilege of working with professionals across various fields, I encounter individuals who believe they fully understand their internal identity. They express pride in their roles, their achievements and the expertise they have honed over years of dedication.

Yet, when we explore these topics more deeply, many realize that their self-concept is tied more to their professional persona than to a clearly defined internal identity. The primary reason for this mischaracterization is a common misconception that is reinforced culturally.

This perception blurs the line between internal identity (who you are) and external persona (the role you engage in). While professional confidence and mastery of skills can enable great achievements, identifying exceedingly with a particular persona can limit your personal as well as your professional development.

Why Is That?

For many, their professional persona becomes the primary lens through which they view themselves. While this provides confidence and a sense of grounding, it can also impose hidden constraints.

If your internal identity is anchored to your profession, your sense of self-worth and relevance may feel threatened as the transition from your career is imminent. When the time comes to step away from your primary role, uncertainty can take hold. Without clarity of purpose beyond your profession, the transition can feel unsettling rather than a healthy next phase of your life.

Recognizing the distinction between your core identity and the various roles you have engaged in is essential in preparing for your future. The sooner you have clarity about this, the smoother and more fulfilling your transition and life thereafter will be.

Principled Foundations

The origin and foundation of your purpose is your internal identity—your character. It's an enduring presence within you, independent of external roles.

In contrast, your external identity is how others perceive you based on your behavior, manner of speech, appearance, etc.

What about your persona?

These concepts and that of persona were described by the psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung. He described persona as the outward expression of oneself in a given role. You may take on different personas throughout life: as a professional, parent, mentor, volunteer, etc.

Dr. Jung cautioned that when individuals over-identify with a particular persona, they limit their personal development. The actualization of one’s potential is more fully expressed throughout life when the motivation to express it arises from a clear understanding and commitment to one’s character and purpose.  It's natural then, that grand, enduring achievements by great leaders are born of faithfulness to their identity and purpose. This is true especially when they serve purposes greater than themselves.

Understanding this distinction will allow you to view your personas as legitimate expressions of your internal identity and purpose, rather than as cultural definitions of who you are.

A Time for Clarity and Empowerment

Clarity of purpose empowers you. It's the source of confidence to know that you are not defined by your profession. Your career is one of many expressions of your purpose, but it is certainly not the totality of who you are.

Throughout different life stages—childhood, adulthood and later years—your purpose may be expressed in different ways. Your various roles serve as vehicles for manifesting your purpose, but they do not define it.

Your career will eventually conclude, but your purpose endures. Understanding this distinction will prepare you for a meaningful transition beyond your professional life.

Focus on Clarity, Express Yourself

Clarity of purpose enhances the quality of your entire life. It fosters the expression of your imagination, creativity as well as personal and professional development.

This is especially relevant during the transition from your career to the next phase of life. Many professionals eagerly anticipate retirement, yet some quickly find that leisure alone does not provide the fulfillment they expected.

Hobbies and relaxation are desirable and valuable, but they are not a substitute for the deeper sense of meaning derived from purpose-driven activities. Indeed, the fulfillment of your purpose is a lingering need that longs for satisfaction. Without an ongoing expression of purpose in some manner, some may experience dissatisfaction after leaving their careers.

As you approach this transition, consider how your purpose and desire for fun can be expressed in new ways. Have a talk with yourself, be creative and harness the power of your imagination.

By embracing this perspective, you will not only navigate your transition with confidence but also experience the next phase of your life as one of splendid renewal and fulfillment.

PS: Would you like to learn more about how to transition successfully from your career? I provide services to physicians, non-medical professionals, corporate executives, businessmen and entrepreneurs that are tailored to their specific needs. Click here to request an introductory conversation.

If you would like to learn about another way that I can guide you, check out this brief video that describes my unique online course: 

The Practice Transition Course for Physicians. _TM     

Twin Butte and Two Sisters – 2010

Sedona, AZ