Ground Yourself in the Power of Your Purpose
A long time ago, the trees went out to anoint a king.
They first said to the olive tree, “Reign over us.” The olive tree answered, “And stop producing my rich oil? I will not.”
Then the trees asked the fig tree. But the fig tree answered them, “And stop producing my delicious fruit? I will not.”
Next they asked the vine, “Come and reign over us.” But the vine said, “And stop producing my wine? I will not.”
About to give up, the trees made one last attempt and asked the bramble. And the bramble said, “If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade.”
It’s wonderful to see in this story how each tree knows its unique purpose: The olive tree makes oil, the fig tree produces sweet fruit, the vine makes grapes for wine, and the bramble brush is for shade. Each tree knows its true purpose and stands firmly planted.
How many times are you approached with a new project, new product, new venture, new idea, and as a result find yourself jumping from circumstance to opportunity?
Can you truly say you’re sticking with your purpose, or that you’re sure that you’re planted in the best role?
Our purpose has the power to ground us.
But how do you know if you are rooted in that purpose?
Ask yourself the following questions…
What makes me different?
When leaders that I work with ask me how they can differentiate themselves from the rest, I remind them: The first person you will lead is you. If you lack purpose look within. Ask yourself what stirs your heart, what comes from the depths of who you are and what you believe in. Your purpose draws on your natural gifts and talents. It comes from your past and your history; it comes from what you love doing. It meets your needs.
How can I serve others?
A clearly defined purpose comes from prioritizing your own abilities and working towards empowering others to their potential. True purpose is not awarded or not appointed, it comes only from genuine love for people. Its best measure comes from serving others—nothing more, nothing less.
How will I make a difference?
If you seek purpose, you need to know that everything comes with discipline and prioritizing. You can multiply the good you do by being a model for others to see how to identify what’s important, make it a priority, and have the discipline to live out that priority every day.
When it comes to living your purpose and leading with meaning, commitment and effectiveness are your foundation.
Lead From Within: Make sure you touch a dozen lives before the day is done and leave your mark even as you rest in the shade of the trees.
Lolly Daskal is the president and Founder of Lead From Within a consulting firm specializing in executive leadership coaching and customized leadership programs. Connect with Lolly Daskal
Additional Reading:
• At The Risk Of Being Changed
• The Power Of Parting: 7 Things You Need To Stop Doing
• Lead From Where You Are And With All That You
• The Wisdom Of Whole Hearted Leading
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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