The Key to Fulfilment: Purpose-Driven Goals
For years, I was chasing and achieving goals that looked impressive on the outside. Financially, I was secure, and in my industry, I was progressing. People would tell me, “I wish I had everything sorted out like you.” But the truth was, I felt empty inside. Despite all the external success, something was missing, and I kept asking myself: What’s the point of all this?
My goals weren’t connected to anything meaningful. I was making money, taking holidays, eating out, and repeating the cycle. But it eventually felt pointless. This left me frustrated, and I secretly cried, asking, “Is this really what life is about? Earning, eating, drinking, and dying?” I knew I had to find my true purpose, and this realisation marked the beginning of a transformative journey for me.
The Turning Point: Finding My Purpose
I started questioning why I was doing all these things. What was I put on this earth to do? It wasn’t an overnight revelation, but I slowly realised that while I was achieving significant goals, they felt empty because they weren’t tied to a larger purpose.
Once I began aligning my goals—financial, physical, mental, and spiritual—with my purpose, everything changed. Today, I feel more fulfilled, more in control, and more intentional about how I use my time. I now have a deeper understanding of what to chase and what to let go of, which has allowed me to live a more purposeful life.
This is why I write this blog every week. Whether it’s midnight or I’m on holiday by the pool, I find the time to write and help others discover meaningful lifestyles through goal-setting. My purpose is to help others connect their goals to something bigger—something that brings fulfilment and lasting satisfaction.
Purpose and Business: The Missing Link
Through my work with organisations, I’ve discovered that many senior leaders don’t understand why they’re working for their companies. Their personal vision is often disconnected from the company’s purpose. This disconnection can lead to dissatisfaction, lack of engagement, and high staff turnover. Employees, too, are often unaware of their organisation’s purpose, leading to a lack of motivation and productivity. When people don’t feel aligned with their company’s vision, they lose interest and look forward to weekends and retirement rather than finding fulfilment in their work.
Purpose isn’t just for individuals—it’s essential for organisations too. Research shows that employees who find purpose in their work are more productive, engaged, and motivated. In fact, people with a sense of purpose tend to live longer, even if they smoke or drink. Purpose also makes individuals more adaptable in new environments and less dependent on external validation, such as social media likes or the opinions of others.
Purpose in Projects and Organisations: The Key to Success
In my experience turning around programmes, one of the most important steps has been helping team members connect their personal purpose to the project’s objectives. When people understand why their work matters and how it fits into a larger mission, they become more engaged and motivated. This approach has led to incredible successes in projects that seemed impossible to save.
Getting to know people, understanding what drives them, and aligning that with the organisation’s goals can transform not only individual performance but also the entire project.
Wealth Without Purpose – A Miserable Life
Without a clear purpose, people might say, “I want to be wealthy,” but when asked how much is enough, they often have no idea. That’s because the goal isn’t tied to any deeper meaning. Money alone doesn’t provide fulfilment; it’s a tool that can either build or destroy, depending on how it’s used.
Purpose-Driven Goals for a Fulfilling Life
The biggest shift for me came when I started aligning my goals with my purpose. Now, every area of my life—financial, physical, mental, and spiritual—is in harmony, working toward the same end. This alignment has brought me deeper satisfaction and has changed the way I use my time. My goals are no longer random or disconnected—they serve a larger vision, and that has made all the difference. Having said that, I am still on the journey as my purpose is refined further.
If you’re feeling lost or stuck in a cycle of achieving goals without any real sense of fulfilment, I encourage you to step back and ask yourself: What is my purpose? If you don’t know yet, that’s okay. Finding your purpose is a journey, and it’s one worth taking. Start by identifying your strengths, passions, and the impact you want to make in the world.
I’ve written a blog on how to discover your purpose, and I explore this topic even further in my book Unchained. Your purpose is your why—the reason you get up every day. Without that, even your biggest achievements can feel hollow.
How Individuals, Projects, and Organisations Can Apply Purpose-Driven Goals for Success
For Individuals:
- Clarify Your Purpose: Identify what drives you and what gives you meaning. Ask yourself why you’re pursuing your current goals. Write it down and make sure your goals reflect this purpose.
- Align Your Daily Goals: Break down your purpose into actionable steps. For example, if your purpose is to help others through education, set specific goals related to gaining knowledge or starting a project in this field. You’ll be more motivated when your goals have meaning.
- Track Purpose-Driven Progress: Regularly assess whether your goals are bringing you closer to your purpose, not just external rewards like money or recognition.
For Projects:
- Identify the Project’s Purpose: Before starting any project, clarify why it exists. What problem is it solving? What’s its purpose? When the team understands this, they’re more motivated and engaged.
- Align Team Members’ Goals: Understand what drives each team member and show them how their personal goals can align with the project’s objectives. This will increase their engagement and performance.
- Purpose-Driven Milestones: Track project milestones not just in terms of deliverables, but in how they contribute to the overall purpose. This keeps the team focused on the bigger picture.
For Organisations:
- Define Your Organisational Purpose: Beyond making profits, what impact does your organisation want to have on the world? Make sure this is clear to all employees.
- Align Employee and Organisational Goals: Help employees see how their personal goals align with the company’s purpose. This will boost engagement and performance, leading to higher job satisfaction.
- Purpose-Driven Decision Making: Ensure that every decision made in the organisation aligns with your mission. This keeps everyone on track and moving toward a shared vision.
Why I Write This Blog Weekly
I write this blog every week because my purpose is to help others find meaningful lifestyles through goal-setting. Whether it’s late at night or during a holiday, I make time because this is my why. My purpose drives me to constantly learn, grow, and give back. It’s why I am setting up a charity, why I stay physically and mentally fit, and why I seek financial stability—to better focus on my purpose.
If you haven’t found your purpose yet, I encourage you to start the journey. You are worth more than just surviving. You were put here for a reason—find that reason, align your goals, and start living a life that brings you true fulfilment.
References:
- Rowena Mabbott – The Power of Clarity: Achieving Your Goals with Purpose and Vision.
- Sustainable Bliss Co – Goal Setting for Clarity and Purpose.
- Mark Manson – The Complete Guide to Goal Setting.
- Psychology Today – How to Set and Achieve Your Life Goals.
For more insights on goal-setting, check out my book, Unchained: Success Unlocked – Proven Framework for Achieving Your Goals available on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com) and visit my website at [Unchained for Success] (https://www.unchainedforsuccess.com).
