How Does Your Work Fit Into Your Overall Life Purpose?
I hold a picture of an event I attended some time ago which holds great meaning to me. The occasion was Frank and Dorcus’ diamond wedding anniversary 💎 celebrating an incredible 60 years of marriage! To add to the celebration, Frank was also marking his 80th birthday 🎂 and the event was hosted by their children. Although there is so much to write about Frank and Dorcus’s long-lasting marriage, I’d like to focus my comments on Frank, who has become one of my unknowing life coaches.
Upon reflection of that evening, I couldn’t help but be in awe of Frank’s achievements, with Dorcus by his side of course. He has raised three great children, who were happily married and well established in successful careers. His five grandchildren attended the party, exuding an authentic and touching love and respect for Frank and Dorcus. Each one of them is also employed in amazing jobs or doing well in college.
At one point in the evening I found myself saying,
“Now THIS is what you work for.” The jobs Frank held during his working years all helped contribute (financially, mentally, emotionally, and even physically) to his ability to be the spouse and dad that was being celebrated that evening. While I have never formally asked him, I know there were times in his career when he had to make a decision about a job choice, and he would ask himself, “How will this affect my family?”
One of the most remarkable aspects of the evening was that there was absolutely no hint of regret as Frank talked about his life. There was none of the tension I sometimes sense within a family due to “Dad not being there because he was always at work.” Frank possessed that inner peace we all strive for, and had achieved it because he made work and life choices that were in agreement with his highest values.
Coincidentally, I met someone else last Tuesday who possesses the same mentality as Frank. Tracy shares Frank’s mindset. She’s an outstanding leader in agricultural education, who inspires with her relentless passion for teaching. If anyone I knew was considering becoming an agricultural instructor, I’d point them to her first. Tracy, in her mid-40s, has devoted her life to her job and made it her topmost priority — no marriage, and no kids. But it’s clear that she’s happy with her choices and does what she loves most. I’m confident that Tracy’s 80th birthday will be just as meaningful as Frank’s.
I reflect on two people who have taken different paths with their lives, but both made choices to align their work with their personal values.
They’re both massively successful in their careers because they’ve lived true to themselves, enjoying a work-life harmony that’s truly inspiring. It made me wonder, are you doing what you love? Does the work you do align with your highest priorities? Conscious decision-making leads to work satisfaction.
So let me ask you, what are you working for?
As individuals, we’re constantly making choices that impact our personal and professional lives. It would be valuable if we asked ourselves more often:
“How will this decision impact what’s truly important to me?”
Whether it be switching jobs or taking on new responsibilities in our current roles, taking a moment to consider how our choices align with our priorities can be the key to success.
By being mindful of what matters most to us, we’re empowered to build lives that are both fulfilling and purposeful, like Frank and Tracy.
