Agarwal - 1_What's Your Purpose_Three Steps To Self-Esteem-1

Overview

  • The concept revolves around self-esteem and purpose in personal and professional contexts.

  • Importance of self-questioning in leadership and personal development.

Defining Purpose

  • Great leaders begin with the question: What’s my purpose?

  • Many individuals, including experienced executives, lack personal purpose statements.

  • A personalized purpose statement helps clarify personal priorities and improve decision-making.

    • Framework:

      • High performers tend to operate intuitively regarding their goals.

      • They prioritize passions and philosophies but often fail to articulate an explicit mission similar to companies like Apple and Walmart.

      • A clear mission statement serves as a touchstone to prioritize effectively.

      • A defined purpose allows individuals to decline less meaningful tasks and focus on what matters most.

      • Avoid vague boundaries to prevent mission creep and maintain focus.

Steps to Define Your Purpose

  • According to John Allison, a common framework for defining purpose involves:

    • Making the world a better place:

      • Personal purpose can involve solving problems that resonate on an individual level.

    • Pursuing personal interests:

      • Engaging in activities that matter personally may feel selfish but is essential for happiness.

Common Fallacies in Defining Purpose

  • Fallacy 1: Making the world a better place is too grand and unrealistic.

    • People may feel overwhelmed by the task or dismiss it as cliché.

  • Fallacy 2: Focusing on personal interests is selfish.

    • There needs to be acknowledgment that self-interest is crucial to maintaining happiness and engagement.

    • Example: Pokémon Go illustrates individual experiences within a shared framework.

      • The game's global mapping allows for personal relevance and individual impact in one's neighborhood or social circles.

Personalization of Purpose

  • Each person's purpose is unique and should reflect personal values and interests:

    • Example:

      • Author's purpose: Helping others achieve upward mobility intellectually, psychologically, and economically.

      • Pilates instructor’s purpose: Promoting health as a foundational human condition.

  • Purpose statements are not static:

    • Begin with writing anything down related to your mission.

    • It is acceptable to have different purposes in personal and professional spheres.

    • Expect to revise and refine this statement over time through reflection and experience.

  • Courage in Creation:

    • Writing a mission statement crystallizes focus and accountability for actions toward one’s purpose.

    • Leaders must think creatively and adaptively to remain committed to their personal missions.

Conclusion

  • Each individual is the "CEO of My Enterprise (ME) Inc."

  • A personal mission statement fosters growth, clarity, and fulfillment in both personal and professional arenas.