The Difference Between Goals and Purpose.
The key distinction between goals and purpose lies in their orientation: goals are about future acquisition, while purpose is about living in alignment with your values in the present. Goals focus on what you want to achieve—a promotion, a pay rise, a completed project. Purpose, on the other hand, focuses on how you want to live and contribute, whether you’re working toward a goal or not.
Let’s say your goal is to become a manager in your company. Once you achieve that position, you’ll feel proud, but that feeling may not last. Without a clear sense of purpose, you might quickly start looking for the next achievement—another promotion, another project—just to recapture that sense of accomplishment. But if your purpose is to lead with integrity and inspire others, then every day as a manager will bring fulfillment, because you’re living out your core values, whether or not there’s a new goal in sight.
In the wilderness, goals help you track progress, but it’s purpose that gives the journey meaning. Without it, the trail becomes just another task to complete. With it, every step feels intentional and fulfilling, regardless of whether you reach the summit.
Aligning Your Goals with Your Purpose
Incorporating purpose into your goal-setting is like navigating the workplace wilderness with both a map and a compass. The map (your goals) shows you the way, but the compass (your purpose) ensures that you stay true to your values along the journey.
Here’s how to integrate purpose into your goals:
Start with Your Core Values: Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Is it growth, connection, creativity, or compassion? These values will form the foundation of your purpose in the workplace.
Set Goals that Reflect Your Values: Once you’ve identified your core values, create goals that align with them. For example, if you value creativity, your goal might be to lead a project that requires innovative problem-solving. If you value connection, your goal could be to foster a more collaborative team culture.
Enjoy the Journey: Purpose allows you to find fulfillment in the present, even as you work toward future goals. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, appreciate the process. Just as a hiker pauses to enjoy the view along the trail, find ways to celebrate small victories and meaningful moments in your work.
Stay Flexible: In the wilderness, trails can change—storms roll in, paths get blocked, and detours are necessary. The same is true in your career. When challenges arise, let your purpose guide you through the uncertainty, even if it means adjusting your goals.
A Fulfilled Journey
In the workplace wilderness, both goals and purpose are essential tools for navigating your career. Goals provide the structure and direction that help you achieve milestones, while purpose keeps you grounded in your values, ensuring that every step feels meaningful. Just as a hiker balances the need for progress with the desire to appreciate the present, you too can strike a balance between the drive to achieve and the joy of living your purpose.
When you align your goals with your purpose, the workplace becomes more than just a series of tasks—it becomes a journey of growth, connection, and fulfillment. So, as you navigate your own workplace wilderness, remember to consult both your map and your compass. In doing so, you’ll find that not only will you reach your goals, but you’ll also live with purpose every step of the way.
