Lead the Way: Purpose as Your Throughline

What do you care too much about to stay quiet? 

It’s a big question, and one that’s key to defining your sense of purpose. Why, then, does it feel like such a loaded one? 

Let’s be honest – there’s already a ton of content and information out there about tapping into your sense of purpose. Books, podcasts, blogs, brands…combine all of this with the constant pressure to find your “one big thing,” plus the relentless comparison trap that is social media, and it’s a recipe for overwhelm.

Too often, purpose feels like a far-out, abstract concept, or something we’ll discover later, somewhere along our winding path. I’ve been there, done that, and got the tee shirt. For years, I thought of “purpose” as singular and fixed – until I realized that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

So what if we thought about purpose a little differently?

Zoom out for a moment. Examine your personal and professional values. Think about the decisions you make, and how you show up at work, at home, and in the world. You might be surprised to find that your purpose is already present, just waiting for you to discover and name it. 

An Evolving Epicenter

Just as clarity comes from taking intentional action, purpose is shaped through self-reflection and exploration (spoiler alert: this same clarity also influences how you show up and what you build). 

As much as we like to think that we’ll have a singular “lightbulb” moment that defines our purpose in perpetuity, the truth often looks a little different: our purpose comes into clearer focus with each intentional step forward. 

Not sure where to start? Let’s break it down — ask yourself some (or all) of these questions and notice your first instinct: 

• What kinds of activities or projects do you find energizing and exciting?

• What do people consistently ask for your help or advice on?

• What kinds of challenges make you roll up your sleeves and say “Step aside, I’ve got this!”?

• What topics do you enjoy learning about, and how do you share that passion with others?

Rather than a fixed destination or a "perfectly" packaged statement, your purpose is an evolving epicenter situated squarely at the intersection of your gifts, passions, goals, values, motivators, and lived experience. 

And because those evolve over time, so too does your purpose – and that’s not only okay, it’s necessary.

What Gets in the Way

Shifting how we think about purpose is only one part of the puzzle. There are plenty of stumbling blocks that can keep us from making meaningful progress toward identifying and living our purpose. 

First, let’s name the obvious: purpose is not prestige, productivity, or perfection. These might be qualities valued on a broader societal level, but purpose is inherently individual. Similarly, that myth of a “lightbulb” moment can limit exploration by over-emphasizing one singular focus. 

Another angle to consider: humans can be creatures of habit. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of the day-to-day without pausing to consider what’s driving you. It can also be easy to worry that a shifting purpose indicates failure, inconsistency, or flakiness. The good news? As discussed above, your purpose can and should evolve over time – just as you do.

Many people also find it uncomfortable to claim purpose without outside validation. Do any of these statements sound familiar?

• “I’m thrilled to be a part of this project team, but I don’t really know what I’m doing.” 

• “I love helping people create personal brands, but I don’t have any formal training or certifications in it.” 

• “I’m a total data nerd and became an Excel power user as an intern, but my education is in fine arts.”

• “I’ve been writing essays since I learned how to hold a pencil, but I’m not an author or anything.” 

Just in case no one has told you: you don’t need a permission slip to uncover and claim your purpose. Think of it as your values in action – something that’s actively practiced, not statically proclaimed.  

And when we hesitate to claim our purpose, it can ripple outward — influencing how we show up, and how clearly others see what we bring to the table. 

Making it Real – In This Moment

Why is this particularly important now? Let’s look at the big picture. 

The professional landscape is changing, and quickly: career paths are not necessarily linear, drastic pivots are no longer seen as outliers, and the rise of the “portfolio career” demands that everyone take more ownership of their professional journey. 

The “new normal” includes a bit of chaos by default, which means that purpose can be a grounding force – one that helps you navigate uncertainty, filter opportunities, and direct your attention to what matters most.

A strong sense of purpose also helps others understand what drives you – building trust, connection, and maybe even a bit of camaraderie along the way. When your purpose is connected to action, it creates authentic alignment: decisions become clearer, momentum builds, and work resonates on a deeper level.

You don’t have to perfectly package and polish your purpose to put it into practice. Reflect on moments that stick with you, consider your throughline that shows up across roles and seasons, and allow room for flexibility, evolution, and exploration.

Clarifying your purpose now brightens your personal North Star to help navigate what comes next — before uncertainty arises.

Ready to explore your evolving purpose, and how it shapes your path? Join us at www.businesswomensgroup.com.