Here’s something that's always on my mind: purpose.
You know, that big, scary word that sometimes feels like it's judging us from afar?
Yeah, that one.
I was having a conversation with someone the other day about purpose, and it got me thinking. Not everyone feels like they have this grand, cosmic calling, and you know what? That's totally okay. In fact, it's more than okay – it's normal.
The Purpose Pressure Cooker
Here's the tea: society has us thinking we need to have our entire lives figured out by the time we're 25.
Spoiler alert: that's nonsense. 🙄
According to Gallup, only 33% of American workers were engaged in their work in 2023. That means a whopping 67% of us are just... there. Showing up, doing the thing, collecting the paycheck, and wondering, "Is this it?"
For creative women of color like us, that feeling can be even more intense. We're out here breaking glass ceilings and fighting stereotypes, all while trying to figure out our "purpose."
It can be exhausting, right?
Let's Take the Pressure Off
So here's what I propose: let's ditch the idea that we need to have one all-encompassing purpose.
Instead, let's ask ourselves some fun, low-pressure questions:
1. If you didn't have to wake up every day and pay bills, what would you do?
2. What are you curious about right now?
3. What excites you? What feels like play instead of work?
4. What causes break your heart or piss you off?
5. What problems do you wish you could solve?
These questions aren't just fluff – they're clues to what lights you up inside. And isn't that what purpose is all about?
The Multi-Purpose Life
Here's a little secret: your purpose can change.
*gasp* I know, revolutionary, right?
A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average person changes jobs 12 times during their career. Twelve times! So why do we expect our purpose to stay the same for 80+ years?
The only constant, in my humble opinion, is that we're called to use our gifts and talents in service of others. But how that looks can evolve as we grow and change. Maybe right now, your purpose is to create beautiful graphic designs that make people smile. In five years, it might be to teach other women of color how to build thriving design businesses.
Finding Purpose in the Everyday
Now, I'm not saying you should quit your job tomorrow and go on an "Eat, Pray, Love" journey to find yourself (unless you want to, in which case, can I come?). But there are small ways to inject purpose into your everyday life:
1. Volunteer: A 2020 study showed that frequent volunteers were more likely to be very happy. Helping others helps us – who knew? (me 🙋🏾♀️)
2. Learn something new: Learning increases our sense of self-efficacy and purpose. Plus, it's fun! Win-win.
3. Connect with your community: Meaningful relationships are a key factor in feeling purposeful. Reach out to that friend you've been meaning to call.
4. Create: Whether it's painting, writing, coding, or interpretive dance (you do you, boo), creating something from nothing is inherently purposeful.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, purpose isn't necessarily about having some grand, world-changing mission (though if you do, more power to you!).
It's about living a life that makes you proud when you look in the mirror.
So, my beautiful, talented, purpose-seeking friend, here's your homework: Take those pressure-free questions I mentioned earlier and journal about them. See what comes up. You might be surprised at the nuggets of purpose-gold you uncover. #journalingworks
And remember, you're already amazing, purpose aware or not.
But if you want to chat more about finding your path, replacing your corporate role with consulting or independent contracting, or just need a cheerleader in your corner, I'm here for you. Let's ditch the corporate grind together and create lives that make us excited to wake up every morning. 💃🏽✨
