How To Find Deeper Meaning In Work And Life

Ask yourself one essential question to unlock the answer

If I asked what you do for a living, you'd tell me what your job is, right? For example, you might be a software engineer, barista, writer, real estate agent, or customer service rep.

But your role or title is not your real job.

Your real job is something else — something much more significant.

And, by the time you finish reading this article, I'm not going to change your mind — you will change your mind.

And not only will you change your mind, but you will hopefully realize this idea can transform your outlook on life and your personal and professional relationships.

I know it sounds a bit over the top, but I'm not kidding. Stay with me.

The backdrop.

First, as you well know, we live in an achievement-oriented world where the emphasis is on what we do, the role we play, or the title on our business card. Societal success is measured mainly by how much we earn, where we live, what kind of car we drive, who our friends are, and so on.

We identify with our role and profession and work hard to get good at it. And so we should. But when we only identify with what we do, we severely limit our personal and professional potential.

Our job.

Our job is not what we do — it's the goal we pursue.

What's the job of a teacher? To teach, right? No.

A teacher's job is to help their students learn.

What is a sales manager's job? To manage all those pesky salespeople, right? No.

A sales manager's job is to help each team member grow and succeed.

What's the job of the guy who cleans your gym? To keep the gym clean, right? No.

His job is to help create an environment where people feel safe and looked after.

The difference.

It's more expansive when a teacher defines their job as helping students learn.

The focus is on the students, not on themself.

If a teacher believes their job is to teach, the focus is on them. It's a narrow point of view that plays right into the belief the world revolves around what they do and who they are. They are the mighty teacher, the authority figure, the keeper, and the dispenser of wisdom.

I've known too many teachers more concerned about plowing through the lesson plan than anyone was learning. Success at anything can not be measured simply by what you do — it must be measured by the impact you have.

Of all the teachers I've had in primary, high school, and university, one stands out — my high school English teacher, Joel Kabatznik. I wrote an article about him here.

He knew his job was to help his students learn.

His self-deprecating humor, quirky clothes, humble attitude, and zest for life created a safe environment where learning was fun. As a result, students loved and trusted him and consequently were more receptive to learning.

He made an indelible impact on me, and here I am writing about him sixty years later because the great work he did in the classroom flowed like water from his heart and a crystal clear understanding of his job.

Joel understood one of life's big secrets — get your "being" right, and your "doing" will take of itself. This meant he didn't have to be the authority figure helping a bunch of kids with raging hormones find their way into appreciating English literature.

He knew he was there in service to his students learning — and believe me, we did learn, and many of us never forgot the example of a man who was clear on the goal he pursued — to help his students learn.

Here's how being clear on the goal you pursue can help you make a positive difference in the world.

Two examples.

Let's suppose I'm a barista. Conventional thinking says my job is to make lattes and cappuccinos. True. But what goal can I pursue that encompasses making great cups of coffee but is more expansive?

How about this: my job is to create a delightful, memorable experience for my customers. And if that is the goal I pursue, then I will make great lattes and do my best to connect with customers on a human level with a smile, eye contact, and a pleasant attitude, ensuring they are delighted.

Isn't it a much more expansive point of view than thinking I'm just a barista? And, I'll likely stand head and shoulders above anyone who believes their job is just to make lattes. If a manager is looking for high potentials, who will get noticed?

Personal relationships. I'm married, and my goal as a partner in the relationship is to be loving, kind, truthful, and supportive. When there is potential for friction, I do my best to ask myself, What goal do I want to pursue here?

Do I want to fight to be right? Or, do I want to follow the path of kindness, humility, open discussion, respect for differences, and help my wife have a great life? This attitude helps keep my behavior aligned with my overall intention for how I want to be.

There are times I fail, falling right into my ego; however, I'll tell you when I remember to ask what goal I pursue, it works every time.

There is peace in the land of Johnsons.

The goal you pursue becomes your North Star. It keeps you on the right track.

The wrap-up.

When we realize our job is not what's on our business card, doors open we didn't know existed.

Instead of pursuing success as defined by the completion of agreed-upon duties, we seek something more significant — the satisfaction of striving toward our goal while carrying out our responsibilities.

You're more likely to be personally satisfied when you pursue a noble goal of service to others because you tap into a unique type of happiness that results from living in alignment with your highest values.

No one can take this happiness away from you. It's not dependent on external circumstances over which you have no control.

If you work with a team or company, your focus is not winning any cost, self-promotion, or supporting a functional/silo mentality. Your focus is on helping the team win. You look for ways to improve things and help others succeed.

By putting the goal you pursue first in your life, you can have greater personal fulfillment, more meaningful connections with others, and enhanced professional achievement.

You'll stand out from the crowd.

You'll make a positive difference in the world.

You'll feel proud of your behavior.

You'll set an example for others.

So, what goal do you pursue?

If you enjoyed this article, you might like Signs You Are Likely to Make the Most of Your Life.

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