My high school football coach was hard on me because I was a team captain and he knew I had potential to be a great player. I remember as we were preparing for the state tournament he pulled me aside and said, "Binion, we are depending on you." After a while I got the message and began doing extra in preparation for my games. I would go the field before practice and run sprints. I would stay after practice and run sprints. I would work with the quarterback and other skilled position players, all while maintaining an honor roll GPA. From that point on, there was a purpose for my practice.
It is easy to get caught up in just doing enough to get by. Wake up, go to the office, do two out of eight hours worth of work, have a few cups of coffee and go home. Do this every day and we call this efficient leadership. Every morning should begin with purpose. The way you handle challenges, relationships, decisions, and choices should be met with purpose-driven energy. I have worked with several leaders who began their assignments with zeal and in a short time, lost their passion and drive because they tried to work without purpose.
If you work without purpose, people will annoy you. The tasks will overwhelm you. The commute will consume you. Everything once deemed important will become meh. I remember becoming apathetic and lethargic during the last years of my career with General Motors. It was a struggle to get to the office, be relevant, and direct my team with passion. I did not allow others to see it, but inside something was missing. I lost my reason for being there. Yet, people still counted on me. The company still looked to me for leadership. I had to perform at a high level, when on many days I just wanted to stay home.
Leaders must continually remember why they choose their professions. Money, power, position, and perks will lose their flavor if not the biproduct of purpose. I have read hundreds of stories of CEOs who left their seven figure salaries to become candle makers, bakers, and carpenters. These were the highlights of their passions and purpose in life. Consequently, they are happier, more content, and at peace. If you don't know it, start seeking your purpose. You will make a greater contribution to the world once you do.
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