We all want to spend our time in meaningful ways and for our efforts to make a difference.
When individuals and organizations are navigating a transition and reimagining their next chapter, a fear of moving from a season of deep meaning to one of lighter contribution can paralyze us.
I notice three aspects of this craving.
One is a desire for impact — and we may need to redefine what impactful work means for us. This element reminds me of a time when I was drowning in parenting responsibilities. Although I didn’t love every minute of it, I couldn’t think of anything more meaningful, at least to the four humans in my care. From that place, it was hard to picture a later season that would be able to measure up.
The second is a need for awe. The craving for meaning is put into perspective when we get a sense of both how big and how small we are. Awe is the pathway to that. (For more on this, have a look here and at Dacher Keltner’s book)
The third is hope. This is an exciting learning edge for me. I am delighted to have learned that hope is a learnable skill, and it is also the strongest of the fifteen dimensions that comprise a person’s adaptability. Hope is a powerful antidote to the aimlessness that a lack of contribution can create in us.
As we’ve been doing throughout this series, I’d encourage you to read through this list again through the lens of your organization as well as your individual journey — it applies to both.
And if you are curious how to strengthen any of these elements, I have suggestions for you:
- To assess where you currently site, try this quiz
- If you need to convene strategic conversations within your organization or sector about how to access impact, awe or hope, I’d love to help.
- If it’s time for you to create space personally to explore these ideas with more intention, structure and encouragement, join me in Costa Rica!
