Purpose to Abundance: Finding Meaning in Our Work

Last week, on the EZ Conversations podcast, I enjoyed sitting down with David Peralta (Listen Here). We touched on David's odyssey of seeking a spiritual path, commencing with seeking peace at an ashram. David also shared how he had to align his work and derive income from a place of meaning and purpose. He wanted to help others on their journey but also engage in work that he found purpose-driven. We discussed how we can be in this world without being of it, finding abundance and serving others. The conversation allowed me to reflect on how we can lean into this aspect of our purpose and give from an open heart. Often, we become blocked and struggle to serve others because we have a scarcity mindset. We become blocked because of our traumas, which prevent us from connecting with others in this profound way. Since we are blocked, we miss many opportunities for amazing relationships and connections.

This reflection was further emphasized for me this past weekend as I attended a convention. I was fortunate to meet so many amazing people looking to support each other and grow together. There was the presence of an abundant mindset that was enlightening to experience. Some people just wanted to see others succeed and experienced joy in witnessing that growth in order; they found meaning and purpose through others. So I thought about that more, and my heart started opening more. It also made me reflect on how sometimes we lose sight of the power of supporting others because of what we see on social media and legacy media, where there are comparisons and competition - stepping on others to get ahead.

Loving from an open heart was something David and I also touched on. At the convention, I also had the opportunity to speak, and someone asked how we create connection, and my response was, "Connection is seeing ourselves in others." Because when we see ourselves in others, we can hold space for their traumas and raw and vulnerable selves, which is how we forge deep connections. Through these connections, we can support each other's growth and find meaning and purpose. Therefore, this week's edition of EZ Reflections is about deriving meaning and purpose in our work.

In our fast-paced world, the search for purpose and meaning in our work has become a common pursuit. As I delve into the subject, I find myself drawn to the idea that true fulfillment emerges when individuals approach their work from a place of abundance. This blog explores the transformative journey from abundance to purpose, supported by insights from various research studies and thought leaders.

1. The Abundance Mindset:

Research by psychologist Carol S. Dweck on the "growth mindset" has shown that individuals who perceive their abilities and talents as malleable traits tend to approach challenges with resilience and enthusiasm. When applied to the workplace, this mindset fosters an abundance of perspective. Embracing the abundance mindset involves recognizing and appreciating the resources and opportunities available, both within and outside the workplace.

Reference: Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

1. The Link Between Abundance and Job Satisfaction:

A study conducted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores the relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction. Job crafting involves employees actively reshaping their roles to align with their strengths and passions. The findings suggest that individuals who engage in job crafting experience higher job satisfaction and a greater sense of meaning in their work.

Reference: Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a Job: Revisioning Employees as Active Crafters of Their Work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179–201.

1. The Impact of Abundance on Employee Well-being:

Research by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on the concept of "flow" sheds light on how individuals can find purpose and fulfillment in their work. Flow occurs when people are fully immersed in an activity, losing track of time and experiencing a deep sense of satisfaction. Engaging in work from a place of abundance can enhance the likelihood of achieving flow, contributing to overall well-being.

Reference: Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.

1. Building Abundance in the Workplace:

Author and leadership expert Simon Sinek emphasizes the role of leaders in creating a workplace culture that fosters abundance. In his book "Leaders Eat Last," Sinek argues that organizations where leaders prioritize the well-being of their employees create an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated, leading to a greater sense of purpose.

Reference: Sinek, S. (2014). Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't. Portfolio.

Conclusion:

As I reflect on the journey from abundance to purpose, it becomes evident that individuals can unlock profound meaning in their work when they approach it with an abundance mindset. Individuals can transform their work into a source of purpose and fulfillment by recognizing and leveraging available resources, actively shaping their roles, and fostering positive workplace cultures. As we embrace the idea that abundance is not just a state of having but a way of being, the quest for meaning in our professional lives takes on a new and empowering dimension.

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