It’s hard to think beyond today’s needs, especially in the middle of the worst financial crisis the UK has seen in years.
For many entrepreneurs, business owners, freelancers and contractors just surviving the last few years hasn’t been easy.
Projects have been moved and budgets have been paused, pushed or even cancelled.
Confidence across the globe has dipped and you can’t help but notice that fear is in the air. Aside from Covid, we seem to be expecting something far worse. Wars and rumours of wars are amplified on our screens, feeds and in the airwaves.
Yet, some people are still surviving and some are even thriving. There are still places where positivity reigns and despite the news and the conditions of the world at large, these people are focussed on transforming the world around them.
These thriving people are the ones who are led by a cause and choose not to be moved. They are led by conviction over circumstance.
I want to be numbered amongst those people and my cause is purpose. I help others find it and live it. In that place of purpose, I have enlarged my capacity beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve become an author (The Crisis Catalyst), co-authored Play The Game and become a Podcaster with The Purpose People Podcast.
It all happened because I focused on my cause. Then, despite the challenges it was a question of remaining unmoved and undeterred and delivering it. Being cause-driven has enabled us to grow, expand and empower others as we continue delivering for our clients and communities.
Being cause-driven helps us to open doors for others and we are excited to say that people have got tremendous value from the book and the podcast.
We chose to double down on the cause rather than abort it and amplify our message rather than shut it down. Our focus was to change the landscape rather than give up as we realised that people needed hope, not more fear. It is possible to push through the tough times because tough times are not unusual. That’s right. Tough times don’t last.
This last few months we have had one terrible piece of news after another and it all gives us perspective. Being grateful for what we have is everything and enables us to be positive when the world around us is not.
So how do you remain focussed on joy and being cause-driven and not get distracted by the surrounding stress and negativity?
Focus on benefits:
How are you benefiting the world around you? That might not be immediately obvious BUT start by asking. That isn’t fishing for compliments but asking people how you have helped them. The people you help won’t mind sharing. You see, when you are focused on cause and impact there is obvious benefit. We fail ourselves when we don’t take stock.
Building isn’t always easy but seeing evidence of how far we have travelled can spur us on.
Now, if you don’t want to ask people, grab a pen and paper and write out everything you have achieved over the year.
One exercise that has helped so many people is downloading the HUM4NS Game Plan. This serves as an excellent tool to help you reflect on the past year and embrace the year ahead.
Enjoy the company of “good”.
I am fortunate as I have some great people in my life. People who are positive and enjoy talking about vision rather than other people’s faults.
I’ve shared many times about how important it is to have people in your life that lift you. I use the analogy of the fingers on a hand to show how the right people in your corner will lift you.
Thumb – People you know, like and trust. They like your social media posts, they champion your cause, they are your good friend.
Forefinger – People with vision and direction. They love to paint a fresh picture of what could be with a track record of what can be.
Middle Finger – The one with the greatest reach, a super-connector. They know people who know people who have the answer to your question. They might also know someone who needs help with your answer.
Ring Finger – Your spouse, partner, brother, sister, mum or dad, uncle or aunt, someone you are connected with through family. Why? Because they know you, you can relax around them and take time out from the grind to be with them.
Little Finger – The pinky, the closest finger to the ground. This is someone older than you in either age or experience in your field. They can share a wealth of wisdom, experience and insight to get the job done without losing perspective.
When you focus on the benefits and carry the right people in your life, you are already richer than most.
2023 is close to being done, but 2024 deserves the best of you. With the right people in your corner, you’ll be more connected to purpose, led by conviction and not circumstance and be ready for progress.
If you have not heard our podcast then like and subscribe to our weekly content and if you are looking for a good read over Christmas then why not order a copy of The Crisis Catalyst? It will help you to see the pattern of crisis and approach its opportunity.