3 Keys to Finding Clarity and Purpose in Uncertain Times

“When [what you are deeply passionate about, what you can be best in the world at and what drives your economic engine] come together, not only does your work move toward greatness, but so does your life. For, in the end, it is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life.”

                                                                                                - Jim Collins, author, Good to Great

In this current time of quarantine, social distancing and uncertainty, if you’re like me, you may be taking some time to reflect on where you have been and what direction you would like to go in this new world.

Recently, I was reflecting on how for my first 10 years out of college, I was honored to work in sales for the top consumer products company in the United States.

My time with this company was the dream of any young person with their eyes set on developing their executive career.  The work was challenging, the people I worked with and for were top-notch and the business skills I learned during that time still serve me to this day.  I am deeply grateful for that experience in my life.

However, during this time, I wasn’t truly satisfied.  Although I knew I was part of a great company and working environment, I knew new in my heart I wasn’t doing the work I was meant to do.

After resisting for several years, the urge to follow my dream pursuing what my heart wanted to do as a career, my moment of clarity finally hit while I was attending the retirement party of one of my bosses. 

That afternoon, the energy of the room was jovial and celebratory, sending this 30+ year veteran of the company off in style.  However, it was when during the time people began to recognize him and his career through mini speeches of acknowledgement that things shifted for me. 

While I am sure that stories were shared about what a good man he was (he was) and how he had impacted the careers of those who worked for him (I know he did), I scarcely remember any stories like that being shared. 

What I do remember, however, were the many stories of his business victories.  These included the impressive sales he had made, the truckloads of product shipped and the impact on grocery store shelves his work had created. While those stories were impressive and he had enjoyed a successful career by anyone’s standards, I knew I personally wanted and needed something more. 

While I flew home that evening from San Francisco back to Denver, I got “real” with myself.  I projected out 20-25 years and my own retirement party, envisioning similar stories being shared about me.  It was then, I got extremely clear about what I wanted and did not want my legacy to be. 

Within a year, I left my position and went on to open my martial arts studio.  Even though I have moved on from that full-time career as well, that decision to leave my corporate position and follow my dream was life-changing and set me up perfectly for the life and work I enjoy today. 

I didn’t share this story to discourage anyone from the careers they are currently working in.  On the contrary, if you are feeling happy, fulfilled and making an impact in any type of work you are currently doing I say, continue to “go for it”.  I am just saying that sometimes it is worth reflecting on where you are to see if you are still on track to make the impact you desire through your life’s work.

The quote opening this writing was from Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great.  In it, he explains what he refers to as the Hedgehog Effect.  While I will not explain the entire meaning of that term in this writing, I will elaborate on its three key components and share my take on them.  I hope this helps you when you are considering whether or not you are doing the work you were truly designed to do.

• Do What You’re Passionate About – The power of love and passion for our work can be one of the greatest attributes for our success. Passion not only fuels vision, but it can keep us moving steadily towards are dreams when obstacles arise.  Have you ever been in the presence of someone who is passionate about what they are doing?  It is contagious and this energy can be used to create and open us up to opportunities we never knew existed.

• Do What You’re Great At – We all have skills that are innate to us. Whether they are skills that have come easily to us or we have had to work to develop, powerfully sharing our gifts in an area we are passionate about is an incredible force.  For me, it was the practicing and teaching of martial arts.  Ironically, it was never the fighting that I loved, but rather how I could use martial arts as a metaphor for impacting others. 

         Even though I now longer own a professional studio, I still do the same work as a                         speaker, coach and author.  However, just having the skill and desire, is not enough, you           also need to have a way to generate income, which leads to the third element.

• Do What Drives Your Economic Engine (While Serving Profoundly) – Finally, is there a need for what you want to share with the world, and do you have a plan or “economic engine” for making this happen? While personally creating your plan can be important, I suggest you don't limit yourself to just your knowledge but gain the perspective of those how have gone before you. 

          When I opened my martial arts school, as well as when I was starting my professional                speaking career, I was blessed to have mentors to guide me along my path.  If you are              skilled and passionate about your work and business, seek out mentors who have been            there before.  Be courageous enough to ask for help and guidance along the way. 

          And while you do it, make sure you focus is on how you can serve profoundly to make              the difference you were designed to make on this planet.

So, there you go, my friends.  Here’s to all of us leaving the legacy in our lives we were designed to create by channeling our inner hedgehogs.

Chris Natzke

Black Belt Leadership Speaking & Coaching

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