Many still believe work is something to be tolerated and leisure is something to be enjoyed. The problem with this approach is that we spend more time with our co-workers than the people we love. Why then is it such a foreign idea that our daily work be filled with joy and purpose?

America went from the Industrial Age to the Age of Information at the speed of light, however many of us are still searching for the answer to, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" In our many discussions about job and career we ask the question "What is worth more to me, time or money? But as a song by The Eagles succinctly stated, "You can spend all your time making money, and you spend all your love making time."

Richard J. Leider in his book, The Power of Purpose, asked adults over 65-years-old, "If you had to live your live over again, what would you do differently?" A high percentage of respondents said if they had their lives to live over, they would be "more reflective, more courageous and be clear earlier about (their) purpose."

Leider explains, "One of the things most visible in our society is that many people are busy doing many, many things, often with enormous intensity. If you look more closely, you realize that, in a way, we are busy tying to survive and to find recognition for our worth. We do many things in order to answer the question, "Why do you get up in the morning?" Busyness is a way of gaining approval for our self-worth. Busyness is also a status symbol. But it is a nervous way of living because we continuously seek approval form outside ourselves and then end up saying "What am I trying to do with my life?"

But what is "purpose"? Leider suggests that in order to discover our purpose, we must first discover our "natural abilities and inclinations", find something that moves us (such as those issues that you are waiting for someone else to do something about), and finally, spend some time in solitude so that you can hear your deeper self or your calling.

Tragedies such as the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the recent fires in California have certainly made us think about what it truly important in our lives. Many of the mundane tasks we do daily or the things we allow ourselves to be stressed about seem to no longer matter when we look to our hearts to find out what is the purpose of our lives and our daily work.

Many whose work involves caring for others, such as teachers or health care professionals have already found the power of purpose, but for some it may take a lifetime to discover. So what can you do to connect to the needs of the community at large? You can start by calling the non-profit organizations within your community and find one whose mission statement inspires you. Instead of simply writing an annual check, give that organization one or two hours per month of your time or offer to serve on its Board of Directors.

As men and women in business, we should be active participants in our communities and share the responsibilities of our non-profit organizations. It is said that the deepest satisfaction comes from the fulfillment, growth and happiness of others so getting involved can only translate into a win-win situation for everyone involved.

For those of you who think you don't have time to mentor a youth or volunteer, consider that the only way to commit time to purpose is to just steal it from somewhere else. As Leider eloquently states, "That's what the power of purpose is all about-aligning our energies around our true priorities".

Learn more about this author, Becky Rolland.
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