Unlocking Purpose Through Strategic Innovation
- Dec 17, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 19, 2023
Written by: Priya Bains, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I often converse with numerous highly creative thinkers and innovators who have faced, or continue to face, challenges in discovering their true purpose. It's understandable, as the concept of purpose can sometimes seem overwhelming, as if it's destined to shape and control the trajectory of one’s entire life. On top of that, creative thinkers unsurprisingly have multiple viewpoints that connect to purpose.
The one aspect that innovators detest more than anything is the sensation of being controlled. They thrive on freedom, expansion, and endless possibilities. Therefore, the notion of identifying a meaningful purpose can appear intimidating. It's not uncommon to hear innovative individuals proclaim, “My purpose is to empower people to reach their full potential.”
However, when such a statement becomes a common refrain, it starts to lose its significance. So, what are we missing here? If everyone is fervently working towards empowering others, why do so many still feel disempowered?
I understand this might sound somewhat disheartening.
But, there's no need to be overly anxious about finding your purpose. Deep down, you likely already have an inkling of what it is. Each day, you are moving closer to it, albeit unconsciously.
So, what exactly do I mean?
Your purpose is a confluence of your personality, knowledge, skills, experiences, cultural background, and values.
Your personality
Your personality influences your work style. Are you naturally a leader or more of a team player? Do you work better in solitude or in collaborative environments? Are you driven by task completion or by cultivating relationships? Pondering these questions, you might begin to envisage different work styles: one person may be a charismatic leader galvanizing their team, while another might excel in solitary, groundbreaking coding discoveries. Creativity is correlated with the big five trait openness to experience, and your other personality characteristics will make the application of creativity something that is intrinsically motivating for you.
Your values
Your values will naturally guide you towards specific interests. For instance, a love for celebrations may lead you to a career in event planning. A deep sense of altruism might steer you towards social work, while a penchant for financial gain could draw you to the finance sector.
Your life’s journey
Life’s journey will inspire you to acquire new knowledge based on these interests. Working in event planning, you may develop a keen interest in culinary arts, design, or music. In finance, you might gravitate towards technical aspects or sales. If altruism is your calling, you could find yourself caring for the elderly, the sick, or children, and in doing so, you might discover talents in cooking, counseling, or navigating bureaucratic challenges. You can use the creative thinking strategies described here to observe and generate ideas that will help you look at your situation from multiple perspectives.
You will encounter experiences that draw you towards various fields like the culinary arts, fashion, languages, STEM, personal development, and leadership.
Personally, I've observed my path aligning with interests I had in high school and university, though it has unfolded in ways I never anticipated.
I was drawn to leadership, information sciences and technology, motivation, potential, and creativity and innovation.
Never did I envision myself as a coach for ideators and innovators. Interestingly, career assessments from my school days hinted at wildly different paths – joining the circus or becoming a military drill instructor. Perhaps the drill instructor suggestion was a subtle hint towards the accountability and leadership required in coaching, and the circus, a metaphor for creativity and innovation. This is precisely my point. Our stories are always present; we just need the right guidance and tools to uncover them.
Creating your future
As we step into a new year, you might feel skilled yet lacking direction, particularly in a rapidly changing world. You may ponder how to amalgamate all your skills, talents, and experiences in a way that is fulfilling, aligns with your values and personality, and prepares you for an unpredictable future in the age of AI.
If you want to try this alone, this article provides some additional guidance. However, if it feels daunting to undertake this process alone, I've worked with many who were challenged to move beyond “I don’t know” or “I feel confused.” Understanding your values and reflecting on your past interests can be the first steps. Don’t worry, there is no perfect answer to purpose; it will evolve as you go through life. If you forget, return to the perspectives of other creatives.
For additional support, feel free to visit here and embark on a journey of exploration, the very essence of innovation.
Priya Bains, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Priya Bains is a seasoned consultant and coach with over 20 years of experience, a Ph.D in Industrial Organizational Psychology and a Bachelors in Clinical and Biopsychology. She helps creative business owners innovate and scale their businesses with ease by incorporating research-based practices in motivation, goal-setting, creativity, productivity, and team and leadership management. Priya's approach is designed to minimize friction and overwhelm, ensuring her clients reach their goals with confidence.
