The Importance of Purpose

The laptops are charged, the coffee machines are humming and the meeting rooms are filling up again. A new business season has begun after the summer slow down!

Some colleagues return full of energy, refreshed by a summer break. Others may feel reluctant, still wishing for sunshine and downtime. And a few may be stepping into your workplace for the very first time. Let’s be honest – it’s not just new joiners who need to readjust. We’re all shifting gears after (hopefully) a well-earned couple of weeks pause if you were lucky enough to have one.

Getting back into rhythm means refocusing, recharging, and most importantly finding the energy to perform at our best while still looking after ourselves. Easier said than done, right?

So how do we actually do this?

Whether you’re in sales, operations, leadership or support, one thing unites us all: purpose. That “why” behind everything we do. When you reconnect with your purpose, the tough days feel a little lighter and the wins feel even sweeter.

If you’ve ever caught yourself muttering “Was that really a holiday?” after your first day back, you’re not alone. I remember my own version of that feeling while training for the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. Cold, wet mornings. Dark, exhausting evenings. But one thing kept me moving forward: my purpose. For me, it was chasing the gold medal that had escaped me after bronze in Atlanta (1996) and silver in Athens (2004).

That sense of purpose was the fuel that got me through the hardest days. And now, looking back, I’ve realised there was no magic formula – just a framework I call The Purpose Triangle. It’s simple, powerful, and it works whether you already know your purpose or you’re still working it out.

The Purpose Triangle

1. If you already know your purpose:
   Write it down at the top of a page. (Example: “To help our clients succeed.”)
2. Identify two things you need to make that purpose happen. (Example: *“Stay curious” and “Maintain resilience under pressure.”)
3. Set three small, achievable goals under each point. (Example: *“Celebrate one client success each week” or “Find one positive learning in every setback.”)

If you don’t know your purpose (yet):

1. Write down the three most important things in your life right now. (Mine are Family, Work, Fun & Fitness.)
2. Set two goals that link back to those. (Mine: “Inspire 250,000 people by 65” and “Make more fun family memories.”)
3. Write a short purpose statement that ties it all together. (Mine: “To create long lasting positive memories.”)

A Little Reminder

September in business can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. As you give your energy to projects, clients and colleagues, remember to keep a little back for yourself. Growth isn’t just for the next generation – we’re all still learning every day.

So when the deadlines stack up and the inbox fills faster than it empties, come back to your triangle. Reconnect with your purpose. And remember: you don’t need a magic wand – you already have what it takes.