1. Living a life of purpose brings about happiness and fulfillment
Living a life of purpose brings about happiness and fulfillment. The following pages contain verbiage, tips, a printable poster and other articles and resources about how we can discover those things that bring personal value and self worth, often while benefitting others.

2. What and Why
Finding your purpose or calling can seem like a daunting and illusive. Most of us have several different facets to our lives and we have a variety of interests and goals within those areas, so we probably don’t have a single purpose in live. To further complicate finding our purpose, things change over the course of your life. What is of interest to you in your 20s many not be something of interest in your 50s. The point is that doing meaningful work, giving in an impactful way, and helping yourself and others achieve their potential is incredibly rewarding personally. We all have unique talents, skills and characteristics that can be leveraged. Let’s put those to work.

3. Ideas for activities
Figure out how you want to give. Do you have expertise to lend, time to offer? Charity Navigator has an interesting list of things to think through before you commit.
Employees that use their strengths outperform those who don’t. Gallup’s StrengthsFinder survey identifies individual strengths.
Ask staff to offer ideas of charities or volunteer opportunities they would like to learn more about. Invite these organizations in for a lunch and learn with staff.

4. Resources Articles Finding Your Purpose In Life
Five Steps to Finding Your Passion
Videos
How To Know Your Life Purpose in 5 Minutes
Why Knowing What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work Matters

5. 25 Tips
When you meet someone new, remember to ask questions and listen.
Help someone who cannot return the favor, such as an elderly person with their shopping.
Finding out how to support children’s learning and getting involved in activities can help you feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to your early childhood service which will help your child’s mental health and learning.
Gifts + passions + values = purpose. Gifts are your talents — not just what you’re good at, but what you LOVE to do. You’re not going to get up in the morning to do something you don’t like with as much energy as something you do like.
Make sure you take some time to talk to you children and find out how they are feeling.

6. MORE Tips
Stretch yourself by volunteering for something new. For example, volunteering to work on the newsletter for the local animal shelter will improve your writing and editing abilities —- skills that may help you in your career. Or, volunteering can simply offer a change from your daily routine.
Dedicate a place in your house to display your passions, accomplishments and the things of which you are proud. Every time you walk by, you’ll be rewarded with a surge of pride and a reminder of how you fit into the world.
Communicate to people in your life more often, including the things that you appreciate about them, as a person.
Show your employees that you truly care about, appreciate and respect them. Something as little as saying “please” and “thank you” can go a long way. Treat them the way you’d want to be treated.

7. More tips
Help employees understand that by expanding their network within the organization will help them in their own job and professional development.
Consider the skills you have to offer. If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer work that would incorporate these aspects of your personality.
When organizations take a personal interest in helping their employees’ development, employees feel valued and motivated to give back to the organization.
Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve your other goals for your life.
A sense of purpose doesn’t need to be complex, radical or far-reaching. It can be as simple as seeing your children or grandchildren grow up and being a role model for them, or from really engaging in your job or a hobby.

8. More tips
Live in the present without hyper-focusing on the future or the past.
Acknowledge people as you walk down the street with a smile and a hello.
Think about your ideals, principles, standards and morals. Then think of your physical, emotional and mental talents, strengths and abilities. Take out a blank sheet of paper and write or type for about 20 minutes. Then write your Personal Purpose Statement to incorporate what you like to do and where you can share your talents.
The preferred method of communication is in person. Managers and leaders, who take the time to listen and who make themselves available and approachable to employees help their employees feel a stronger sense of belonging.
When jogging, do not listen to your headphones —- instead take in all the sights and sounds around you, particularly when in a natural location.
According to research by Gallup, it is important that employees feel they have a friend(s) at work. Help foster an environment that supports relationship building.

9. More tips
People will support what they help to create. If an employee does not feel they are able to contribute, or feel they are not appreciated for their contribution, they will quickly become disengaged. On the flip side, when employees know their input is valued and expected, their level of responsibility and commitment will naturally increase.
Carrying out good deeds doesn’t need to take a lot of time or even cost money. Small changes can make a big difference.
Practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply saying ‘thank-you’ all work wonders for your well-being.
If you feel socially awkward at any gathering, seek out the person who is alone and say something to make them feel at their ease.
Making friends and having positive relationships with staff helps children develop a sense of belonging at their early childhood service.
When managers help employees grow and develop through their strengths, they are more than twice as likely to engage their team members.

10. Appendix
We can’t take all of the credit. In compiling this information, we referenced the following organizations and websites:
HerdWidsom.com
NetworkForGood.org
BlueZones.com
VibrantLivesWellBeing.com
WheelOfWellBeing.org
KidsMatter.edu
IowaHealthiestState.com
HBR.org
MentalHealth.org