If what we do does not align with our purpose
(what makes us feel whole or complete or meaningful)
then we need to pause and ask ourselves some questions.

This week I began preparation for an upcoming webinar on social media.  I reacquainted myself with a few books and some of my past blog posts.  I had forgotten that on my very first post on this blog I put forth a basic premise:

NO matter whom your audience may be,
when using social media KNOW why you are using it.
In other words, don’t use it to be cute. Use it with a purpose.
Match your strategy to the goal.
This holds true for the classroom or the boardroom.

Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Isn’t that the truth!  In fact, that advice goes far beyond social media. It goes to the heart of a meaningful and fulfilling life.  A colleague recently shared with me that her 60-hour weeks were beginning to take a toll.  “I don’t think I can keep up the pace for much longer,” she said.

Many of us have been/are in that position.  I know at the end of another 18-hour day, I sometimes will complain about my schedule.  I have to remind myself that I have chosen the schedule–the path I am on.  Of course, things come up we did not “choose”: the boss makes an unexpected demand; a child is sick; or you received a recall notice on your new car (like I just did!).  You can fill in the blank with your emergencies.  One of my strategies is to ask myself, “Did my busy schedule today get me closer to my goal? Did the activities have meaning?” My answers need to inform my direction going forward.

Video recommendation for the week:

The following video reminds us that we need to live a life that has integrity for us.  When that is the case, then it–our life–feels right. Have my choices been correct? Have I taken a detour? Is the detour moving me forward or betraying me?

Ask that simple yet powerful question of yourself: “Am I betraying myself?”

 In his book, The Courage to Teach, Parker Palmer reminds us of that “If the work we do lacks integrity for us, then we, the work, and the people we do it with will suffer.” (page 16). I believe we can extend this beyond work to life–to our purpose.  In essence, if what I do does not align with my purpose (what makes me feel whole or complete or meaningful) then I need to pause and ask myself some questions.  What kind of course correction can I make? Who can mentor me?

Have I betrayed myself?

Enjoy your week—and H.T.R.B.as needed!

REGISTER NOW for my October 12, 2012 P.D.Q. Webinar “Social Media with Purpose: Tips from a Non-Techie!”  Click here  or paste this link into your web browser:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2376790441069310976

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. Please pass it (and any of the archived posts on this site) along to friends and colleagues. You can also follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. If you get a chance, visit my Facebook page and join in–or start–a conversation (www.facebook.com/stevepiscitelli). Also, if you have suggestions for future posts, leave a comment. Have a wonderful week!