Four Simple Steps To Reset Your Professional Purpose And Career Direction

By Laurel Donnellan, Originally published at Forbes.com

In these turbulent times, I keep coming back to one theme that has guided my own life and work: purpose. When everything feels uncertain—economically, politically, environmentally, and socially—purpose isn’t just a lofty ideal. It’s a lifeline. A professional purpose answers the question, “Why am I working?”It is a statement of personal values that will propel you to your career vision. 

For example, if your vision is  to become a partner at my law firm, your purpose will be something deeply personal and inspiring, such as: To challenge myself and use my love of the law to develop my potential as a leader. 

I’ve spent years helping leaders, young adults, and organizations uncover what truly matters to them. In moments of challenge and distraction, purpose keeps us grounded and moving forward.

Purpose Isn’t Soft — It’s Strategic

I’ve seen firsthand that purpose isn’t just good for personal growth; it’s a powerful driver of organizational performance. In a previous Forbes piece, DIY Personal and Team Purpose Statements: The Powerful Team Reset, I shared data from Gallup showing that when employees connect with a shared sense of purpose, turnover decreases and profitability increases. A 10% increase in purpose alignment can lead to an 8% reduction in turnover and a more than 4% increase in profitability.

Leading With Head and Heart

Purpose also transforms leadership. Through my interviews and advisory work, I’ve seen that compassionate leadership—using your head and your heart to inspire and influence others—isn’t just nice to have. It’s necessary. When leaders lead with purpose and compassion, trust grows, teams become more resilient, and innovation flourishes.

Gallup and Korn Ferry research confirm that up to 80% of team engagement is shaped by leadership behavior. In other words, when leaders are guided by a clear sense of purpose, everyone feels it. 

Compassion in Action

In my recent Forbes article, How Purpose Shields Young Adults From Screen Addiction And Fuels Lifelong Growth, I explored how young people, overwhelmed by a digital world designed to fragment their attention, can anchor themselves by discovering a sense of purpose. The same is true for all of us.

Purpose doesn’t just change individual careers or organizational cultures—it ripples outward into the world. Through our annual Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards, I’ve had the privilege of honoring extraordinary leaders who live their purpose every day.

For example, Kirtipriya, who created a culturally inspired, nutrient-rich porridge to fight malnutrition, embodies compassion, collaboration, and courage. Josh Tetrick of Eat Just works to build a sustainable, ethical food system. Neil Mehta supports small charities and water security efforts. Comfort Dondo advocates tirelessly for survivors of violence. Each of these leaders demonstrates how a clear sense of purpose can lead to tangible, world-changing impact.

How You Can Activate Professional Purpose Today: Four Steps 

Over the years, I’ve discovered some simple practices that help people find and live their professional purpose, even in difficult times:

Step One: Pause and reflect. Ask yourself what matters most and why in your life and work. Think about and write down your best scenarios for the future. 

Step Two: Share your insights with a trusted advocate, advisor, or friend. You will find more clarity through this discussion.

Step Three: Create a simple motto from this exploration, such as:

• My purpose is to be a leader who listens more than speaks, so that my team members can become more empowered partners in our company. This will be our foundation for growth.
• My purpose is to express my political views through art to make a positive impact.
• My purpose is to enhance the value of my business to X, galvanize my professional legacy, and enable me to retire within four years while having more fun in the process.
• My purpose is to become healthier and happier, so I can discover what I want from work from a more centered and peaceful place.

Step Four: Take one bold step informed by your purpose that can be completed in the next 30 days, for example:

• I will plan a retreat for my core team that focuses on empowering them.
• I will plan a series of paintings for a local gallery to be displayed a year from now.
• I will hire a business consultant to help evaluate my business strategies.
• I will hire a leadership coach or therapist so I can become mentally stronger as a foundation for being the best leader I can be. 

Purpose shields us from distraction, fuels resilience, and helps us lead with clarity and compassion. I’ve written about it, coached on it, and lived it. In an era defined by rapid change and persistent struggle, finding your “why” isn’t optional—it’s essential.

If you want to delve deeper into this process for discovering your professional purpose and achieving your career goals, consider joining the Purpose Club.