Here’s a tip related to purpose and meaning in the workplace inspired by an episode of the classic Twilight Zone series. This is day 2 of my 156-day exercise streak in which I exercise while watching an episode then share an insight related to self-development.
Ep. 2 - “One for the Angels” Lou, a small-time huckster, gets a visit from Mr. Death but gets a reprieve with some smooth talking. However, Mr. Death takes a substitute - a neighborhood girl who is pals with Lou who will die at midnight. Lou convinces Mr. Death to take him instead with a pitch for the ages.
Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace
In this episode, Lou, gets the news that his time is up and appeals to Mr. Death that he still has many things to do, therefore, this can’t be the end for him. In life, we often get caught up in the daily hustle of our busy lives and forget to enjoy the great moments - enriching and painful. As John Lennon says, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
How can we smell the roses more?
* Start a journal. Jot down creative snippets and insights throughout the day and explore your thoughts each night in a journal before dinner. I use a digital recorder but you could use your phone. In five minutes a day, you can have a record of all the wonderful events of your life. It’s also a valuable record that you can refer back to when there’s a question of which day something occurred. Imagine having a recording of the top 5 moments of every day for decades. Focus on the 5 senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. Which details should you include to capture the key moments of your day?
* Develop an attitude of gratitude. Expect good things to come your way (now I sound like one of my heroes, Brian Tracy - “I LIKE myself. I LIKE myself. I LIKE myself - lol).
* Make more thoughtful and intentional pitches at work and home. In today’s episode, Lou made a master pitch to save the life of a child. What are the pitches you make to co-workers, family members, friends, and other people in your network? What pitches SHOULD you be crafting and executing? * At first, be content with identifying moments of goodness in your life. Soon, you’ll string them together and expand them. Examples of moments of joy: coffee and paper in the morning, energizing music while you shower, sluicing an ice cold glass of water after mowing the lawn, and creating habits and winning streaks in your life - no matter how insignificant they seem.
Related resources:
Why you need to start an audio journal
The connection between creativity and purpose
Journaling makes you more creative
Start an audio journal now and enjoy more purpose and meaning in your life