Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by The Smetz Files
In this post I reflect on the idea of constancy to purpose.
The secret of success is constancy to purpose.
Benjamin Disraeli
I reread this quote recently and have thought about how I apply this sentiment to my life. I find it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of everyday living and neglect the purpose for doing all the things that demand my attention.
I am at a stage where the constant busyness of working, raising children, volunteering, and trying to be a good partner are at times overwhelming. Is there ever a time when it’s not? I’m beginning to wonder.
Purpose
I was reflecting with a colleague about this idea of constancy to purpose. When I start to feel overwhelmed, like I’m sludging through the motions to get to the end of the day, I attempt to re-center and refocus on my purpose.
Relationships
My purpose is to cultivate and nurture fulfilling relationships. When I strip away all the layers, fulfilling relationships are key, because everything else stems from such connections. Professionally and personally those relationships look different, but in its most elemental form, relationships are my purpose.
When I think about my work, it’s the people with whom I collaborate that give me great joy (Relationships Matter). As I reflect on my volunteer opportunities, it’s the people that give the work meaning. When we talk to the kids about their activities, it’s their teammates and families that we share our nights and weekends with that make it fun. Of course, the anchor to all of these connections is the relationships we have within our own family.
Remember Your Why
I used to teach university courses in the school of education for students studying to become teachers. In our final class of the semester, right before they were ready to student-teach, I gave each of my students a card with this quote:
My Purpose
So, my purpose is to establish and maintain essential connections with people. My blog is an extension of my purpose to connect with others. When I read other writers and connect with my readers, if the relationships are strong, it doesn’t matter that I don’t always have the right answer or the best solution. I am validated by shared experiences, seeing things from different perspectives, and listening to those I respect and admire who can push my thinking.
My success is remaining constant to my purpose. Not doing more or doing better. It’s remaining constant to nurturing the connections that fulfill my purpose.
What’s your purpose? How do you maintain constancy to your purpose?
