Have you ever found yourself at the top of your game—successful career, strong team, measurable impact—yet still feeling like something is missing?
If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals describe this feeling as the “purpose gap”—that unsettling space between outward success and inner fulfillment. It’s the gap that exists when the work you do each day, despite being outwardly successful, doesn’t quite align with your deeper values and sense of purpose.
But here’s the good news: this gap isn’t a dead-end. It’s a signpost, pointing you towards the need for greater alignment between who you are and how you live and work. And, more importantly, it’s a gap that can be bridged.
What is the Purpose Gap?
The purpose gap is more than just a disconnect between your work and your values.
It’s about understanding what truly motivates you—on a deep, personal level—so you can align your work and life with that understanding.
Too often, we find ourselves chasing what’s “hot” at the moment, whether it’s the latest career trend, a new business opportunity, or even the lifestyles of others we perceive as successful. While these pursuits might bring temporary success, they often leave us feeling empty, constantly searching for the next best thing to fill the void.
I see it all the time with students who are overwhelmed—working full-time, going to school full-time, and more worried about graduating on time and completing their degree requirements than fulfilling a purpose. It’s like being stuck on a hamster wheel, chasing something that never really satisfies.
Trust me, I’ve been there too. I was achievement-driven, constantly going after the next degree, certification, or something I thought would make me feel fulfilled. I remember when I earned my doctorate, and instead of feeling this great sense of accomplishment, within a week, I found myself asking, “What’s next?” It didn’t take long for me to realize that chasing the next big thing wasn’t filling the purpose gap—it was widening it. It wasn’t until I started to understand my drive, my motivations, and my values that I began to align myself in my career with my true purpose.
Why Closing the Purpose Gap Matters
When the purpose gap is left unaddressed, it can lead to burnout, disengagement, and a general sense of dissatisfaction. Workers who are disconnected from their true motivations struggle to stay motivated and engaged. Conversely, when your actions align with your deeper motivations and values, you can live and work with clarity, authenticity, and a renewed sense of purpose. This alignment not only enhances personal fulfillment but also drives better outcomes, from increased productivity to improved retention across all levels of an organization.
As highlighted in a Forbes article by Lauren Pasquale Bartlett, purpose-driven work is not just about defining a purpose statement; it’s about putting those words into action. However, this isn’t limited to leaders alone; all workers, regardless of their role, can feel the strain of a purpose gap and benefit from closing it.
Knowing Yourself: The Key to Closing the Purpose Gap
Closing the purpose gap starts with knowing yourself—understanding your core motivations and values.
This deep self-awareness is the foundation upon which a fulfilling life and career are built. When you know who you are, you move through life with purpose, making decisions that align with your true self rather than following the trends or expectations of others.
I became a user of the Enneagram two years ago, and this has truly helped with closing the purpose gap. It really helped me to understand that I am an achiever and that the reason why I go after something is because of the status of success. Once I started to understand that always seeking success really disconnected me from my authentic self, I began to work on being present in the moment and creating opportunities for myself where I was still succeeding, but it was in something that I truly enjoyed and felt like I was making an impact for others rather than achieving something just for myself.
The Enneagram is one powerful tool that I use with my clients to foster this self-awareness and alignment. It helps you understand what’s beneath the surface, giving you the insights you need to close your purpose gap and work in a way that truly reflects who you are.
Bridging Your Purpose Gap: A Step-by-Step Guide
1️⃣ Identify and Clarify Your Core Values and Motivations
Your core values and motivations are the foundation of your purpose. They are the principles that guide your decisions, behaviors, and interactions. Take some time to reflect on what truly drives you. Ask yourself:
What values and motivations are non-negotiable for me in my personal and professional life?
How do these values show up in my day-to-day work?
Are there any areas where my actions are out of alignment with these values?
Tip: Write down your core values and motivations and keep them visible. This will serve as a constant reminder to align your decisions and actions with what matters most to you. Want more guidance with your core values and motivations? I highly suggest looking into the Enneagram!
2️⃣ Align Your Work and Life with Your True Self
Once you’ve clarified your core values and motivations, the next step is to align your work and life with these insights. This means integrating your values into your daily practices, decision-making processes, and interactions with others.
For example, if one of your core motivations is to make a meaningful impact on others, you might seek roles or opportunities that allow you to contribute to causes or communities you care about. By living and working in a way that reflects your true self, you’ll not only feel more fulfilled but also inspire others to do the same.
Tip: Regularly evaluate your work and life practices. Are there any areas where you’re compromising your values for short-term gains? If so, consider how you can bring your actions back into alignment with your core principles.
3️⃣ Close the Purpose Gap and Build Your Legacy
Closing the purpose gap is about more than just feeling good—it’s about creating a lasting legacy that reflects your true self.
This requires ongoing reflection and a commitment to living out your values in every aspect of your life and work.
Consider the impact you want to have—not just on your organization, but on your community and the world. What kind of professional do you want to be remembered as? What changes can you make today to start building that legacy? A purpose statement is only as powerful as the actions that support it. Workers who embrace their purpose and model the behaviors that align with it can inspire similar actions across their teams, leading to peak performance and a culture of purpose-driven success.
Tip: Develop a personal purpose statement that captures the essence of your work and life. Use this statement as a guidepost for your decisions, strategies, and interactions.
Taking Action: Your Professional and Personal Journey Starts Now
Bridging the purpose gap isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing journey of self-awareness, alignment, and intentional action. As you reflect on your core values, align your work and life with those values, and take steps to close the purpose gap, you’ll find that your work doesn’t just feel productive—it feels fulfilling.
Remember, true success isn’t about what you achieve externally; it’s about how aligned you are internally. When your actions are in sync with your values, you’ll not only find greater personal satisfaction but also create a ripple effect of positive impact in your organization and beyond.
So, I’ll leave you with this: What’s one small step you can take today to align your work and life with your deepest values? How can you start closing the purpose gap and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are?
READY TO BECOME A LEADER OF CLARITY, CONNECTION, AND CONFIDENCE?
Whether you're starting a new role, recently promoted, considering a career change, or simply want to navigate life with more clarity, connection, and confidence, working with me can help you achieve these goals!
For anyone looking to deepen their self-understanding and enhance their effectiveness, now is the perfect time to explore your Enneagram type and discover personalized strategies for managing stress and thriving in any situation., I offer the Breakthrough Blueprint service.
This 90 minute session will help you:
Discover your Enneagram type and its leadership implications
Leverage your unique strengths for personal and professional growth
Overcome challenges specific to your type
Develop strategies to lead authentically in any situation
With my Enneagram Breakthrough Blueprint, you’ll get:
Deep Exploration: Go beyond standard online reports with a comprehensive understanding of your Enneagram type.
Complex Insights: Move past basic behaviors and stereotypes to uncover the complexities of your type.
Practical Tools: Gain actionable tips for immediate personal and professional growth.
As always, I LOVE hearing from you… what are you taking from today’s content?
Comment below or email me at info@brandystamper.com
Until next time, keep thriving!
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