Finding Purpose- applying where you are now to where you want to be
In an era where career paths are increasingly nonlinear, the idea that meaning and purpose are reserved only for dream professions is outdated.I find myself very drawn to people whose career paths have taken many twists and turns. I love hearing from those people, but my favorite part is once they talk about the job or career they finally feel “meant” to be. I love to think about all the steps along the way and how every single one of those steps specifically had a driving force to getting them where they want to go. In my career so far, I have gone several different paths that may seem unrelated. They are not unrelated to where I am now at all. If I hadn’t explored all of those career endeavors, I am certain I would have never made it to VCU.
As the state of the economy, the country, and the world shifts and changes a linear path becomes less and less possible. In many ways that is a beautiful thing. Purpose is no longer defined by job titles but by the intention, passion, and energy one brings to their daily work. Whether someone is stocking shelves, assisting customers, or leading creative teams, the opportunity to find meaning in those actions is always there. It doesn’t always make sense in the moment, what you have gained at a job or career and how it can be applied to your dreams. Sometimes the realization comes after you have made it to where you want to be.
If you are looking for your purpose at your current position, a great way to start is to make note of the moments you feel a spark at work. Contemplate what tasks inspire this and then break it down further, what skills of yours do you utilize to complete those tasks. Then, think about how you can apply those skills in other areas of passion or towards your dreams. For example, an aspect of what I love about bridal styling is the ability to connect with people and provide them with a great experience. The experience a bridal stylist provides is one of the most important aspects of the appointment. Many brides have been dreaming of their wedding and going wedding dress shopping since they were young. Therefore, they have a lot of expectations for how it will be. Over the years I have trained myself to consistently deliver a personal, kind, and professional experience every time. This means being able to navigate different personality types and social dynamics with ease, establish trust with the customer, speaking with authority of knowledge but not being pushy, and much more.
To apply this to a broader industry, fashion thrives on storytelling, and the most compelling stories come from people who understand human behavior, not just aesthetics. A more diverse fashion industry will be able to speak to consumers needs and wants in new ways and these connections will be built upon people with a wide range of life experiences creating the products, with the consumers best interest in mind. Whether we all find ourselves in a career in fashion, or something totally unrelated, the future will be shaped by those who see purpose in everything they do.