Employee Engagement + Purpose At Work

Christi Hegstad September 25th, 2024

“People want purpose and meaning from their work. They want to be known for what they’re good at.” – Gallup .com

According to Gallup*, three of the five key drivers of employee engagement include three things we talk about here all the time:

Development,

Focus on strengths, and

Purpose.

Employers and leaders can focus on these drivers – in themselves and with their teams – in myriad ways. And there’s also a powerful way to address all three in one experience, too:

Writing a personal Purpose Statement.

The Purpose Statement process invites an individual to experience personal growth and develop greater self-awareness, exploring areas like values, passions, and vision.

There is an intentional focus on strengths as one of the main ‘ingredients’ of the Purpose Statement.

And the power of knowing, and intentionally living out, one’s purpose – well, I think Clayton Christensen and his coauthors summed it up well in their book, How Will You Measure Your Life:

“If you take the time to figure out your purpose in life,

I promise you will look back on it as

the most important thing you’ve ever learned.“

I first wrote my Purpose Statement over two decades ago. Since that time it has helped me make decisions, build my confidence, and focus my attention where it matters most. It also prompted me to start this business which, in all of its 21+ years, has focused on helping people work with meaning and live with purpose.

I mapped out my Purpose Statement process and have since walked countless others through it as well. When you’re clear on your purpose and its alignment with your work, you can achieve exceptional results in meaningful ways – and feel fulfilled, engaged, and strengthened, too. Definitely a win-win-win situation!

Enrollment is now open for our next cohort of the Write Your Purpose Statement home study course. If you’d like to experience the power of purpose for yourself – or for your team, employees, or others in your circle – you can get all the details and enroll here. We begin October 23, and by mid-November you’ll have your own customized Purpose Statement!

*Source: “What Is Employee Engagement and How Do You Improve It?” by Gallup .com

I’m So Glad I Finally . . .

Christi Hegstad September 18th, 2024

“I’m so glad I finally ______________.”

On December 31, as you look back over your year, how do you want to complete that sentence? What is the one thing you most want to be able to say?

Are you on track?

As of this writing, we have 15 weeks left in 2024. Fifteen weeks is plenty of time to achieve something significant – but only if we’re intentional about it. Today, I want to help you kickstart that intentionality.

A vague vision leads to vague results, and having too many goals can lead to spreading ourselves too thin. If you’ve felt at all like you’re floundering this year, or you’re incredibly busy but not actually moving the needle forward, it could be due to an unclear vision. A clear, focused, purposeful picture of where we’re headed tends to lead to clear, focused, purposeful, results-producing actions.

So let’s start by gaining that clarity.

Fill In Your Blank

Seriously, how would you like to complete that sentence?

“I’m so glad I finally _____________.”

Pull out a piece of paper and jot down whatever comes to mind. Your thoughts might go immediately to areas like health and fitness, finances, leadership growth, spiritual development, or enhancing relationships. Excellent.

But don’t rule out the perhaps lesser-considered areas, such as:

Mindset

Focus

Meaning / Fulfillment at work

Confidence

Time / Energy Management

Productivity

Purpose

You can create a vision and set goals within these areas – in fact, a good portion of my coaching focuses on this! You might be surprised how truly building your confidence or up-leveling your time / energy management can actually clear the path to countless other goals.

Start Here, Start Clear

Today, I encourage you to brainstorm a few possibilities for completing the above sentence. Over the next day or two, choose the one that matters to you the most.

Let this serve your guide as you craft the action plan that will get you from here to there.

For additional tools and support to then make this happen, be sure to check out the opportunity below! I’d love to connect with you at the end of the year, hear you say what you’re so glad you finally achieved, and celebrate right along with you!

Enrollment now open and limited spaces available in the Bold Goal Bonanza – a rare one-time, one-session coaching opportunity! Click here for details.

Purpose, Hobbies, and Meaningful Action

Christi Hegstad September 11th, 2024

The official seal of approval is in: My furry nephew liked the cross stitch I made!

After a several-year hiatus, I recently rekindled my cross stitch hobby and am having SO much fun with it! I’ve also been exploring this and other hobbies through the lens of purpose and finding some fascinating connections. For example:

Passion

One component of purpose, how I define it, is passion. And one big clue of passion is losing track of time while engaging in the activity. This is definitely the case with me and cross stitch!

Values

One of my core values is growth. This year I’ve been choosing a cross stitch ‘focus piece’ each month, then taking a before and after picture at the start and end of the month. I know that I continually grow as a stitcher with each piece, and it’s cool to see a visual representation of that occurring along the way, too. (Especially when some pieces take years to complete!)

Involving Others

While purpose is very personal, we do not live in a bubble – and our purpose typically involves something greater than ourselves, including others. In this instance, my hobby involved my furry nephew and his family, friends I stitch with, people who have seen me stitching this piece, stitchers I’ve learned from, the small business on Etsy that I purchased the pattern from…even you, since you’re reading this post!

Part of my Purpose Statement is to inspire positive action – so if this prompts you to engage in one of your favorite hobbies, I’d love to know!

Purpose is with us at work, at home, in line at the hardware store, driving down the freeway, and in the midst of our hobbies. If you’d like to uncover and write your Purpose Statement, contact me about coaching – I’d love to help!

Looking Back To Plan Ahead

Christi Hegstad August 28th, 2024

We’re approaching September and, along with it, the sprint to the end of the year. The kids have just started school, but blink twice and we’ll be knee-deep in holiday prep and new year planning!

And if you are a business owner, salesperson, leader, or have set annual goals, you may be feeling the pressure to make a lot of magic happen in the next few months.

How can you do this successfully and purposefully?

Especially if you’re already feeling behind?

We could dive into action planning, time management, and other achievement-oriented strategies, but let’s take a step back for a moment first. Rather than looking ahead at all you need to do between now and December 31, start by looking back.

Here’s what I mean:

The Power Of Reflection

Reflection can take place in myriad ways, some more beneficial than others. Today, I encourage you to reflect, with intention, in two specific ways.

First, look back at the past year, paying special attention to the following questions:

* What’s worked well that you can build on?

* What has not worked as expected and what have you learned?

* What do you want more of in the next four months?

* What do you need to let go of? (Note this might include anything from a goal set back in January that no longer applies, to a negative story you’re repeating to yourself regarding a past mistake.)

* What are your highlight moments?

Much of this may come from the period of January until now, but consider looking back from 4th quarter of last year, too. This may provide you with information specific to the upcoming season.

Second, use your imagination and pretend it’s December 31 – then look back over the last four months. Not the entire year – just September to December – and ask yourself some different questions, such as:

* What, specifically, are you celebrating?

* What did you do differently in the last four months of the year, and what results did you experience?

* What 2-3 things did you hold as top priority throughout this time? How did you do that even with other tasks and responsibilities?

* What lessons did you learn that you want to take forward into the new year?

* What word would you use to describe these past four months – or perhaps to describe you, specifically, in these past four months?

Plan Forward, With Intention

Transformations and turnarounds can happen at any time – especially if we are intentional about creating them rather than merely floating along with circumstance.

I hope these two reflection points – looking back from now, and looking back from December 31 – bring you a new perspective and a boost of motivation for the season ahead. And if I can be of service during this time, contact me about coaching or consider enrolling in this upcoming home study course!

Happy reflective planning!

How Can A Purpose Statement Benefit YOU?

Christi Hegstad August 21st, 2024

Enrollment in WRITE YOUR PURPOSE STATEMENT Home Study Course now open! Click here for details.

What is your purpose?

When I ask this in workshops, some participants say their minds go completely blank; others report approximately 1,287 possibilities rising to the surface.

It’s a big question. And an important one.

And honestly, when I think of all the tools, concepts, techniques, and strategies I’ve coached over the years – and have experienced myself – PURPOSE is the one that underlies and overarches them all.

But why is it so helpful to know your why?

Purposeful Benefits

If you wonder how a concise Purpose Statement can benefit you, here are just a few possibilities:

Decision-making. When you know your core values and are clear on your purpose, you can make decisions with greater ease, confidence, and alignment. My clients have called on their Purpose Statements when making decisions of all types – big or small, personal or professional. Even when interviewing for and choosing a career path!

Focus. Ever feel like the world is filled with continuous chatter and mixed messages? A succinct Purpose Statement can help clear away the excess noise and bring a laser-like focus to what matters most to you.

Courage. I’ll share a specific example in the Purpose Statement course, but suffice it to say when you know why you’re doing something, when you know it aligns with your purpose, your strength and ability to follow through expands – even when you’re scared.

Filter. Whether engaging in an important conversation or wondering whether to push ‘publish’ on a social media comment, you can look through the lens of your Purpose Statement for clarity.

Resilience. In challenging moments, knowing your why can help you persevere. Your purpose is always a part of you, but clarifying it in a concise statement can help you call it to mind more easily in times of difficulty.

Confidence. In yourself, in your choices, in your roles, in your importance in the world. If you struggle with overthinking or second-guessing, your Purpose Statement can help you stand tall in all you do.

That’s just to name a few!

YOUR Purpose For Knowing Your Purpose

As I’ve said many times and wholeheartedly believe, you are filled with purpose. You are here for a purpose. And you are making a purposeful difference in the world, whether you realize it or not.

How might clarifying this purpose benefit you?

I encourage you to give this question some thought. Maybe it will be for some of the reasons mentioned above, or maybe you’ll generate completely different ones.

Then, I encourage you to do the work to uncover your purpose – to clarify it in a concise, fulfilling, easy-to-memorize statement to support you in your day-to-day life, as well as in your long-term vision. If you want help with this, be sure to check out my upcoming Write Your Purpose Statement home study course! Enrollment is now open and the course begins soon.

In their book, How Will You Measure Your Life?, Clayton Christensen and his coauthors wrote, “If you take the time to figure out your purpose in life, I promise that you will look back on it as the most important thing you will have ever learned.”

Consider how you – and those around you – may benefit from you uncovering your purpose.

Then consider taking the time to do this important work. If you’re anything like me and the countless people I’ve supported in this process over the decades, you will be glad you did!

Enroll in the Write Your Purpose Statement home study course here!

Key Takeaways From The Good Life

Christi Hegstad August 14th, 2024

What does ‘the good life’ mean to you?

Some may think of bank accounts, houses, and cars.

Others may veer towards health, laughter, and a sense of contentment.

And still others may describe adventure, exotic travel, and experiences.

But I’m not asking about what others might say. I’m wondering what makes a good life for you?

Exploring The Good Life

Over 80 years ago, researchers began what is now known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development to help answer this ‘good life’ question scientifically. The study participants, who now span multiple generations and a variety of backgrounds, respond to surveys and interviews every couple of years – as well as complete physical health exams, psychological assessments, blood tests, and more – to aid in forming a picture of what supports a happy and meaningful life at any age.

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz have summarized this for us – so far, anyway (the study is, of course, ongoing) – in their excellent book, The Good Life.

To say I devoured this book would be an understatement. Between the personal stories, research findings, participant experiences, and results offered, I found this incredibly readable and also incredibly powerful. Here are just two of my takeaways:

The Journey vs The Destination

As cliche as it may sound, it’s so true: It’s not about the destination but rather the path and what we learn, experience, and choose along the way.

“Second by second, you can decide to whom and to what you give your attention,” write Waldinger & Schulz. “Week by week you can prioritize your relationships and choose to be with the people who matter. Year by year you can find purpose and meaning through the lives that you enrich and the relationships that you cultivate.” (p281)

I’ve long said we create our legacy each and every day, by the decisions we make and the actions we choose to take. This book certainly reaffirmed that for me.

It’s Never Too Late

Relatedly, this book shares inspiring stories of people who decided, even late in life, to make changes that would positively impact their own lives as well as the lives of those around them.

“It’s never too late to be happy,” the authors conclude. “And it’s never too late to start now and leave a mark.”

This is not just a feel-good phrase; this is a scientifically-backed statement.

Practical And Purposeful

Throughout the book, Waldinger & Schulz share strategies, concepts, and models – such as the W.I.S.E.R. Model for handling difficult or emotionally challenging issues – along with ideas for utilizing them in our everyday lives. This blend of practical applications backed by data provides a depth I profoundly appreciate in personal + professional development resources.

I also found their commentary on time really fascinating. They mention phrases we commonly use – like ‘spending’ time or ‘paying’ attention – and discuss how we often intermingle our language with economic terms, yet time and attention are truly among our most valuable of resources.

“Time and attention are not something we can replenish,” the authors remind us. “They are what our life is. When we offer time and attention, we are not merely spending and paying. We are giving our lives.”

Wow!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was very impressed with this book, which I read in both audio and print form and recommend either/both. If you are looking for insights and inspiration to connect more fully, engage more deeply, and perhaps expand your thoughts on the good life, check out this enlightening resource!

Meaning + Purpose: What Questions Do You Have?

Christi Hegstad August 7th, 2024

As you may know, my work over the years has centered around one key focus: Helping you work with meaning and live with purpose. You can see evidence of this as far back as 2003, with the subscription newsletter I used to publish – Meaning & Purpose – pictured here!

I’ve learned SO much in this time, including the reminder that ‘meaningful work’ and ‘a purposeful life’ mean different things to different people. I’ve also discovered that so many of us consider these to be hefty, challenging concepts that we may never understand rather than actions, mindsets, and behaviors we can adopt each and every day.

Let’s shift that, shall we?!

I’m preparing to launch a series of resources to help you bring meaning to work and purpose to life in practical, everyday ways – and I want to answer as many of your questions as possible in the process! Share below or on social media what you wonder about when it comes to working with meaning and living with purpose, and I will do my best to address your questions and open more dialogue so we can all continue to learn, grow, and make our difference.

Here’s to your meaningful work and purposeful life!

Questions For The Second Half Of Your Year

Christi Hegstad June 6th, 2024

As you look ahead to the end of 2024, what do you see?

If that seems too far off to contemplate yet, we’re already approaching midyear – which means New Year’s Eve will be here before we know it!

I’ve shared many midyear and year-end review suggestions in this blog over the years. Today, however, I’d like to share some questions to ask yourself specific to the second half of your year. Grab a journal and a beverage, and let’s do some visioning!

What are my top 3 goals between now and the end of the year?

Note: These may differ from those you established at the start of the year!

With whom do I most want to connect?

This may include new people to meet, friends you haven’t seen in a while, or family members with whom you want to deepen your relationship.

How can I live a bold + meaningful life?

Feel free to replace these adjectives with ones more personal to you.

What new project or endeavor do I want to explore?

There is great value in being a beginner! Plus learning a new art or skill can serve as an excellent energizer.

What are my highest-tier priorities?

Unlike values, our priorities tend to change over time. What five or so life priorities matter the most to you now?

What do I most want to be celebrating when 2024 comes to a close?

Whether this involves a collection of your previous responses or just one or two key themes, deciding now will help you focus your energy and attention accordingly.

I am answering these questions myself this week, as well as writing another brief letter from my future self to seal up and reopen at the end of December. Let me know what other questions you’ll ask in your midyear session!

When You Don’t Reach Your Goals

Christi Hegstad May 30th, 2024

It’s the end of the month, which means it’s time for my monthly review + planning session. And I’ve realized I did not reach all my goals this month.

Specifically, I set two fitness goals – a mileage amount and number of weight-lifting sessions – and I fell short on both.

I have to admit: The achiever in me is disappointed.

But the coach, and human, in me knows this is an opportunity to explore, ask a few questions, and make some changes for next month. I thought you might benefit from these questions too, in case you find yourself in a similar situation!

A simple, nonjudgmental, Why?

Sometimes the answer is clear: maybe illness or unexpected travel interfered, for example. (Tornadoes and extreme weather definitely impacted my plans to hit the trails this month!) But sometimes the answer is a more ambiguous ‘I just didn’t feel like it.’ Whatever it is, view this as a fact-finding question – not a judgment of your self-worth.

How did I come up with this goal?

In the case of my mileage, I have to admit, my number was quite arbitrary. Which led directly to the next question:

What’s the purpose behind my goal?

My fitness goals fall under a broader ‘Best Self’ Bold Goal I’ve set for myself this year. The purpose behind this goal involves feeling my best and includes measures around energy, confidence, mindset, and the like. Even though I didn’t reach my specific fitness goals in May, I did engage in some other actions that fed my Best Self, so I’m incorporating them into my review, too.

What did I gain?

I love the simple yet profound message in Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy’s book, The Gap And The Gain: Essentially, focus less on how far you have to go and more on how far you’ve come. I didn’t hit the specific number of weight-lifting sessions I had intended, but I did do more – and with greater consistency – than any other month so far this year. That counts as a win, too!

What will I do differently next month?

Based on my review, I am not giving up on my fitness goals – but I am setting them differently in June. As you continue with your goals, consider how different ways of approaching or measuring them might serve you next month. Also take into account any travel, vacation, or seasonal changes that may impact your goal.

I’ll be sharing my specific changes with the Coaching + Connection group at our next event – and you can still join us for the remainder of 2024! Click here for more information and to enroll.

As achievers, we can easily get down on ourselves when we don’t accomplish what we set out to. Don’t just give yourself the brush-off, though. Ask a few thoughtful questions, answer honestly, and move forward accordingly.

What other questions do you ask yourself when assessing your goals?

Are You A Meaningful Achiever?

Christi Hegstad May 22nd, 2024

For years, I referred to myself as an overachiever. I always aimed for the A in school – and if I could do extra credit for the A+? Sign me up!

A version of this extended into adulthood, too. If there was a bar to jump over, I didn’t want to just jump over it – I wanted it raised to a level no one else had yet jumped, and I then wanted to leap over it with at least six inches of clearance.

Above and beyond.

Go big or go home.

The time came, however, when trying to give 110% to 110 different activities led to a big question:

What is it all for? *Why* am I giving this (whatever ‘this’ was at the moment) my all?

And I realized that while I wanted to achieve, I didn’t want the harried, frazzled, spinning-my-wheels feelings that often accompanied it. I wanted to aim high and set bold goals and exceed my own expectations, but I didn’t want to feel so scattered and exhausted by it all.

Thus came the phrase that has defined me and most of my clients ever since:

Meaningful Achiever.

Are you a Meaningful Achiever, too?

You Might Be A Meaningful Achiever If…

Below you’ll find a few characteristics I’ve observed in Meaningful Achievers over the years. See if you relate to any of these:

* You want to achieve goals, complete projects, and set milestones to stretch you. In fact, you may not feel fully ‘yourself’ if you’re not moving toward a goal of some kind.

* You find great satisfaction in checking things off your list. You may even add items to your list at the end of the day just to check them off.

* You want to know that what you’re doing makes a difference – to you, your family, your team, and/or beyond.

* And amidst all this, you also want to feel healthy, rested, purposeful, and honoring what matters most to you.

If any of this resonates, you might very well be a Meaningful Achiever, too.

**From Overachieving To Meaningfully Achieving**

On my ‘About’ page, the description of me includes ~~over~~achiever – with the ‘over’ crossed out, just like that. I no longer want to overachieve, overextend myself, overdo things to the point of exhaustion and burnout.

Rather, I want to be intentional about choosing what truly matters, honor the ‘why’ behind it, then give it my all – in meaningful, purposeful ways. I still aim for excellence (that A+, so to speak) but not in a million different directions and not without knowing why.

One of my longtime favorite quotes comes from Rabbi Harold Kushner in his book, Living A Life That Matters:

“Burnout results not from hard work – people are capable of working very hard – but from a sense of futility, the fear that all the hard work isn’t making a difference.“

That book was published over 20 years ago, and I believe the sentiment still holds true.

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, on the verge of burnout, or wondering why you’re working so hard, consider taking a step back and reassessing. Start by asking yourself a few questions, such as:

Of all your roles and responsibilities, which ones matter most to you at this time in your life?

On the flip side, which ones may need to go on the back-burner for a while?

What’s your why – the purpose – behind each of those top priority roles you’ve identified?

I can tell you, from my own experience as well as many coaching clients over the years, achievement feels so much more fulfilling when it’s purposeful, intentional, and honoring your deepest values and your highest vision.

Try on the ‘Meaningful Achiever’ title for a while and see how it fits. If you’re achieving at your highest potential while feeling purposeful and fulfilled, keep it up! And if you’re not quite there, I am here to help – contact me and let’s chat about coaching.

You can earn the A+, clear the high jump bar, and achieve bold + difference-making goals where it matters most – all while keeping meaning and purpose at the forefront. Welcome to meaningful achievement! It’s a delightful place, and I’m happy you’re here.

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad