“Your calling is what fulfills you.” – Richard Leider
This week we had the pleasure of interviewing 2 of the wisest people we know. Richard and Sally Leider are two leaders who have spent their whole lives figuring out ways to make the world better through their jobs and through their purpose. Richard has written many books and articles to inspire people to “unlock the power of purpose” as it says on his website (which will be linked at the end). Sally has been an educator her whole life and has taught young kids the importance of learning in school and through life. Although the two of them have spent their lives in different careers, they are connected through teaching about purpose to make the world better.
In the interview we asked both of them about what made them passionate about purpose, and they began by talking about their childhood. Richard shared that when he was young, his father invited travelers that he worked with to their home on a weekly basis. Richard’s father had him listen to all the stories that the guests told, broadening Richard’s perspective on the outside world. Although he thought it was silly back then, looking back he realizes how impactful those stories were on him and how he has made the world better because of it. Sally from a young age felt obliged by her mother to keep the young children around her busy! She found ways to entertain the kids while always making something out of nothing. She organized talent shows, carnivals, and more to keep people busy. This creativity and leadership sparked her passion and desire to teach. Now looking back, Sally knows that her creative tactics she used as a child have helped her to become a more open minded educator that can always give her students a good time.
This brought up an important topic on relationships. A fortuitous encounter is a relationship that comes by chance. Anyone you have met in your life (other than those in your family) is in a fortuitous relationship. Richard and Sally brought up the importance of these fortuitous relationships. Our parents shape our values and how we grow up, but our fortuitous encounters shape who we become. You’re not born to be anything. You’re born with gifts that you use in whatever your calling turns out to be. Your calling and purpose are basically the same thing. Your fortuitous encounters help you find your purpose.
Richard teaches many people an equation that leads to finding you purpose. G+P+V=C. Don’t worry it’s no quadratic formula! Written out, his equation is Your Gifts + Passions + Values = Your Calling. What you are good at, what you enjoy doing, and who you are, help you find your calling. There are many careers that won’t make you a billionaire but if you follow your calling you will love what you do!
Of course, your purpose fulfills you but just as important- it fulfills the world around you! Your purpose should make the world and your community a better place and bring others up around you too. Purpose is a verb. It is constantly changing, shifting, and adapting to who you are and what’s around you. As Richard said so clearly, “Purpose is a direction, not a goal.” Purpose is what makes us want to get up in the morning, and it can inspire us to do what we need to do to make our mark on the world.
Richard Leider’s website: https://richardleider.com/
The Ripple Effect 