Start the Year by Finding Your Purpose

Cathie Leimbach • January 9, 2023

“If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”   T.D. Jakes

“If you have felt hopeless, hold on! Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose.”  Rick Warren

We are all wired differently. We have different interests and different strengths. What one person finds tedious others love to do. When we are in flow or in the zone, using our strengths in an area of interest, we are happier and more successful. We have positive energy which contributes to a positive workplace culture and strong results.

Everyone has something to offer to this world.  When we figure out our passion – something that we love a lot – and determine how we can leverage this passion to serve others, we have found our purpose. This positions us to add great value to the world around us and enjoy doing it!

Many people can’t articulate their passion nor their purpose. They go through life day-by-day without a feeling of self-worth. They don’t feel inspired. Society misses out on what these individuals could offer the world around them.

If you don’t know your passion or purpose, this could be good time to identify them. Take time to think about the things you really enjoy and how these interests can be exercised in your work or life. Position yourself for a wonderful new year.

  1. Put on your thinking cap and jot down: 
  2. What you liked to do in your spare time when you were 10 to 12 years old
  3. What you like doing now
  4. What you would like to be doing more of

   2.  Review the three lists and identify a theme or interest that is common to 2 or 3 of your lists. This is likely a passion for you.

   3.  How could you add value to your organization, community, family, or friends by leveraging this passion?  This contribution to the world around you could be your purpose in life.


What will you do in 2023 to increase your joy in life by exercising your passion and purpose?

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By Cathie Leimbach • July 21, 2026
There was a time when many employees expected to spend most of their careers with one organization. Job security, pensions, and long-term loyalty often kept people in the same company for decades. Today's workforce thinks differently. Millennials and Gen Z expect to build careers—not necessarily with one employer. If they don't see opportunities to learn, grow, contribute, and advance, they'll find them somewhere else. Research consistently shows that younger employees are looking for more than a paycheck. They want managers they trust, meaningful work, opportunities to develop, flexibility when possible, and a workplace where they feel respected, supported, and heard. Gallup reports that 87% of Millennials say professional development is important to their job satisfaction. Combined with growing expectations for work-life balance and a positive workplace culture, it's no surprise that organizations relying primarily on compensation to retain employees continue to struggle with turnover. The encouraging news is that leaders influence most of what keeps people engaged.  Managers who hold meaningful conversations, clarify expectations, recognize contributions, coach for growth, and genuinely care about their employees create workplaces where people want to stay. They build trust, strengthen engagement, and help employees grow, succeed, and see a future with the organization. Today's retention isn't driven by job security or loyalty alone. It's driven by a workplace experience where employees are growing, supported by leaders they trust, and confident their contributions matter. Download our Retention Conversation Guide to discover practical ways to strengthen trust, engagement, and retention—one leadership conversation at a time. Conversation is where leadership happens.