A long time ago, the trees went out to anoint a king.
They first said to the olive tree, “Reign over us.” The olive tree answered, “And stop producing my rich oil? I will not.”
Then the trees asked the fig tree. But the fig tree answered them, “And stop producing my delicious fruit? I will not.”
Next they asked the vine, “Come and reign over us.” But the vine said, “And stop producing my wine? I will not.”
About to give up, the trees made one last attempt and asked the bramble. And the bramble said, “If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade.”
It’s wonderful to see in this story how each tree knows its unique purpose: The olive tree makes oil, the fig tree produces sweet fruit, the vine makes grapes for wine, and the bramble brush is for shade. Each tree knows its true purpose and stands firmly planted.
How many times are you approached with a new project, new product, new venture, new idea, and as a result find yourself jumping from circumstance to opportunity?
Can you truly say you’re sticking with your purpose, or that you’re sure that you’re planted in the best role?
Our purpose has the power to ground us.
But how do you know if you are rooted in that purpose?
Ask yourself the following questions…
What makes me different?
When leaders that I work with ask me how they can differentiate themselves from the rest, I remind them: The first person you will lead is you. If you lack purpose look within. Ask yourself what stirs your heart, what comes from the depths of who you are and what you believe in. Your purpose draws on your natural gifts and talents. It comes from your past and your history; it comes from what you love doing. It meets your needs.
How can I serve others?
A clearly defined purpose comes from prioritizing your own abilities and working towards empowering others to their potential. True purpose is not awarded or not appointed, it comes only from genuine love for people. Its best measure comes from serving others—nothing more, nothing less.
How will I make a difference?
If you seek purpose, you need to know that everything comes with discipline and prioritizing. You can multiply the good you do by being a model for others to see how to identify what’s important, make it a priority, and have the discipline to live out that priority every day.
When it comes to living your purpose and leading with meaning, commitment and effectiveness are your foundation.
Lead From Within: Make sure you touch a dozen lives before the day is done and leave your mark even as you rest in the shade of the trees.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Joey Havens
26. May, 2015
Lolly, this is a great blog on purpose. Love your self awareness questions. Thanks for sharing j
lollydaskal
26. May, 2015
Thank you Joey for commenting. Means the world to me that “purpose” resonates.
Lolly
Jo Miller
26. May, 2015
Lolly,
Thank you for a beautiful reminder to ground ourselves within our purpose so that we may serve others in our various leadership roles. Thank you for making an impact on my life through your leadership.
lollydaskal
26. May, 2015
Jo
Great to see you! Even better to read your thoughtful insights.
Thank you for making a difference in my life.
Lolly
Roseline Bennerman
26. May, 2015
Thank you Lolly for this straightforward and very practical article. You gave such a great visual on the Power of Purpose!
lollydaskal
26. May, 2015
Thank you Roseline! Appreciate your thoughtful comment.
Live your purpose find your meaning.
Lolly
Panteli Tritchew
26. May, 2015
Such a great metaphor to drive a lovely story on the power of purpose. Even better that the olive and the fig are featured-my mom is Greek!
“Our purpose has the power to ground us.” Raisons d’être… we all have one. Thank you for the reminder, Lolly. ,
lollydaskal
31. May, 2015
Thank you Panteli
For always sharing your insights and thoughts. I truly appreciate you-
I look forward every Tuesday.
Lolly
Susan Mary Malone
26. May, 2015
Oh, did this one ever tweak me! I so love myths and stories to teach 🙂 They run through my fiction as well. And I especially love: “Ask yourself what stirs your heart.” This is exactly how I coach the writers I work with! Because it’s that thing that “stirs your heart” that will keep you working toward your goal when times get tough.
As always, love what you do, Lolly!
lollydaskal
31. May, 2015
Susan
If does not stir our heart, it most likely won’t stir our soul.
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I truly appreciate your insight.
Lolly
Duncan M.
29. May, 2015
Lolly, this article is a source of inspiration for all leaders. Being able to touch the hearts of others is a gift. But just like all gifts, it needs to be nourished every day in order to make it worth.
lollydaskal
31. May, 2015
Ducan
All of us need to be nourished everyday. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, that is the journey of life and leadership.
Thanks for your comment.
I appreciate you.
John Paul
29. May, 2015
Trees are very noble creatures and so is finding your purpose. Thank you, Lolly.
Melanie Fischer
17. Jun, 2015
Funny thing…I started reading this and thought the lesson was going to be about not passing up on opportunity. Wooops, was I ever wrong! Thanks Lolly for this amazing lesson on staying rooted in our purpose and NOT getting distracted by passing opportunities.
Gabriel Njonjo
29. Jul, 2015
my philosophy is being beautiful in my being different from the rest. I am complimenting others in this rainbow called diversity
Samer
31. Jul, 2015
love it !! Thx Lolly <3
Franklin
01. Oct, 2015
Thank you Lolly.. Exponentially Relevant
Dr. S Basu
01. Nov, 2015
Thank you. Great reading.
achmad malichi puguh
07. Nov, 2015
cool
Satya Nauth
07. Dec, 2015
Loved the story and how you tied it to having grounded purpose! Thank you for sharing!
elvedinbilic.eb@gmail.com
18. Jan, 2016
Excellent!
renee
23. Feb, 2016
I love this Dolly, you cinched it. Made me more resolute. Thank YOU.
mercy
27. Feb, 2016
Thank you lolly, I always look forward to your posts. This is exceptional. ‘Stir your heart’ great lesson
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29. May, 2016
Great to read, purpose can only make you distinguish between wish and will