Now, more than ever, Australians are looking at how they can contribute to the Australian charity sector, which is a great outcome in such challenging times. We have had many conversations during this time with those seeking to find their own purpose – their ‘why’.
To support your own Personal Impact Journey, we have developed this tool to guide you to uncovering a little more about your own purpose, what drives you, and where your passion comes from. We thank you for starting your journey with us.
1. Make the time
This could be as little as 20 minutes a week – remember that every little bit counts, and this demonstrates you are serious about making a start. Set a diary meeting with yourself to give this (a) the attention it deserves (b) your next shot. This may sound simple, but the world is full of distractions, and if you give yourself the time, it is more likely to happen.
2. Reflect on your life
This will inspire your purpose authentically, as it will come from within. Some people turn to external inspiration such as events and self-help books to guide them, but it comes from within. Try our 70 seconds, 7 years method.
70 seconds 7 years method
Close your eyes. Imagine you are 7. Think about what was significant in your life: people, places, events. Think about where you lived, holidays, family, friends, events you experienced, who or what inspired you, what made you interested or angry. Do this for 70 seconds. Now imagine you are 14 and repeat the exercise, what events occurred in your life that were notable, either really good or really bad. Do this for 70 seconds. Continue in increments of 7 years for 70 seconds.
3. Put pen to paper
Write down things that come to mind, such as school, my granny dying, loving my teacher, seeing war on the news, dad helping the neighbours, mum loving her job. Then look for themes…the
importance of good education, women in the workforce. Eventually you will find things that spark interest. Sometimes it is easier to consider things that DON’T spark interest.
A few questions to ponder:
- What do you care about most in your life? (e.g. family, work, cycling, painting)
- What (if anything) concerns you about the world – now or for the future?
- How do you feel most connected to your community right now?
- If you had a mission statement for life, what would it be? (e.g. ‘to be kind to all people’ or to ‘inspire others’)
Things I care about
NOTE: It’s important to mention that ‘for-purpose’ does not have a monopoly over purpose. You might find purpose writing poetry or coaching tech entrepreneurs, but this is to support those who want social impact.
4. Try searching online
The web is an amazing source of information on all aspects of the sector, including the players: funders, charities, foundations, peak bodies, associations, media and other recourse hubs. For example you might search ‘Australian charity for women’s education’. This would yield: The Global Women’s Project, Secret Sisterhood, Unicef, among others
Take the next step and research: Choose a charity that resonates and visit their website, consider what they do and what impact they have had. Download their annual report and read about their work and their plans for the future. Look on the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission website (acnc.gov.au) to see who their directors are and where their funding comes from.
NOTE: People often worry about what charities ‘spend’. Instead, consider that it takes significant resources (like clever people, technology) to solve very complex social problems which will cost money. Look more closely at the impact they are having and the influence on the issue itself.
