What Purpose Isn't

For those who seek to make a difference, purpose is crucial.

And yet...

It is a term that is often confused or conflated with other ideas like vision, mission, or goal. I teased apart the difference between purpose and passion already. Here's my current attempt to do the same with these other terms.

Your purpose is your reason for being. It lies at the convergence of who you are (your values and guiding principles), what you're good at (your skills and talents), and where you belong (with people who share your values and need your talents to enhance their lives).

Your purpose is the difference only you can make.

Vision is an articulation of the better world you seek to create with and for those you serve.

Mission is the cause you crusade that seeks to fulfill your vision.

Your goal is the immediate campaign you are invested in as part of your mission.

Your purpose is the asset you leverage in service of your vision, mission, and goal.

Purpose is a compass for engaging with your vision, mission, and goal with integrity and intention.

How do you differentiate vision, mission, goal, and purpose? How does that clarify your purpose? How are you embracing and engaging your purpose today?

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose. 

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