Creating A Joyful Planet: How Russell Steiner is Helping
RS: It unquestionably did. Once I found something that aligned with my values, especially at a seven-month old startup, I began investing all my energies into building something amazing. I was doing it almost around the clock, but you barely notice the time go by when the work is meaningful.
The smiles are evidence that what I’ve spent my time doing the past two years has been beyond worthwhile. I care about others and leading them in the right direction, which is imperative to helping make someone’s day special. With that in mind, I have zero regrets about quitting a job that had no meaning at all.When you look forward to contributing to something meaningful every day it’s hard not to consider that being success.PT: What is the result of knowing and actively living your life’s purpose? Is there a power that comes from knowing your life’s purpose in being able to actively live it?RS: When your life has meaning, you feel actualized on the inside, which spreads to the outside.There have been many people who have questioned my undying positive energy, outlook, and enthusiasm for the world. It seems almost alien to them, but I think that’s because most people go along with or convince themselves to make decisions that don’t align with who they really are.I know my attitude has been a positive source for others and can often have a domino effect. When people are happy it tends to spread to the next person. Our SendHappy experience engages so many people who receive flowers to become senders, which really reflects that contagious notion of positivity spreading from one person to the next.When you start living your life in a good way, it only makes it better for those around you.PT: What are your greatest hopes and dreams for the life purpose you have chosen?RS: To lead together with others in the right direction. To contribute to groups of people who bring out the best in one another. We all have amazing, unique talents and traits to share with one another, and there’s no reason not to use them to better the world in some way. Doing things together with other people and for other people is one of the more worthwhile experiences of being human.PT: What do you think you would be doing now if you hadn’t determined and then actively begun to live your purpose?RS: I would probably have a very cynically negative outlook on life. I might be cold calling sales prospects and waiting for 5:00 p.m. to roll around every day, where every minute seemed like a lifetime, because there would be nothing meaningful fueling my existence. I wouldn’t have the same positive outlook, because I’d be upset with myself for continuing to lead my life in a way that did not align with my values.PT: How important is it for individuals to discover their life’s purpose? And, do you think that businesses would be wise to help employees discover their purpose?RS: It is extremely important to do something that gives your life meaning. And to contribute in ways that makes things better for others while also bettering you in the process. Ultimately, to be able to grow through your service to others.I believe a company needs to make sure their employees are gaining fulfillment, which is something Urban Stems cares deeply about. We always want one other to be learning and that, much like sending flowers to someone, is a gift. Everyone has the opportunity to wear multiple hats and contribute in so many ways. To be part of a business that is designed to make people’s days is truly amazing. Our employees are even subsidized to take General Assembly classes of their choosing, which is a great way to support what they’re interested in and what they care about.If you’re not delivering meaning to your employees then you’re not aligning with their values. This will ultimately result in a poor business for all stakeholders. Your bottom line will always look better when the experience has meaning for those creating it.PT: What advice would you give others about discovering their life’s purpose?RS: Take a balanced approach. Make sure you’re doing, but also make sure you’re letting things happen, too. It’s important not to force things. Patience is key!Drop your ego, because caring only about yourself won’t get you anywhere with others or get you more fulfillment from the world. Other people are necessary to our own happiness, so be someone’s cheerleader as much as you can. Many of us need the support of others and most have a tough time so take the time to pay someone a compliment about how nice they look or what a great job they’re doing. When you’re a light for someone else it sparks a domino effect of brightness.Finally, be true to yourself. Don’t do something you don’t want to do. Years go by too quickly to waste any time not growing as a person. When you’re doing something right for yourself, you’re doing something right for the people around you, too.
[author] About the Author: Patrice Tanaka is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded three award-winning, PR & marketing firms and, most recently, Joyful Planet, a Business & Life Strategy Consultancy.“Through Joyful Planet, I am doing what I love and do best, leveraging my creative, problem-solving talent to help individuals and organizations discover and live their purpose and unleash greater success, fulfillment and joy in business and life,” says Patrice. This is the subject of Patrice’s new best-selling book, Beat the Curve, co-authored with world renowned management consultant and coach, Brian Tracy, and other business leaders. Her chapter is entitled, “Live Your Life’s Purpose and Unleash Your Joy.” Connect with Patrice@JoyfulPlanet.com and via LinkedIn/Patrice Tanaka and Twitter/Patrice Tanaka. [/author]