The Leap of Your Life

CHAPTER 10The Business Leap (Purpose, Unleashed)

Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment.

In 1999, the movie Office Space was released with minimal fanfare. Starring a young Jennifer Aniston, the movie flopped. Years later, it’s considered a cult classic and one of the most influential comedies of its time. It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t seen it, and the references are endless.

The movie hit it big because it connected with a core theme: people’s disdain for their work, including the disconnection stemming from a life off purpose, surrounded by people you don’t like. It’s an over-the-top yet honest look at how we spend most of our time.

And (unfortunately) true.

Often, the biggest, boldest and most impactful leaps you’ll ever take will happen with your work. A study conducted in 2017 determined that only 19% of people are fulfilled and satisfied in their work life.¹ I’d say that number is understated, and what most consider satisfied is a low standard to clear. Regardless, the status quo isn’t working.

To be fulfilled with our lives, we must feel connected with the value we create for others. We must find meaning and purpose where we spend most of our time and energy. Otherwise, we’ll be out of alignment, and find ourselves stuck. This feeling spreads like a cancer to all the other areas of our lives, and then we wonder why things aren’t working.

The slide to mediocrity with our work is a slow descent starting with taking the safe path others have sold ...