5 Ways to Build a Purposeful Business

By Cailen Ascher

I was in a major funk. I was back to work after three months of maternity leave, and things just didn’t feel right.

I couldn’t exactly put my finger on what was “off.” All I knew was that this business that I had built from scratch wasn’t lighting me up any more. It felt like an ill-fitting pair of shoes that I desperately wanted to take off.

Oh no. What was I doing with my life? Here I was with a brand new baby, and I’m thinking about starting over...again. What was my husband going to think when I told him this business wasn't for me any longer?

There was no denying I needed a change. I felt misaligned with the work I was doing, and I knew that something needed to shift. But what? And how? I had been a serial entrepreneur since the age of 14, and I was still looking for “my thing” at nearly 30. When was this roller coaster going to end?

Then, five months into my funk, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I desperately needed to reconnect to my purpose and infuse it into my business. It wasn’t about closing up shop and starting over; it was about evolving into my most purposeful self with a purposeful business.

And with that, my business took on a new depth and new meaning before my eyes. From the outside, it likely seemed that nothing much had changed--a new look for my website, a new headshot, improved copy--but for me, everything had. I was looking at my business through a purposeful lens.

Here are five things that will help you create your own purposeful business:

1. Align with something BIGGER.

There are two ways we can look at our businesses: in isolation, or as part of something bigger. If you’re feeling disconnected from your work, you’re likely looking at your business in isolation.

Instead, consider what higher power, force, or energy you can tap into to help your work feel bigger than just you. Is your business serving compassion, beauty, joy, creativity, health, abundance, fulfillment?

When you look at your work in this way, you’ll begin to see how what you do is making a difference, not only in your own life, but in the lives of others.

2. Remember WHY you do what you do.

Reflect on why you started your business in the first place. Was it to help people live healthier lives? To support your family? Jot down your reasons on a sheet of paper.

Once you have your list, refer to it when you’re feeling disconnected. Write your favorite reasons on note cards and place them around your workspace; or get together with some of your business pals and share your whys together.

3. Make SPACE for opportunities.

If you really feel like your business no longer serves you, then make room for new opportunities. Start exploring things that call to you and make connections with people who will support you as you make this transition.

Have you always dreamed of being a writer and sharing your words with the world? Begin writing your book, start a blog, submit a guest post to your favorite site, or plan a coffee date with a friend who has connections in the industry.

If you truly cannot feel your purpose in your current business, start adding purpose outside of work. As you do, you’ll likely feel more aligned with your work as well.

4. CHANGE your words.

If your business is feeling stagnant and unfulfilling, it may just be the way you’re talking and thinking about it.

Instead of referring to yourself as a business coach, you could be "The Marketing Maven." Instead of saying, “I make jewelry for new moms,” you could say, “I create wearable works of art for trendy mamas featuring their baby’s birthstone.” Or, instead of calling yourself a personal trainer, you could be a "Health Ambassador" or a "Lifestyle Makeover Coach."

Tip: Remembering the BIGGER force you’re aligned with and your WHY will help you find your words!

5. Live your days PURPOSEFULLY.

Imagine your most purposeful self, the not-so-distant-future you, who is clear on her mission and aligned with her purpose. Tap into her wisdom and consult her when you’re feeling misaligned.

What products or services would she offer? What opportunities would she pursue? What kind of people would she surround herself with? How would she infuse more purpose into her life? How would she explain the work she does? What is her WHY? What is the bigger force she’s aligned with in her business?

When you approach your day as your most purposeful self, you bring more meaning to everything you do. You start the evolution process to become that future you who is on a mission to change the world through her work.