“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal.  The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.” – Benjamin Mays

Leaders are busy.  In my entire career I can’t remember ever talking to a leader who was bored, or who said they just didn’t have much to do.  Whether business is booming or struggling, there seems to be no end to the work.

But is it the right work?  Most leaders (and people) I know are so busy being busy that they don’t ever think about whether or not they’re doing the right things.  It’s not that they purposefully waste time.  It’s just that they don’t take time to think before they act.

When I say, “the right things”, I mean that in two ways.  First, leaders spend way too much time doing things that aren’t strategic.  Any time you’re faced with some kind of task or project, you should be asking yourself if you’re really the right person for it, or even if it should be done at all. 

The other way is a little deeper & tougher to think about.  Step back and look at your career.  Are you really doing what you’re meant to do?  Each of us is created differently and designed for a different purpose.  Is what you do what you’re actually supposed to be doing?

I don’t mean that you shouldn’t attempt to find joy and energy in wherever you happen to be at the time.  Whatever your current situation, make the best of it and find where you can make a difference.

But every so often, ask yourself if what you’re doing really energizes you.  Does the purpose of your work or your organization fill you up?  Or is it just something you’re doing to make money and pass the time until retirement? 

I’m not criticizing retirement, but from the time you start working you’ll probably spend over half your waking hours at work.  If you’re just killing time until you can quit working, that’s an incredible waste.  The work itself has to matter.

This is not a call for everyone to immediately quit their jobs.  Perhaps you are where you’re created to be.  Fantastic.  Just don’t assume that the “right place” can never change. Just because you work hard or put in a lot of hours doesn’t mean you’re not comfortable and coasting.  You are here for a purpose.  Figure it out and get to work.