QUESTION
Dear Clint,

As a leader, how do I motivate myself and my team to continue pushing forward when the end goals sometimes feel arbitrary or meaningless?

Let me put this another way: I sometimes feel my company’s only use is to make money and pay our employees. We provide a quality service, but could the world exist without it? Absolutely.

So, I guess my question is, how do I consistently instill a sense of purpose and drive in my organization when I sometimes feel everything we’re doing is fundamentally pointless and we should all go to work in soup kitchens instead?

Sincerely,
Existentially Exhausted

ANSWER
Dear Existentially Exhausted,

I’m going to give this a shot, but my word, what you’re really asking me for is the meaning of life. I’m unqualified, unbonafide, and uncertified. However, I did sign up to write this column every day, and a Betts never backs down from a challenge.

Editor’s Correction: Many a Betts has backed down from many a challenge, including — if not especially — this one. For example, the author was challenged to hike Mt. Timpanogas last weekend and immediately declined.

The first thing that came to mind when reading your question was the cost of being alive. I’d be more comfortable talking about this like a politician who knows nothing about anything talks about the “cost of living.” 

The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States currently stands at $3.41. Milk’s at $3.98; eggs are a clean $3; a loaf of bread is somewhere around $3.58. You see, rattling off numbers makes you sound intelligent and provides enough time to avoid offering a solution. I don’t know how to solve any of that. No one does.

The same applies to your question, honestly. Many philosophers have tackled this issue with varying results. Tolstoy turned to Christianity, Schopenhauer to existential resignation, and Nietzsche to giving up on morals altogether.

Let’s look to Albert Camus for an answer. Camus famously begins his essay The Myth of Sisyphus by stating, “There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.” He goes on to explore the absurd— the conflict between humans’ desire to find inherent meaning in life and the indifferent, chaotic, and often meaningless universe.

Camus argues that life itself is devoid of a higher purpose, and this recognition leads to the feeling of absurdity. Are you getting a sense of the bleak rabbit hole we’ve gone down? That was hard to write without breaking down in tears!

Something I do like about Camus is his concept of the “absurd hero,” an individual who fully accepts the absurdity of existence and yet lives with passion, defiance, and integrity. This hero does not seek solace in false hope or illusions but finds value in the struggle itself.

But you know what? Let’s move away from the philosophers. Bleak, pure bleak.

You revealed something interesting in your question: “I sometimes feel my company’s only use is to make money and pay our employees.” That’s nothing to sneeze at. You’re providing for your employees and their families. Thanks to you, they have shelter, food, health insurance, and a sense of stability. No, that’s nothing to sneeze at. You should be darn proud of it.

I’d venture to guess that when we feel like what we’re doing has no meaning, we’re experiencing some imbalance in our lives. Not to mention what it feels like to be human. This feeling will pass. All feelings do. You matter, you’re making a difference, and you should be mighty proud of yourself. It’s also worth remembering that you’re not your job. You’re everything that makes you you.

I’m honored that you’d submit such a thoughtful and challenging question. That said, soup kitchens could always use help, especially on the weekends.

Contact Clint
Email: dear[email protected]
Phone: (385) 217-0670

In his book "Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality," Anthony De Mello emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for effective leadership. De Mello points out that many people, including leaders, are often unaware of their biases, fears, and attachments, which influence their decisions and interactions.

Get your free book 📖

Receive a free book for referring friends & family to our newsletter. 👇

1 referral = 1 free book

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality.

Or copy & paste this link: https://newsletter.ceo.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER