Issue 24: One Small Step Toward Purpose (This Holiday Season)

ISSUE 24

18 DECEMBER 2024 | READ ONLINE

Hi Reader,

As the year winds down, I’ve been asking myself a big question: How do we measure purpose and success?

For years, I thought success was a destination, a title, a salary, a milestone. And I’ve hit plenty of those. But here’s the truth no one tells you: success isn’t just about where you arrive. It’s about how you feel when you get there.

Purpose, on the other hand, is about alignment. It’s about the work that lights you up, the impact you make, and the legacy you leave behind. And for many of us, the path to purpose requires deep reflection and intentional action.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting deeply on this in my own work and life. This is where my 4 A’s Framework comes in:

1. Awaken Your Inspiration

Take a moment to pause. To ask yourself the hard questions: What truly drives me? What lights me up? Purpose starts with this clarity. Maybe it’s a project, a cause, or a vision that keeps nudging you forward. Don’t ignore it.

Practical Tip: Set aside 20 minutes this week to journal about the moments you’ve felt most energized. What were you doing? Who were you helping? Patterns will start to emerge.

When I first moved to the US, I felt like I was starting from scratch. I’d left behind a career I loved and had to build something new. It forced me to reconnect with why I do what I do. That clarity became my anchor and led me to create a business that helps others find their purpose, too.

2. Aspire to the New

What does success mean to you right now? Not to the world, not to your industry, but to you. For many of us, it’s time to redefine it. Success can mean having an impact, building something lasting, or simply feeling aligned with your work.

Practical Tip: Write down your definition of success today. If you find it hard to define, ask yourself: What would make me feel proud of my work one year from now?

I used to believe success meant climbing higher on the corporate ladder. That changed one day when a mentor asked, “What do you want to be remembered for?” It stopped me in my tracks. That single question helped me reimagine success as making a meaningful impact, not just achieving a title.

3. Adventure Down New Paths

Purpose doesn’t come from standing still. It comes from experimenting, exploring, and pushing beyond what feels comfortable. Maybe this is your year to take a leap, try something new, or bet on yourself.

Practical Tip: Start small. Choose one new thing to try next month. Maybe it’s a course, a new hobby, or attending a networking event. The goal is progress, not perfection.

A couple of years ago, I took a leap and joined a tech team, entirely outside my safety career. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I trusted that learning something new would open doors. That decision expanded my perspective, introduced me to incredible people, and made me a better leader.

4. Activate an Action Plan

Purpose is intentional. It requires action. Big dreams are built step by step, day by day. What’s the first small step you can take today toward the life you want to create?

Practical Tip: Write down one action you can take this week that aligns with your purpose. Schedule it into your calendar. When it’s scheduled, it’s real.

I once coached someone who had been stuck in analysis paralysis for months. Their dream felt too big, so they weren’t taking action. We broke it down into a single step: sending one email to a potential mentor. That small action led to conversations, then partnerships, and ultimately a career they were proud of. Big goals always start small.

The holidays are a natural time for reflection. As you rest and reset, I encourage you to contemplate what purpose means to you. What do you want 2025 to bring? Who do you want to become?

What’s On My Mind

Here’s what I’ve been sharing this week:

💡 “I’m not sure if I want to be a Safety Professional anymore”: A post on LinkedIn that reflects what I hear quite a bit. I've given 3 actions to take, which might help. Check it out here.

💡 “Dreaming Big”: I shared some exciting news about signing a book contract and, more broadly, what it means to never give up on your dreams. Read the post here.

What’s Inspiring Me

🌟 Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown is a game-changing book about focusing on what truly matters by saying no to what doesn’t serve your purpose.

🌟 Design the Long Life You Love by Ayse Birsel is a creative, actionable guide to reimagining your life and work through design thinking.

A Word From My Clients

“Working with Megan completely shifted how I approached my career. I felt stuck for years, unsure of my next step, but through her coaching, I gained clarity and confidence. Megan helped me connect my work to my purpose and gave me an action plan I could actually follow. Today, I’m in a role that energizes me, and I feel like I’m finally moving forward.” Lucy.

If you’re ready for clarity, confidence, and an action plan, I’m here to help. Coaching spots are open for early 2025 - you can learn more here (or email me at hello@megantranter.com)

Big News: Doors Are Open!

I’m partnering with Maven to run a 4-week brand-new cohort for Transform your Career and Life: Build Your Purpose Driven Path, February 3 - 24, 2025.

If you’re ready to design a career and life driven by purpose, doors are open now. I’d love for you to join me. Learn more here.

And use code EARLYBIRD50 to get $50 off the course.