Everyone’s process of reflection and action will look different. The only question now is if you will consciously embrace this transition and use it to craft an intentional, meaningful future in its aftermath. It’s causing all of us to wonder how we will measure our lives, at home and at work.
It’s led to political instability, mass crises of mental and physical health, and cultural turmoil. It’s altering the geography of major countries like the U.S.
COVID 19 PEOPLE COMING BACK TO LIFE DRIVER
It’s a primary driver of the Great Resignation. And, consequently, for perhaps the first time since at least World War II, almost everyone in the world is processing major shifts in their sources of purpose simultaneously. But almost no one in the world lived through 20 without experiencing major change. What’s unique about this remarkable moment in history, however, is that we all just experienced a major life transition at the same time during the Covid-19 pandemic. The most dramatic of these shifts come during periods of major transition, like those listed above, when we fundamentally reevaluate the structure and focus of our lives. And over the course of a life our purposes are rarely stable. In my book, The HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose, I argue that purpose isn’t singular (one big thing) but plural - the myriad sources of meaning that surround us each day. And these pivotal life events often lead us to reflect and alter our lives in major ways. They enter the workforce, get married, have kids, and eventually retire.
What happened to you these last two years? Did you lose a job, or quit one? Did you relocate, opting to work remotely from a new place or to be closer to family? Did you see what life would be like spending more time (or less) with friends and family? Did you get seriously ill or lose a loved one?