Opinion| Horan-Kates: Is Purpose the Same as Setting a Goal?
John Horan-Kates
May 10, 2026: I define purpose as the quality around which you shape your life. It’s your reason for being or why you get up in the morning. Purpose influences goals, but it’s actually broader and deeper. Here’s why!
Purpose is about a direction. Richard Leider, author of “The Power of Purpose,” says, “Purpose answers the question: what am I trying to do with my life?” It is clearly something beyond your job and encompasses thoughts and ideas broader than any self-serving interests and desires. Leider says “it’s the cradle-to-grave, round-the-clock unifying principle that you organize your life around.” Your purpose is influenced very directly by the values and beliefs that you hold dearest. It’s deeply rooted in us but evolves in its articulation over time. One of your most important tasks as a leader is to uncover what’s already there...
