Bill Gates is well known for the Microsoft empire that he created. His software is the dominant operating system for the vast majority of computers worldwide. He took the word “window” from the world of architecture and made it a computer term. The company, where he still serves as chairman, had fiscal 2009 revenue of more than $58 billion.
What’s left for Gates to accomplish? He already has one of the most successful and well-known companies in the world. He dominates his industry and has leading positions in other technology sectors, as well. He’s sought after for his business knowledge and his leadership. But Gates isn’t satisfied with that.
He and his wife, Melinda, have donated more than $28 billion into their foundation to help some of the world’s neediest people. In short, he still has a lot left to accomplish. He has a sense of purpose.
He’s applying the same vigor and business strategies to helping people worldwide that he used to grow his software company. He could have sat back and enjoyed the rewards of a successful career, but his purpose was to make the world a better place, to cure crippling diseases and to give all children access to a solid education so they too could make the world a better place for everyone.
Gates clearly has a purpose in his life. Do you?
There are all kinds of different leaders in this world. Some are leading small companies, and some are running multinational corporations. It’s easy for the small company CEO with limited resources to look at the giant company and wish he or she was there instead. And it’s easy for the CEO of the giant corporation to yearn for the entrepreneurial freedom of a small company.
But what we should be doing is looking at where we are and deciding how we can make a difference right there. Just the fact that we live in the United States automatically means we have it better than more than 90 percent of the people in the world. Regardless of whether your company is struggling or thriving, you at least have the chance at making things better, and that’s something that a lot of people around the world can’t do.
Live your life with a purpose. Start turning negatives into positives and change the way you think. We should have a great attitude and always look at the bright side of things. If you had to take a pay cut because of a lack of business, be thankful you still have your CEO position. Profits may be down, but at least we still have a company.
It’s easy to look at the company across the street or across the country and wish you were them. There is always going to be someone who has it better than you — but remember, there are people who have it a lot worse.
Start with the little things. Gratitude doesn’t have to cost any money. Write a thank-you card or personally congratulate someone for a job well done. This little gesture can go a long way toward boosting morale and making someone’s day.
Make your purpose to be the best person you can be and bring out the best in those around you. Maybe your mission isn’t as far reaching as Gates’, but it can have just as much impact to those around you.
If you are having trouble finding a purpose in life, I recommend reading “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
