Searching for Purpose Through Good Work
A Socrates Café Conversation with Ro Lee
Purpose plays a critical role in leading a fulfilling life. Without a clear sense of direction, many people feel lost or unmotivated, drifting through their days without a deeper sense of meaning. In this week’s episode of Socrates Café, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ro Lee, the Associate Director of Career and Professional Development, who shared his thoughts on finding purpose, living it out in the workplace, and how we can guide others to do the same.
We discussed the journey that many graduate and law students go through as they navigate their career paths, along with Ro’s own reflections on whether his current role truly aligns with his purpose. The conversation sparked deep thoughts about the search for purpose in life—whether it’s a concrete destination or an ongoing process of growth and discovery.
What Does It Mean to Search for Purpose?
The search for purpose is about discovering a general direction in life—a long term interest in a cause or goal that moves beyond self-interest. Ro noted that, although he's currently working with students, he's still not entirely sure if this is where his true purpose lies long term. He mentioned a calling to serve others, saying, “I believe I was created to help others,” but questioned whether his role in higher education allows him to make the impact he desires.
For many young adults, the search for purpose involves reflection, contemplation, and faith. Reflection helps clarify our values and interests, contemplation provides the space to explore how we can align those values with our careers, and faith gives us the confidence that this journey will ultimately lead us to where we need to be.
My studies on the search for purpose among young people (ages 18–30) show that people are often looking for two things: 1) a broad sense of how they can make a difference in the world, and 2) a focused, day-to-day method for pursuing that difference. As Ro eloquently stated, “I don’t know of anybody who’s said, ‘I’ve completed my mission, and now I’m done.’ It’s always evolving, I believe.”
Despite the uncertainty, Ro emphasized that having a general direction provides a sense of fulfillment, reducing stress and offering peace of mind, even while continuing the search.
The Intersection of Positive Psychology and Career Development
Ro and I also delved into my personal career journey, particularly how I became involved in positive psychology. Initially, I was fascinated by moral psychology and spent time exploring the gap between what people say they value and how they act. My curiosity led me down a path of studying the overlap between psychology, philosophy, and religious studies, exposing me to frameworks like Moral Foundations Theory.
Moral Foundations Theory posits that there are a set of innate moral traits shared across humanity, although expressed differently in various cultures. Developed by Jonathan Haidt, this theory highlights key moral principles that exist universally across cultures which shape our ethical decisions such as fairness, care, loyalty, sanctity/purity and authority.
As I progressed in my studies, my focus shifted to positive psychology and understanding how to create meaningful change in the world. Ro asked me how I plan to use this knowledge as I continue my journey. My response: I'm still searching, but I have a direction. One avenue I’m exploring is positive psychology entrepreneurship, which allows me to embed the values and principles of this field into real-world institutions. These institutions can then foster meaning, well-being, physical health, and financial security, not just for employees but for the communities they serve.
Building Positive Institutions: A Pathway to Purpose
At the heart of positive psychology is the creation of positive institutions—organizations that prioritize human flourishing and well-being alongside their other goals. These institutions are driven not only by profits but by a deeper purpose to enhance the lives of individuals and communities.
By embedding purpose into the workplace, leaders can create a culture that motivates employees, improves productivity, and ultimately impacts the lives of clients and stakeholders. Ro and I discussed how purpose-driven organizations can create a ripple effect, encouraging well-being both inside and outside the workplace. I believe that more organizations should embrace the principles of positive psychology, ensuring that every action aligns with a broader mission of growth, wellness, and service to others.
Reflecting on Your Own Journey
As Ro and I discussed, the search for purpose is ongoing, evolving with each new experience and challenge. Whether you’re just beginning your career journey or are further along the path, there are always opportunities to reassess and redirect your efforts toward a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Consider these questions:
What do you hope to accomplish in life?
If you could change anything about the world, what would it be, and why?
Are you currently taking steps to make progress toward your vision of a better world?
Purpose is not a destination but a journey. Keep searching, keep reflecting, and, most importantly, keep moving toward the positive impact you want to make.
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