I’ve recently found myself stating that I work with purpose-driven clients. While it’s always something I’ve felt and preferred, I hadn’t come out and said that those are the people I worked with or sought out specifically.
As a writer, there are only so many projects that can be taken on, and I want mine to have impact. Most of the people who come to me to collaborate on their book also want to write it to make a positive impact as well.
Here’s the thing, being purpose-driven doesn’t mean not making money. In fact, plenty of books and research shows that being driven by purpose leads to greater abundance, creating a win-win. So I love to help my clients fulfill their purpose and create abundance in the process.
The scope of being purpose-driven may be wider than you realize (at least from my perspective). As I started to list all the ways that books could be purpose-driven, I found myself adding more and more, so let me say this is not an exhaustive list. What really makes a book purpose-driven is the motive behind it to help others. Let’s dig into some common purpose-driven categories that you may be overlooking.
Leadership Philosophies
Yes, these leadership philosophies often come from executives, entrepreneurs, or other leaders and relate to business practices. No, this does not mean that they are not purpose-driven. Of course, this is dependent on the philosophy that is being advocated for, but in most cases, these authors are looking to help others.
They are typically looking to help make the lives of those at their company better and want to encourage other leaders to do the same. As they use their knowledge and experiences to advocate for the topic at hand, they are using a book to amplify that impact beyond the reach they’d normally be able to have.
We all want to feel fulfilled and motivated at work, which leads to better overall quality of life but also greater productivity and innovation. This type of thought leadership is hugely impactful.
Frameworks and Processes
This is potentially the least obvious potential purpose-driven category. But in my mind, there is definitely still a potential that these books are rooted in purpose.
Most authors who are advocating for a particular framework or process are striving to make other people’s lives better and easier. This can help free readers’ time and energy up for other value-adding activities that bring them joy if the book is process-focused.
Many coaches and consultants also develop their own frameworks that can help readers to clear mindset obstacles, freeing up individuals and companies alike to reach their fullest potential and leave their own positive mark on the world.
The list could go on and on. There is no cookie-cutter structure or theme for a book. It may span across a variety of categories, and while some purpose-driven books may be philanthropic in nature, many others will leave their mark on the world in other positive ways that impact mindsets, commerce, climate, leadership approaches, and so much more.
Personal Stories
For most people, writing a memoir or using their story to advocate for some sort of thought leadership isn’t selfish. They aren’t actually writing the book because they just feel like making sure the world knows more about them and their accomplishments.
These authors are sharing their personal stories and the insights that are gleaned from those experiences in order to inspire others and make an incredible impact. These stories often encourage others to take the next step and help them to feel seen, making readers feel as if someone is journeying along with them.
While these stories may not advocate for a tangible cause (e.g. a charity, an organization, etc.), they are generally looking to serve others to improve their lives.
Good Causes
This is potentially the most obvious purpose-driven category (and yes, “good” is subjective). In these cases, authors are often looking to support different causes, such as cancer support, climate change, etc.
These books can take many forms, such as memoir, how-to, thought leadership, and more.
We don’t need to dive much further into this one because it’s quite obvious how this is purpose-driven.
Think you’ve got a purpose-driven mission rooted in you that’s looking to bubble to the surface? Let’s chat in a free strategy session!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.