Finding Purpose in the Path

Last weekend, I put on my shoes, loaded my backpack, and set out to backpack the 12-mile Paradise Loop near Timberline on Mt. Hood with my pup. I was amazed at the views standing on a ridge surrounded by alpine meadows and blooming wildflowers in late July. There’s something about trekking through wild landscapes that strips away noise and distraction; everything felt both smaller and more meaningful.

In that moment, the path ahead reminded me of something I hold deeply true in my work and outside of work; purpose isn't found in the destination, it’s uncovered along the journey. At PointNorth, we support organizations and agencies through change, growth, and tough decisions at every stage of their project. But at the heart of it all, we’re helping people reconnect with their values. 

On the trail, for me, my values show up in different ways. 

Patience, when the uphill stretch feels never-ending. Trust, when the map doesn’t make sense, but you keep walking. Grit, when my body wants to quit, but you’re still two miles from the car. Nature really has a way of simplifying things and reminding us who we are when no one’s watching. 

This trip wasn’t just a reset; it was a reminder. That clarity comes when we slow down. That leadership isn’t about titles, but presence. And that if we want to lead others well, we must first lead ourselves with honesty and compassion.

With that in mind, here’s three questions you might ask yourself the next time you slow down:

1. What are my values? Have I ever actually taken time to articulate them?
   
   It’s easy to default to the same standard values everyone tends to espouse – authenticity, integrity, transparency – but knowing your values makes a huge difference in the way you live and work.
   

2. When’s the last time I revisited my values?
   
   While core values are unlikely to change over time, sometimes you’ll find that there’s a better, more precise articulation of your values that you could iterate to. Or, maybe something big has happened in your life, like the birth of a child, a death, or a promotion or job change that means it’s a good time to revisit your values.
   

3. Can I trace my decisions back to my values?
   
   A lot of times people think they have one set of values, but their actions might show that actually, there are other drivers at play. It’s not always easy to face the fact that you might not be living by your values (or you might have different values than you thought!) but it’s always hugely useful for your life, work, and leadership.

At PointNorth, we use tools like our Value Set Cards to help people and organizations reflect, recalibrate, and lead with purpose. They’re simple, powerful, and often spark the kinds of conversations we don’t usually make space for at work.

Find out more about the Values Cards, and explore your values here.