What’s your purpose? How many times has someone asked this question, or grappled with it ourselves? For me, this is a continuous journey, one that does not have a finish line. It’s more like a North Star for me, keeping me on a path and guiding me when I get lost.
Purpose can have a deep impact on a person’s life, and a recent episode of The Bear did an incredible job showcasing the power this feeling can have. If you haven’t seen this show, it’s about a family struck by loss and a man’s journey to achieve culinary success while trying to keep his brother’s failing restaurant alive.
In this specific episode, one of the main characters is struggling with finding his place in the restaurant and in life. He’s caught reminiscing on the past and not looking forward to what is possible.
To help, he is sent to work at the best restaurant in the world, a Michelin-starred establishment in New York City. He is tasked with polishing forks, which he sees as a punishment from the show’s main character, Carm. However, as he works, he begins to see the importance of detail and precision in fine dining. He also starts to connect with the other staff members, who are all passionate about their work.
One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when Richie is reprimanded by his supervisor, Garrett, for leaving streaks on his forks. Garrett tells Richie that the stakes are always high at the best restaurant in the world, and that he needs to respect the job, the staff, the customers, and himself. This scene is a turning point for this character, as it shows him that he has the potential to be more than just a washed-up chef, if he wants.
By the end of the episode, Richie has a new appreciation for fine dining and, most importantly, himself. He realizes that it is not just goung through the motions at work and in life, but also about creating an experience that is memorable and meaningful. He also starts to see himself as part of a community of people who are passionate about their work.
This episode was so good, I re-watched it with my teenage daughter to show the power purpose can have on a person’s life.
I started Thinkubator Media because I wanted to feel like I was making meaningful changes in the STEM space for women. This is my purpose and the North Star I look toward when thinking about how I want to move forward, grow, and change. The journey is not always easy, nor is it ever linear (have you seen my career path?), but when you are clear on your purpose, you always have a point to move toward.
