The Power Behind Purpose and Performance
“Spiritual influencers are the inner forces that fuel our purpose, energy, and leadership.”
When you hear the word “spiritual,” what comes to mind?
For many, it’s often synonymous with religion or faith-based practices. Speaking as a Christian coach, I’d offer that for the purposes of this discussion, I will differentiate between “spiritual influencers” and “spiritual practices.” Spiritual influencers refer to the intangible forces that guide our sense of purpose, meaning, and alignment with our values, which influence how we show up in both leadership and life. These are distinct from “spiritual practices” such as prayer, worship, or Bible study, which help us connect with our faith and strengthen our relationship with God. While both are vital, spiritual influencers focus on the inner motivations and energies that drive our actions, while spiritual practices provide the foundation for our faith journey. That’s another topic for another day and is addressed in other parts of my work.
Here, in the context of leadership performance and personal growth, spirituality takes on a broader, more inclusive meaning. Spirituality refers to the intangible yet profoundly influential forces that shape our behaviors, motivations, and energy. It’s about our connection to purpose, our alignment with values, and how we navigate life with a sense of meaning.
These spiritual influencers are the driving force behind how we show up in our personal and professional lives. They are what inspire us to move forward, especially in challenging times, and give us the energy needed to achieve our goals. And yet, in many discussions of performance and leadership, spiritual factors are often overlooked. We spend time honing skills, setting objectives, and analyzing outcomes, but rarely do we stop to consider how aligned we are with our deeper sense of purpose and vision.
So, what are some of these spiritual influences, and how can they enhance our energy and performance?
Connection to Purpose
For one, consider connection and purpose. At the core of spiritual influence is our connection to purpose. Purpose is the why behind what we do. It’s the deep-seated belief that what we’re doing matters and has significance beyond the immediate results. When we are clear on our purpose, it fuels our energy, drives our decision-making, and sustains us during tough times. Being aligned with your purpose allows you to bring a higher level of passion and commitment to your work, resulting in greater fulfillment and success.
Alignment with Vision, Values, and Goals
Additionally, think about aligning our vision, values, and goals. Spiritual energy thrives when our actions are in harmony with our vision, values, and goals. If our external efforts do not align with our internal compass, it can create dissonance, draining our energy and diminishing our effectiveness. Leaders who are clear on their vision and committed to their core values operate from a place of integrity. This not only boosts their own energy but also inspires trust and engagement from those around them.
Fulfillment of Desires
Next, consider what it is you desire. We all have desires—whether for success, connection, love, or impact. When we are fulfilling our true desires, we experience a sense of wholeness and satisfaction that energizes us. Spiritual fulfillment isn’t just about ticking off boxes or achieving milestones; it’s about engaging in activities that align with our deepest wants and needs. When we pursue desires that are authentic to us, we generate positive energy and amplify our ability to lead effectively.
Creating Life Balance
What about that elusive “work/life balance?” Balance is an essential spiritual influencer. When we are unbalanced—when we’re overworked, overstressed, or neglecting important aspects of our lives—our energy depletes rapidly. Spirituality invites us to create harmony between all areas of life, so we can perform at our best. Whether it’s balancing work and family, or personal time and professional obligations, fostering balance allows us to replenish our energy and maintain high levels of performance.
Having Something to Look Forward To
Finally, always have something to look forward to. Hope and anticipation are powerful sources of spiritual energy. When we have something to look forward to—whether it’s a personal achievement, a future event, or the realization of a long-held goal—it sustains us, even in difficult moments. This forward-looking perspective keeps us motivated and connected to a sense of possibility, which infuses our work and leadership with optimism and drive.
Putting it all together
Together, we can build a framework for developing spiritual energy through consistent practices. This helps leaders build the mental, emotional, and spiritual muscles needed to maintain alignment with their purpose and vision which ultimately leads to reduced stress and facilitates harmony, health and happiness. Incorporating these practices into daily life ensures that we stay connected to our spiritual influences, which allows us to lead with greater clarity, resilience, and positivity.
Enhancing Your Leadership Through Spiritual Connection
The more we understand about how our purpose, values, goals, vision, and beliefs influence us, the more we can leverage them to enhance our performance. When we lead from a place of spiritual alignment, we bring more energy, engagement, and authenticity to our work. This results in a ripple effect, not only improving our own performance but also elevating the energy of those we lead.
By connecting who you are with what you do, you unlock the full potential of your leadership. This connection strengthens your ability to face challenges with confidence, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact. Spiritual influences are not a separate or optional part of performance—they are the heart of what makes us effective, engaged, and inspired leaders.
So, as you move forward in your leadership journey, take time to explore these spiritual dimensions. Reflect on your purpose, align with your values, pursue desires that resonate deeply, and maintain a healthy balance in your life. By doing so, you’ll cultivate a level of energy and performance that’s not only sustainable but deeply fulfilling.
Spiritual influencers are a cornerstone of holistic leadership, reminding us that when we are aligned with our purpose, we not only perform better but also lead more meaningful, balanced, and inspired lives.
