I'd like to introduce you to Larry

This morning as I entered the parking lot across from our office, I had my typical morning exchange with the parking lot operator.  Larry or as I often call him Uncle Larry - a man in his early 60s - was shoveling snow, thanks to the overnight snowstorm.  Jokingly, I've asked about his day; thinking he would surely complain about his 3x3 cube where he spends 14 hours every day in it or shoveling snow in a 150 car capacity parking lot on a Saturday morning or his 25 years old red truck that he has been repairing since 1998.   

He replied; "Just terrific Rooz.  It's a beautiful day.  It's hard work (referring to shoveling snow), but I'm lovin it man! I'm doin it for you bro. So you can work harder to bring more kids here to get a good education so don't end up like me at my age."  I love Larry's sense of humor.  He is always energetic.  

It made me think about why is it that some people can be very well-paid and work in the very comfortable environment but feel empty,  while others can work in a 3x3 cube, shovel snow on a Saturday and not get paid much and feel so fulfilled, like Larry?  

I think part of the answer is a purpose.  

Most of us try to find purpose in our work.  Larry showed me it's not about finding it; one needs to build it.  Yes,  working with a sense of purpose day-in- and day-out is truly an act of will that takes belief and lots of practice.  

In many stages of life, I have worked with and without having a purpose.  For me, Larry is an excellent example of how we should enrich our work with the purpose regardless of my profession, title or position.   

He did it for me!
Larry told me that he wanted to clean the lot knowing that I'll be here early.  He "did it for [me] so [I] won't have any problems parking my car".    He took pride and purpose in the customer (me) he has, and he helps.   Who do we serve?  Connecting our day-to-day jobs - consciously and concretely - to those we're ultimately helping to make completing that work more purposeful.  

'Lovin it!'
Larry was shoveling snow and "lovin it"!  He magically created the work he wanted to do out of the work he has been assigned to do - work he found meaningful and worthwhile as simple as shoveling snow.  Larry was pursuing excellence in service to me and others and would adapt his physically demanding job to suit that purpose.  He was truly magnifying his work to be meaningful to himself and to those he serves.  

We are partners!
Who we work with is an as essential as what we do.  Larry calls me "partner".   He is right. We are colleagues, in a way.
It is true that relationships look different within the workplace than outside of it.  But they still matter a lot.  We'd all be served by recognizing more ways to develop positive relationships at work.  Identify a newer or younger colleague we'd like to empower, and offer to support them navigate through the company.  We should all take the lead in scheduling an event or experience that will help us and our colleagues to know one another more fully.  Simply take the time to reflect on a new colleague each day, trying to understand him or her and why we are grateful to have the opportunity to work with them.  Any efforts to improve the positive relationship we have without others at work often investing in serving them can give work greater meaning.  

Recognize why we are working!
It is true that most of us don't' have the luxury of working solely for Fun, life Jerry Seinfeld.  We may enjoy our jobs, but we also work to earn money and pay bills.  

Who are we working for? We need to think about that person or group of people.  When the hours get difficult, or the tasks are unexciting, I keep thinking that my work is an act of service for those I care about in my personal life.  It helps me tie more purpose into my work.  

Today, Larry taught me that purpose isn't some kind of magic that I can find.  It is something I must consciously pursue and build.