As more and more places are beginning to open up and stay-at-home restrictions are being relaxed, there’s a palpable change in the energy around us. Some people are happier, some confused, some more frightened. But for sure it is different. What a wild ride we are on!

No one really knows if our overall containment strategy is right, or if now is the time to loosen things up, or what the future holds. What we do know for sure, to quote Bob Dylan, is that “the times they are a-changin’.” Just as he wrote that famous protest song to be an anthem for the moment to help the masses deal with big amorphormous feelings and growing unrest, we need songs and a movement now to rally around and express us in these uncertain times.

So…to keep love at the center during this historical moment of change, do you want to write the Amare Wave Anthem with me?? Seriously, this is the opportunity!

Are You Here for the World OR Is the World Here for You?

This pandemic invites us to consider the bigger questions of life: Why am I here? What is my life’s purpose? How do I fit into the grand scheme of things?

To answer, consider the two ways of being compellingly presented in Daniel Quinn’s controversial novel Ishmael – people are either Leavers or Takers. Leavers live simply and in harmony with the rest of life through the harmonious premise: “We are here for the world.” Takers see it as their birthright to rule the world through conquest, domination and unchecked growth, with the belief: “The world is here for us.”

Think about your personal worldview and the premise driving your organization:

1. Are you here for the world?
    
2. Or is the world here for you?

Generally, love-centered companies see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem, and are driven by a higher and shared purpose. Their leaders know it’s not about them. When companies slip into thinking the world is here for them, they easily justify doing whatever they want to the world, and to employees, customers, suppliers, partners, etc.

Amare Way organizations say: We are here for the world, and for that, the world supports us.

Answer 5 Questions to Put Love to Work with Your Higher Purpose

“Get on Purpose” is Principle #3 of the Amare Way framework. To help get and stay on purpose in your business, answer the following:

1. Do employees know it? Ask your people what your company’s higher purpose is. Then ask them if they believe in it. 
    
2. Do customers share it? Talk to your customers. Find out if they share your higher purpose and if it inspires them. 
    
3. Do you use it? Bring your higher purpose into decision-making. Assess how well your decisions align with your higher and shared purpose. 
    
4. Do you communicate it? Communicate your higher purpose explicitly and in meaningful ways. This can create accountability. 
    
5. Do you live it? Live your higher purpose—through your goals, priorities, actions, and through what you say yes and no to.

Bottom line, people naturally align with purpose. Not only are employees more attracted and devoted to companies when they believe in the company’s higher purpose, so, too, are customers and investors.

Resources for Keeping Perspective & Being On Purpose

Finding joy: Here are 14 surprising ways of finding joy in these hard times of confinement and uncertainty, from the NY Times. Includes the Joy of Plans Cancelling Themselves, the Joy of Circling the Block, and more!  

Inspiring podcasts: Check out Inside Personal Growth and Higher Purpose (not just because I was on them!). My friends and podcasters Greg Voisen and Kevin Monroe are both great interviewers with a wide array of outstanding and uplifting guests.  

Seeing differently: Read this popular post (author unknown) called Daydreams of a Better Tomorrow about not seeing empty streets as the end of the world, but rather as love in action, for what’s not happening can show how much we care for one another.

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.“
—Wayne W. Dyer

Thanks everyone for tuning in to Amare Wave Wednesday! Do YOUR one amare thing today to improve your business and grow the wave!

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