Doing something that matters

When it came time to restrategize for the year on business, I knew that I wanted to do something that mattered. I had a number of discussions with friends, family and colleagues, and realized that I had been keeping my personal life completely different than my business life. At home, I would contribute to as many needy people and charities as possible; in business, I focused on helping people get their ideas to the world.

During the thought process I was prodded by Reshma: "Jason, why do you keep them so separate? Integrate!" And Mike caught the perfect moment as I talked: "Stop! What did you just say? '...do something that matters...' Yes, that's your key, right there!"

So the decision was made: do something that matters, not just in my personal life, but in my professional life as well. Rebrand. Only accept projects that made a difference.

Appropriately enough, just as I launched the company with our first project (for Virgin Unite, Sir Richard Branson's non-profit) I received Sir Richard's book, Screw Business as Usual. And wouldn't you know it, but his whole book was essentially the same idea: doing good can be good business. It inspired me to push even harder on Tethos; as it truly provides the opportunity to do good for the planet, and do good for my family.

Here we are, then. I've uncovered Tethos' purpose: We spread ideas that matter. (Wait... let me state that after legal review: TethosTM. We spread ideas that matter℠.) So now I ask you: what's your purpose? Is your personal purpose integrated with everything you do ... and if not, how are you working towards it? What matters for you, and why are you not doing it? 

If we can help -- personally or professionally -- please don't hesitate to contact me through www.tethos.com. For, as Margaret Mead has famously said: "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."