Discover Your Truth, Discover Your “It”

The foundation and strength of every company, every community, and even every relationship can be measured by its understanding and commitment to shared values. If we do not first ground ourselves with common sense and the most basic acceptance of core principles that unite us, it is guaranteed that everything else we attempt to construct on such a shaky foundation will crumble.

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” – Arthur Schopenhauer

Self-discovery is hard.

But the challenge can be tempered by attitude; that is, our actions, reactions, and the lens through which we see the world and people around us. There are external voices and media pushing us to conform, to think a certain way, and to live up to the opinions and measurements of others.

Internally, we all battle, from time to time, the “demon of doubt.” It is a powerful voice, ever tempting us to take the easy path, questioning our resolve, focus, and loyalty. It is hard for us to accept our circumstances for what they are, because of who we are, the choices we have made, and the opportunities we did not pursue. And yet, here we are, yearning to discover our “it,” to live our best lives, to be of value, and to find our purpose.

The difference between knowing and accepting is discovered in life’s journey.

“Your time is limited. Don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs

Each of us knows our “it.” Our “it” is what we love. It's what matters to us the most. It's what drives us to live. But knowing our “it” and accepting our “it” are two different things.

I am blessed to have discovered my “it.” It was already inside me, waiting to be revealed, waiting to be lived. Once I found the courage to trust and accept that my “it” was who and what I was destined to be, life’s winding road began to straighten.

Be of service. Cause no harm, cause no burden. Love others. Be vulnerable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Listen with genuine interest. Accept that failure is fuel for greatness. Speak from the heart. Know that only my best is good enough. Trust God, share my joy, and appreciate humility’s beauty. And always be a great teammate, do my job, and win.

I have been blessed now to do a job and lead a company that reflects my “it.” I didn’t plan it, envision it, or force it to be anything other than what it was meant to be. Each of us can discover our “it,” be our “it,” and live our “it”; it’s already within us.

• Eliminate Distractions

There are always “things” that I would rather be doing. However, when I commit to doing the next right thing, life, work, family, career, and success follow suit. This doesn’t mean I avoid mental health days, fun, and casual engagements, but when I make a plan— a simple plan of three things to get done today—by the end of the week, I have accomplished 15 to-dos, and by the end of the year, I have completed 750 tasks and objectives. #Productive.

• Avoid Decisions That Jeopardize Your Best Interests

Making good decisions is a daily challenge. When I was in my 20s, good decision-making certainly meant something different than it does today. But the impacts and results are generally the same. When I make good decisions about my health, sleep, diet, social invitations, and responsibilities, my life is much easier, less dramatic, and always happier.

• Trust Your Inner Voice and That “Internal Pull” to Be Who You Are Meant to Be

I fought this for years. I grew up programmed to think a certain way about life, family, and career. I worked very hard to be what I was “supposed” to be, not thinking about what and who I was meant to be—and this was pre-social media! I was blessed as a 30-something to have had an awakening that led me to where I am today—my authentic and genuine self. I embrace “me” in all that I do, constantly allowing for input, growth, and change. When I became willing to do this, the lone North Star that was guiding my life became an interconnected galaxy of stars and opportunity. I recognized how blessed I was to be able to share my life, maximize my talents, relentlessly pursue goals, and live harmoniously with gratitude, joy, and others by simply being… and being me.

• Let Your Outsides Match Your Insides

“Things” we consume can also consume us. There is nothing wrong or disingenuous about nice things, but when nice things become the goal and objective, we lose our sense of self. Self-discovery and growth have become my goal and objective that allow me to appreciate the nice things I gather along the way to a richer and more fulfilling life. Who I am is not defined by what I do or what I have. Instead, my “insides,” my true self, is reflected proportionately on the outside with the things, people, and experiences I value and prioritize most. I am “me,” I am who I think I am. This frees my mind to be my best self. It shields me from judgment. It brings me confidence, self-esteem, and pure contentment. I am blessed—I am my “it.”

Leading with Intent

As the CEO of Intent , I recognize that by helping others discover their own “it,” I’m able to create a genuine and authentic culture of success. The foundation of any thriving company is its alignment with shared values, and at INTENT, we build upon those core principles every day. By staying true to my own “it” and empowering others to do the same, we foster an environment where purpose, passion, and resilience come together to drive lasting success for everyone involved.

Be you. Be “it.”