A note on finding your purpose...

We've all felt the sting of that inner critic that can often block creativity and stifle self-expression. The special kind of imposter syndrome that comes at the worst time, when you’re on the brink of a huge breakthrough. So what can we do when those doubts start to creep in?

Here's a thought: Dive deep into your purpose! It is your personal anchor.

There's this unstoppable energy once you recognize your gifts and the reason for them: who they are for, what those people want or need, and how you can change them for the better. It's about shifting focus from 'me' to 'we', finding joy in the value we bring to others.?

I spoke with Dr. Olenda Johnson, a leadership professor at US Naval War College, on our Zoomcast, REfresh, about taking possession of your purpose and LIVING it! Her wisdom isn't just for her high-achieving students, including high-ranking military officers who also face these doubts, but for us all.

Her advice? Welcome new opportunities, even the scary ones. Even if you haven’t done that thing before, or it feels out of your comfort zone or area of expertise, trust that this opportunity presented itself to YOU for a reason. You were picked for a reason. Fight the urge to question yourself and let things that you’ve never imagined for yourself unfold with confidence and trust in yourself.

Second, remember that your purpose can go beyond the position you’re in. Perhaps like me, you have the desire to write a book. Go for it! I am thrilled that 'WOWsdom the girls guide to the Positive and the Possible' has become a foundation for helping girls find their purpose. It gave me an additional pathway to fulfill mine.

Third, your purpose can thrive in less-than-perfect conditions. To live expansively and uncover our true potential, we know there will be bumps in the road. These ups and downs build resiliency. Who wants something that’s easy all the time? Seems boring to me.

Spend time understanding yourself. View that self-work as REAL WORK, just as valuable as anything else you do for others. The more you know yourself, the more of yourself you can pour into others to make your unique impact.

The key here is that truly joyful people make it a point to make others joyful, as well. And there’s so much beauty in accomplishing both simultaneously. The ability to stay curious and committed to endless self-discovery is a key to quality leadership!

We're part of something much bigger than ourselves. Never lose sight of that.

Thank you once again to Olenda E Johnson, PhD for sharing her insights. Her workshop at Generation W on April 5th promises to be enlightening and impactful. Check out how you can participate: https://genwnow.com/gen-w-2024/

Til next time.