Your Purpose is Not About You

28 Oct 2013

I did it. I decided to put my business out there. Well, maybe not quite all of it, but enough to make me feel…exposed. After watching Brené Brown on Oprah’s Lifeclass, I realized that I am living out the title of her book—I am “Daring Greatly.” Meaning what exactly? Meaning that I am giving myself permission to be imperfect. And by doing so, I'm walking in my purpose.

Although it may sound contradictory, your purpose actually has very little to do with you. It has everything to do with getting clear about—not only what you’re passionate about—but how to use that passion to help others. As motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar said:

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”

What I’m passionate about is helping others to see just how beautiful, amazing and capable they are. But I had to first believe that of myself. That belief didn't happen until I internalized that my being a child of God gives me all the permission and validation I need to claim my greatness. Doesn’t mean I’m cocky, just means I’m confident. I'm confident in my skills, gifts, and experiences, and have faith that God will open every door I need to walk through in order to do what He has called me to do.

And it’s been re-confirmed time and time again ever since I launched Bold & Fearless, the blog. One friend called me a few hours after I launched the site and told me that seeing the word “Fearless” in the title of my blog prompted her to step out of her comfort zone and do what she was really passionate about (human rights) instead of what was expected of her (law). Another friend emailed me and wrote: “I can’t thank you enough for deciding to come forward with so much insight, authenticity and sense of identity. Very inspired. I needed it. Thank you.” And still, someone else told me that I inspired them to create a draft outline and content for a project they’ve been marinating on for awhile. They’re now pushing past their doubts and moving full speed ahead on a brilliant concept! It's the best feeling in the world knowing that you've helped someone else along their own journey to live out their dreams.

I guess it’s true what Marianne Williamson said:

“As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.”

When you finally understand that your purpose is about others, only then do you truly begin to walk in it—and allow others to shine in the process.

What do you think is holding you back from living out your purpose? Leave your comments below and let me know what you think.

 

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