Growing up, I felt like ideas and expectations were pretty much limited to the status quo. I didn't feel like I could achieve much more than what I saw around me and pretty much thought my circumstances would define me. I was happy to choose the path of least resistance. As I mentioned previously, things seem to change for me once I began taking a more active roll in what I wanted. There are lots of reasons people choose not to direct their purpose; these are just a few.

People are often afraid to go in a new direction. Maybe they can't see all of the steps involved in getting to their goal and the chances of success are not guaranteed.  Also, they are afraid of what others might say or think if they fail.

​The Cure:
The truth is, NO path is guaranteed. Sooner or later we all fail at something...especially if it's the first time around. But we learn from our failures and what we gain in the attempt is so much more than the failure to even try. No matter what people might think or say...at least you took a chance.

We've all had it happen.
We get really excited about an idea or an opportunity, only to have others (sometimes those we love and trust) tell us that it's not worth pursuing. We begin to doubt our own judgement. We question our values, especially if we think the advice is coming from a well-meaning source. This is advice is often accompanied with an "Well I (or someone I know) tried that, and it didn't work so...".

​The Cure:
It's really important when Directing Your Purpose that you connect to others who share your passion; those who can encourage you, rather than discourage you. Instead of looking just at those in your immediate circle, look beyond to find someone who's pursued the path you're considering  and made it work. Remember, Directing Your Purpose is about being proactive. Go out and find your tribe!

When I started thinking about creating Leaders of the Free World, I imagined I'd spend a few years working in every relevant field related to various aspects of the program, before presenting my blueprint to anyone, anywhere. After all, how could I begin to launch such a venture unless I knew EVERYTHING there was to know about every aspect of the program.
Thinking we need to be an expert in all things is what usually stifles us from directing our purpose. We don't have faith in our current capacities and we feel everyone else knows more than we do.

​The Cure:  TRY.
You will NEVER know everything. You will always be learning. And sometimes we know more than we think we know. Directing Your Purpose is about getting out of your comfort zone, stretching yourself, and taking the first step; even when you think you may not have all that  you need to know to move forward.

If you're ready to stop limiting yourself and start Directing Your Purpose, I invite you to join me.
Sign-up for our mailing lists and receive my FREE Self-Designed Curriculum and start directing your leadership journey today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Hands-down, one of the most important things to me is community. 

This is actually quite odd since I am quite the introvert and large groups of strangers tend to overwhelm me.
But over the years, the thing that has consistently held me up and called me to my higher self has been these spaces of shared interests and shared values, held by people who care about one another and show up for each other.
I've seen the power of community transform empty lots into food-producing gardens, teach people about tolerance and acceptance, and build bonds that feel familial. I've witnessed the magic of community, inspire members of the group to believe that anything was possible and that they are worthy of love, respect, and joy.

How could I not be emboldened and enamored by this?

My communities have not only challenged my own concept of what's possible, but they have held me accountable, and constantly reminded me about what is truly important.

The communities I belong to have contributed immensely to my growth and development. 
I found these spaces on my journey towards my purpose. These environments were made up of people who showed up in my life as I was moving towards the things that I valued. As you begin to Direct Your Purpose, you'll find the people you meet will also be on similar paths. You'll begin to attract the kinds of people and communities that feed your spirit, allow you to feed theirs,  and yes...give you life too.

Ready to find your community? Join the Direct Your Purpose tribe today.
(Also...I highly recommend Startingbloc...go check it out.)

Sign-up for my mailing lists and receive my FREE Self-Designed Curriculum and start directing your leadership journey today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

I believe in trying...Even when you feel like giving up. As I sit here and write this I'm preparing for the first official meeting of my organization's board of directors.

A year ago I was frustrated to tears. 
We were preparing for our pilot trip to Ghana. We didn't have anywhere close to the money we needed and ticket sales to our upcoming fundraiser were pretty dismal. I was struggling and I wasn't exactly sure where else I should turn.

I broke down.

I sat at my kitchen table and cried.
I doubted myself, I doubted my vision, and I felt utterly alone. As I wiped my tears, something in me said I just needed to try something else. Just one more thing. And after that, maybe one more thing. And so on and so on.  Eventually we were able to find the funding for the trip. And even though we didn't sell as many tickets as we would liked to the fundraiser, my friends, and family came out in full force to show their support and it was amazing.

We've all been there. The dark days. The ones that feel like our goals and our dreams are so far out of our reach and near impossible to achieve. We want to give up. We want to give in. But if we can just think of just one thing; one way forward it might be enough to get us to the next step.

It's not always easy. Sometimes you're the only who can see your vision. Sometimes you've got to be the one to believe in you and what you're capable of. This is how you learn to direct your purpose.

I invite you to join the Direct Your Purpose tribe.  You can sign-up for our mailing lists and receive my FREE Self-Designed Curriculum and start directing your leadership journey today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.