Steps To Living Life On Purpose

What are some practical steps I build my life on purpose?

I left my dream job. Boy, that sounds nuts even as I write it. Why would anyone leave their dream job, especially when the story of how I got the job is a testimony in and of itself? I got the job quite a few years ago after I quit my prior job (no, this is not a theme) because it was such a disconnect from what I felt called to do.

The cry of my heart could no longer stand the disappointment of living a life that did not reflect who I am. Making that leap was scary and exhilarating all at the same time.  Watching God's hand at work was amazing. Within hours of quitting, I received not one but two calls about positions far more aligned with my strengths.

But only one was truly aligned with my call. I took a leap of faith and choose the uncertainty of my call rather than the certainty of the safety of the other offer. I learned there is safety in stepping into yourself, an assurance you are on the right path, despite what may look like struggle and failure. 

Love Affair with my Job

After years of being in my new role, I learned so much about myself. I was pushed to uncover talents and strengths I did not know that I had.  I also learned where my passion lies, who I served best, and how I served best.

Luckily, I had opportunities to walk in these areas of strength, but as time passed, I could hear my call once again knocking on my door, asking me to stretch beyond where I could see.

This time around, I was comfortable- we were financially in a good place, both of our careers were going well, and I was up for promotion. Everything was going well. Why on earth would I change?

 

Comfort to Conviction

But as some of you know, your calling pulls you out of what I thought was contentment, which really was, at least for me, complacency. God also has a way of redirecting your life to you bring you out of your comfort zone.

For me, it was being passed over for promotion twice. Both times my initial reaction was something I could not identify. The emotion was a relief.   I am ambitious and competitive. 

Y'all, I am one of those people who will glance at what someone is doing on a treadmill and go "just a little faster", knowing I can't keep the pace. So, it was hard to understand my reaction. In my heart, I knew if I got promoted, the responsibilities would have taken me further from the call on my heart.

 

Possibilities...

When I finally got real with myself, I realized that the money, the perceived prestige of saying I got promoted, and the comfort that comes from being settled in a company would have kept me from moving on. 

When I opened my eyes to the possibilities of focusing on my passions, it was like the scales fell from my eyes. I could hear and see opportunities that had been inside me and around me all along.  

My first instinct was to look for a job that would have been similar to my last role. Immediately I felt a tug saying this time; I am not to live a watered-down version of my call.

I knew this time I was to fully step into my call, not a version boxed in by a job description, barricaded by the vision of the organization instead of my own. This time there is to be no barrier between my call and my life. 

As I started reflecting on the “why” behind my choice to leave, I came up with the 13 below:

 

1. For my mother, who gave up her dream so that I could live mine.

2. For my daughters who are watching, wondering what is possible

3. Because God created me to be an answer to the prayers of others in a way no one else can be.

4. God has blessed us not only for our enjoyment but to be a blessing to others through our time, resources, and abilities.

5. I want my life to be used as a testimonial so I can be part of the testimonial for others.

6. I exist to serve my God-given purpose, unfiltered by a job description and a weak attempt to assess my potential through a business objective.

7. Because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens.

8. For all the little girls who wonder why their life is the way it is, and there is another way.

9. For all of the parents working as hard as they can but feel hopeless to get out of their situation.

10. For anyone who feels unseen, unheard, and unwanted.

11. For those that want to live their passion.

12. For those who feel it's too late. 

13. For all the women who can't.

My Prayer for You

I pray this list ignites something in your heart to reconnect you to your passions, to your dreams.

I hope this list inspires you to create your own list as to why you must step into your passion.

If you need a #1 it’s that we need you, I need you. We need you and your unique blend of skills, abilities, heart, experiences, and personality to own your purpose and walk in your God-given purpose to enrich God’s kingdom.

If you're ready to step into your calling but can't figure out where to start, let's talk.