Purpose: Does Your Grind Motivate You or Exhaust You?

I recently attended a women's conference, and I have been reviewing my idea/action steps regarding, "One Thing I am going to do to enhance my leadership skills in the near future."

My focus is, Saying Yes Thoughtfully.

I have a habit of being a "yes" person, and it can be draining. When I say "no," I somehow feel guilty. What I began to notice is that I am not at the top of my game when I am not I am taking on tasks and opportunities that were not truly intended for me. It seems as though there are more hurdles to navigate when I take on opportunities that I should have passed on.

There are 3- questions that I ask myself when I am approached with a new opportunity:

1. What are my reasons for being here (self or servant)?

2. What difference do I want to make through my involvement?

3. What will fuel me when I approach the hurdles?

I made a pact with my friend to meet 2 new people when I am out and about at community and/or networking events. I previously had difficulty fitting networking and community events into my schedule, and I needed a challenge to help me get back into the groove. I am meeting so many incredible people who are doing so many incredible things. I am becoming a servant to my community.

My difference is my ability to translate new opportunities to others. I had an opportunity to share this challenge with my 7-year old niece during a heart-to-heart about meeting new people and choosing friends. At first, she was not on board, she is a lot like me. Then she declared that she wanted to be in my club! She made a new friend by the end of the week!

My fuel is the extra passion I generate by focusing on the things I am intended to do versus doing all the extra things just to do them. I know that if tonight were my last, I want to have nor regrets. I do not want to feel exhausted or feel as though I had wasted my time. Our lives are here to serve a divine purpose. Today I am a Guest Services Manager, a Diversity & Inclusion Chair, a Community Leader, a Young Leader, a Life Coach, and a Change Agent. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

So what actions will you take to discover your purpose(s)? FYI, Taking action is the first step.

1. What is one energy drainer that you have?

2. What action can you commit to in order to eliminate it or change how it impacts your energy?

3. What actions can you take daily in order to maintain your focus?

I experienced a shift in my life several months ago, and I am beginning to find my groove. I am learning to Rise to the new challenges that I face on a daily basis, and I am taking advantage of the learning opportunities that arise daily. While there are so many YES opportunities that cross my path, I am committing myself to 2 passion projects. Saying Yes Thoughtfully is allowing me to spend more time with my family and my friends, and I am revisiting my personal goals.

Take a few moments in quiet to reflect, Does you grind motivate you or does it excite you?