Business Motivation: Embracing Purpose and Overcoming Fear
In a candid reflection on a past conversation with a colleague about next steps in our careers, I uncovered a range of emotions. On one hand, I admired their fearless ambition, determination, and courage in pursuing meaningful life and career goals. On the other hand, I found myself succumbing to self-doubt, believing that my role behind the scenes was sufficient as long as I contributed to my company and maintained family peace.
I firmly believe in purpose—a belief that life transcends individual bubbles and requires us to play a part in changing the world. However, at the time, I struggled to answer some fundamental questions: What is my purpose? Who am I intended to serve through it?
Over time, opportunities exposed glimpses of my calling, prompting hesitation and reluctance. Until one day, a simple yet profound thought echoed: "Tiffany, just do it scared." Recognizing the underlying fear, I decided to confront it head-on.
The power of "what if" became evident. Instead of fearing what if it didn’t work, I challenged myself to change my thought patterns. What if it's right? What if people do get me? What if this works? The realization struck that while fear is paralyzing, some of the most significant breakthroughs occur when we decide to "do it scared," unprepared and unaware.
Here are a few guiding principles that help me navigate the fear when taking a leap:
Nothing Grows in the Comfort Zone:
True growth, in any aspect of life, requires stepping out of the comfort zone. Bigger ideas demand more significant efforts.
Use Fear as the Starter, Not the Engine:
Let fear be the catalyst to get started but shed it as confidence grows. It's a temporary fuel, not a perpetual engine.
Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb:
Dismiss the nagging voice of self-doubt. Embrace your unique contribution, knowing that no one can bring what you bring to the table.
Even If You Don't Know, Try Anyway:
Be open to learning and willing to try. Mistakes are valuable lessons, and successes lead to new skills.
Not Everyone Will Say No:
Rejection is a part of putting yourself out there, but focus on the yes opportunities and align with those who support your journey.
While fear played a role in my hesitation, I recognized a deeper layer of disobedience. Purpose doesn't always wait for readiness; it's part of a divine plan that unfolds whether we feel prepared or not. The key is to surrender, listen, and move, trusting that God understands the how, when, and why.
In essence, the journey of purpose involves embracing fear, doing it scared, and understanding that purpose answers to a greater agenda than our desires. So, as you navigate starting your next venture, whether starting or growing a business, creating content, or getting to the next phase in your corporate career, take the leap—do it scared, knowing that purpose always has a higher plan.
