The world needs real leaders again.
We need leaders
“You have to make mistakes to find out who you aren’t. You take the action, and the insight follows: You don’t think your way into becoming yourself.” — Alain de Botton
Many people wonder what their purpose is. Even those who have found theirs have continual “rebirths” throughout life.
There’s also an alarmingly large amount of people who wouldn’t dare figure out what their calling is.
Sad, don’t you think?
Call it insecurity, fear, or distraction but there’s a lot diverting us from realizing our full potential. If only every single person knew they had a purpose.
Believing, “Why not me?” opens doors you couldn’t imagine. You have a purpose.
Yes I’m talking to you.
What is it? Is ok if you don’t know as long as you keep trying to find out.
Acceptance of your calling can change the world
Below are some people who have accepted their life’s calling and changed the world because of it:
JK Rowling
“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
As a struggling author, J.K. Rowling lived on welfare after her first marriage crumbled. She had a daughter, a small flat, and was mourning the loss of her mother to multiple sclerosis before Harry Potter became wildly successful.
She believed her story was worth writing regardless of the condition her life was in. If anything, it was the only thing which gave her a glimpse of a better future.
Rowling had experiences of deep despair and has since become an advocate for those who need hope. She constantly stands up for those who are discriminated against and offers words of encouragement for people who are in the same position she was before Harry Potter took off.
Rowling found her voice and courage through her experiences. She uses her platform to speak up for those who may not be able to.
You can read more about Rowling here.
Oprah
“It’s not that I’ve always known who I would be. It was just very clear to me from an early age who I wouldn’t be.”
As a child, Oprah remembers dreading being destined for the profession of homemaker when her grandmother was trying to teach her how to hang wet clothes. Oprah said about the experience:
“A still, small voice inside me, really more a feeling than a voice, said, ‘This will not be your life. Your life will be more than hanging clothes on a line.’ The certainty of that divine assurance got me through many a difficult moment during my growing years.”
She knew what she wanted to do:
“I wanted to be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be. I never imagined it would be on TV.
I believe there’s a calling for all of us [and] know that every human being has value and purpose. The real work of our lives is to become aware. And awakened. To answer the call.”
Oprah has been a pioneer for many movements but one major theme is her belief you can be whoever you want to be. You’re not the product of your circumstances. Even if everyone is against you or bad things happen you can still move forward.
To read more about her I recommened “What I Know For Sure”.
Kurt Vonnegut
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”
Wildly successful author Kurt Vonnegut met much resistance when he first started writing. He was told his unusual, frank style of writing was atrocious and got rejected time after time. That didn’t stop him.
Vonnegut stuck to his guns and often stood up for what’s right. He wasn’t afraid to state truths matter-of-factly. Even if it wasn’t kosher or comfortable.
Laced within each of his stories are deep, profound messages which make you think. They change you.
Curious about his writing? I recommened this one and this one.
If you want to learn more about Vonnegut, himself, check out this book.
Brene Brown, P.h.D.
“When you get to a place where you understand that love and belonging, your worthiness, is a birthright and not something you have to earn, anything is possible.”
Brene Brown has her doctorate in social work and her life’s message has been about ridding your life of shame and becoming brave. Her books dive into the world of shame and show us how to move forward with bravery. When you hear her name you associate it with these topics.
Brown has since created multiple organizations to foster braver individuals. As well as training programs for leader development and training professionals to facilitate her work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy.
Her book “The Gifts of Imperfection” became insanely successful as well as her newest book “Daring Greatly”.
What’s your legacy?
“In searching for their aptitudes, people should act like treasure hunters passing over the ground with metal detectors, listening out for beeps of joy.” — Alain de Botton
Those listed above (and countless others) have struggled. Thankfully they persevered, overcame, and believed enough in their message to stick it out. They felt the urge within to write, produce, or ask questions and didn’t look back.
Writers know this feeling of something impatiently waiting to become tangible on paper or screen.
Stop ignoring these calls ok? Just stop it.
Forget about responsibility, fear, doubt or the negative-belief cloud rolling into your mind. People have figured out their callings while holding two jobs, debt, and even homelessness. Or kept going in spite of fear. You don’t really have an excuse.
Now ask yourself this:
What do I want my legacy to be?
How do I want to be remembered?
Think of those who inspire you and what their legacy is. Authors from hundreds of years ago still pierce hearts with their timeless messages. Their books touching lives beyond death.
Jesus Christ had a poignant, powerful legacy that still changes lives 2,000+ years after his death.
We don’t have to be at the same level as these figures to make a difference but it shows the power of a message. Your calling may be on a smaller scale than someone else’s. Which is wonderfully ok! Every path is unique.
Our world needs leaders brave enough to take responsibility. To feel the burning light within and act.
Warning: It’s not easy. Effort is a requirement. Many are called but few are chosen.
Conclusion
My hope is to instill the knowledge that YOU are chosen. Chosen to influence people for good. Chosen to better yourself and be a light to the world.
You have a unique message within you conspiring to be known. It’s a divine privilege and blessing. Nothing will fulfill you more.
Start thinking better of yourself.
Take note of the gentle or sometimes forceful pull of the message longing for your attention. The only reason other people have made such an impact is because they believe their message was worth putting out there. They started the same way you are: word by word and thought by thought.
Take Action
Think this week of what you’d like your legacy to be.
If you struggle with positive thoughts download my affirmation freebie here to eliminate negative beliefs and increase positive ones.
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Originally published at medium.com