From Values to Voice: Creating a Life of Purpose

Welcome back! I just want to commend you for digging deep and crafting those awesome and powerful mission and vision statements, knowing your superpowers, and choosing which one to lead with as we discussed in our last session. I am very proud of your growth.

Remember that incredible feeling you had after crafting your mission statement and identifying your superpower? That sense of empowerment and clarity? We're going to build on that momentum today by tackling something equally important: finding and using your voice.

This is a topic close to my heart, something I personally struggle with every day, and I know many people have the same struggles. Finding your voice is a journey, and like many journeys, it starts with taking that first step you might be wondering, "How do I even know what to say?" Well, the answer lies in something we discussed before: your values.  If you haven't already, check out the previous post by clicking here to explore how identifying your core values is the foundation for living a life true to yourself.

Now, back to your voice. What excites you? What gets you fired up, professionally or even personally? Do you have a passion for design (like me!), or maybe leadership, social justice, or even that slightly controversial topic you just can't stop thinking about?

Here's the key: Whatever lights your fire, speak about it. Be bold, be brave, and most importantly, make sure it brings value. It might not resonate with everyone, but that's okay. Your message will find its way to the people who truly need to hear it, the people who share your spark. (Speaking of finding your people, a targeted audience is definitely something to consider down the line. Building a personal brand, after all, thrives on personalization and segmentation.)

Don't let that voice in your head tell you to stay silent. The world needs your unique perspective, your locked-up talent box overflowing with amazing ideas. Social media culture might paint a picture of constant perfection, but that's just not real. Vulnerability and authenticity are what forge connections. You want to build a career, a life, around who you truly are, not some carefully constructed facade.

I’m trying to say that you don’t have to wait until it’s perfect to put it out there. Growth follows a structure. I had a similar experience earlier this year with creating my portfolio website. I embarked on this process in June last year, and anytime I tried pushing it out, I felt it wasn’t good enough. Fast forward to February this year, I told myself its good enough, and I can always update it whenever I want. It turned out to be beautiful. Don't be the one to dim your own light, and don't let anyone else do it for you. You are a star, simply because you have the courage to shine.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to create spaces where everyone's voice is heard. There's an overreliance on people who talk a lot or who are the loudest voice in the room. Don't fall into the trap of mistaking the loudest voice for the wisest. True leadership fosters an environment where the quietest voice in the room might just be the one brimming with hidden gems. As leaders, we must consider this and avoid the trap of listening only to the loudest person.

Let's all be champions for those struggling to find their voice. After all, I'm still a work in progress myself, but with every step, I get a little closer. Remember, as the saying goes, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and that includes finding the courage to speak my truth. Let's all find the strength to do the same.

Practical Steps to Use Your Voice

1. Identify Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. What are the core principles that guide your decisions and actions?

2. Find Your Passion: What topics or activities make you feel alive? What are you excited to talk about or engage in, even if it scares you a little?

3. Engage with Your Community: Start small. Share your thoughts and ideas with friends, family, or colleagues who support you.

4. Create Content: Whether it’s through writing, videos, podcasts, or social media posts, start creating content that reflects your values and passions.

5. Be Consistent: Regularly share your voice. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

6. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and use it constructively to improve and grow.

Finding and using your voice is a journey. It requires courage, authenticity, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Remember, your voice matters. Your ideas and perspectives can make a difference. Don’t wait for perfection; start now, and keep growing. You are a star, and the world needs to hear your voice.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Have you ever struggled with finding your voice? You're not valone! Share your story in the comment section for a chance to inspire others. Like this post if it resonated with you. Keep pushing, keep speaking, and keep growing. You are capable of amazing things, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way