Know Your Purpose!
July 19, 2011 by Jory · Leave a Comment
Know Your Purpose!
In a perfect world, we’d have no reason to doubt. Whatever claims were made, whatever promises were given, we’d believe them with the trust and expectancy of a small, wide-eyed child.
But it’s a fallen world. A broken world. And public trust in business is at an all-time low. So says R. Edward Freeman, a business ethics professor at the Darden School of the University of Virginia. Click on the arrow below to listen to his interview of John Mackey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market.
Mr. Mackey speaks with conviction. He speaks from the heart.
Businesses must be more than profit machines, he asserts. Public cynicism is deep because business owners’ self-interest is high. Too high. Mr. Mackey has one solution.
Purpose.
Business owners must discover the purpose of their business, communicate that purpose, and live up to that purpose. They must believe it, live it, and design their company culture around it. They must examine how they serve society, and they must strive to “be good.” “You can’t be good,” he says, “if you’re only in it for yourself.”
What’s the purpose of your business? Do you strive to serve others with your heart and soul and mind? Do you wake up in the morning and think, “How much money can I make before sundown?” Or do you wake up and ask yourself first, “Whom can I help? How can I make a difference in somebody’s life today?”
Of course one purpose—or goal—of business must be to maximize profit or we wouldn’t stay solvent. But that’s not a particularly “noble” purpose, says Mr. Mackey. What is the noble purpose…the higher purpose…of your business? What do you do to “be good”?
Have you thought about it?
I help my clients discern their purpose with a high degree of specificity. They discover who they are at their core (their essence), what transformational process they do over and over again to effect positive change in the lives of others (their blessing), the change they’re meant to create in the world (their mission), and the wisdom they’re meant to bring to others (their message).
What are the essence, blessing, mission, and message of your life — and of your business? If you’re in the business of helping others, to be in full integrity, the purpose of your business must be directly related to the purpose of your life. Do you know your life purpose…with specificity? Do you know the purpose of your business?
I’m not talkin’ the 20-minute assessment kind of know-your-purpose. I mean the soul-level, God-calling, full-out passion & perseverance kind of purpose.
Know the purpose of your life. Know the purpose of your business.
If we discover why we’re here and whom we’re meant to serve…
If we put service ahead of self-interest…
If we ardently strive to “do good” and fulfill our noble purpose…
Then public trust will be restored.
And we as business owners will be successful.
Click Here to Sign Up for Your FREE “Discover Your Purpose” Starter Course!
Quantum Leaps
June 28, 2011 by Jory · Leave a Comment
I resisted for the longest time. Why would a mentor/coach need a mentor/coach? We’re fully trained in visioning and setting goals and living purposefully. Along with a healthy dose of motivation and inspiration, that should be enough, right?
Not!
Doctors need doctors. Counselors need counselors. Pastors need pastors. Mentors need mentors. And coaches need coaches. If we want to make quantum leaps in our own lives so we can help our clients make quantum leaps in theirs, then we need to continue our own education and training through classes and programs. We need to belong to groups of passionate, purposeful, trustworthy men and women who will encourage us on our journey. And we need to invest in mentor-coaches who will guide us, instruct us, and hold us accountable to our articulated goals and dreams.
I have intentionally and prayerfully surrounded myself with a brilliant team of guides. Elizabeth Marshall, Tim Kelley, Paige Stapleton, and Brian Stark are my divinely inspired whip-crackin’ angels of purpose, passion, and perseverance. They hold me to an even higher standard than I would hold for myself so that I may more effectively get my message and work into the world and help my clients (and colleagues, friends, and family members) do the same.
Whatever your profession or ministry, take a moment to ask yourself if you’re accomplishing everything you’re meant to accomplish on your earthly journey and if you’ve fully stepped into the person you’re meant to be. If you have, tell me your secret! If you haven’t, I suggest you:
- Enroll in continuing education programs related to your field and interests
- Join or form a group of colleagues who will help you achieve your goals
- Interview and hire a mentor/coach who will guide, instruct, and inspire you
- Reflect on this Buddhist Proverb: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
May the Lord inform your decision and may your ego not stand in your way.
Pathway to Purpose: Discerning God’s Call on Your Life (Jory Fisher)
Whom are you called to serve? How are you equipped to serve others? What’s your “Big Why” for doing what you do in the world? For this episode of Heart & Soul, Jory Fisher is interviewed by Julie Fleming—also a lawyer/mentor/consultant/coach who works with small business owners to help them build profitable, enjoyable businesses. Jory and Julie will inspire you to find, follow, and fulfill your own divine calling and enjoy an abundant and prosperous life.
Jory Fisher, host of Heart & Soul for Women of Faith, specializes in helping Christian women entrepreneurs integrate calling, confidence, and clarity into their business so they can serve the people they’re meant to serve and glorify God through success. Before opening her coaching and consulting firm in 2008, Jory had worked 15 years as an attorney focusing on family, juvenile, and criminal law; four years as an assistant professor and associate dean of Liberty University School of Law; and three years as the Executive Director of the Child Abuse Prevention Center in Central Virginia. She holds professional certifications from the International Coach Federation, the Institute for Life Coach Training, the Career Coach Academy, the Christian Coaches Network, and the True Purpose™ Institute. She and her husband Dave live in Lynchburg, VA and are the proud parents of seven purposeful and successful children. For more information, please visit www.womenfindpurpose.com.
Jory’s Success Tips:
- “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…” (Luke 12:31)
- “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Find, follow, and fulfill your divine calling.
- Persevere in reaching your goals.
- Love others. Love yourself.
- Forgive others. Forgive yourself.
- Freely give.
- Freely receive.
- Have fun!!!!!
Jory’s Favorite Quote:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3: 5-6
Listen to the interview with Jory by clicking the audio arrow or link below:
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Discover more inspiring interviews at www.WomenFindPurpose.com.
Click Here to Sign Up for Your FREE “Discover Your Purpose” Starter Course!
Winning in Life Now (Michelle Prince)
Michelle Prince found her passion and purpose in life at the early age of 18. She fulfilled a long time goal of working for Zig Ziglar at just 23 years old but made a life-changing decision just a few years later that forced her to reevaluate her life. After 12 long years in corporate America, Michelle found herself unhappy, unfilled and longing for a “better life.” By reigniting her passion, she wrote a best-selling book and speaks all across the United States sharing her story of hope, inspiration and encouragement to follow your God-given purpose. In this edition of Heart and Soul for Women of Faith, Michelle will show you exactly what you can do to live a life full of passion, purpose and happiness….starting NOW!
About Michelle Prince
Michelle Prince is the Best-Selling Author of the book “Winning in Life Now…How to Break Through to a Happier You!” She has been endorsed by and worked for some of the most influential, successful motivational teachers and authors in the industry, including Zig Ziglar.
Michelle has embraced personal development, goal-setting and the desire to improve her life since the age of 18. She has taken that knowledge to transform not only her own life, but also the lives of millions of people who want to break through to a life of greatness.
Aside from being an author, Michelle is a sought after motivational speaker, one-on-one mentor and radio show host on the “Winning In Life Now Radio Show.” She owns her own company, Prince Performance Group, as well as her own publishing company, Performance Publishing. Michelle is a Certified Zig Ziglar Motivational Speaker and shares her talent across the country representing the Ziglar organization.
Michelle’s Success Tip
Consider these questions to help you focus in on your purpose and passion:
- What do you enjoy doing most?
- What would you do if you could not fail?
- What’s on your Bucket List?
- What inspires you?
- What legacy do you want to leave?
Michelle’s Favorite Quote
You can have everything in life you want if your just help enough other people get what they want. ~Zig Ziglar
Listen to the interview with Michelle by clicking the audio button or link below.
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Discover more inspiring interviews at www.WomenFindPurpose.com.
Click Here to Sign Up for Your FREE “Discover Your Purpose” Starter Course!
On Eagle’s Wings
May 24, 2011 by Jory · 2 Comments
Why? Why do you do what you do?
Why do you pour your time, treasure, and talents into building a business?
Last night I saw for perhaps the fifth time the award-winning classic Chariots of Fire. Though I don’t agree with Eric Liddell’s view of God as a “divine dictator” who demands that Christians keep Sunday as a day of rest, I deeply admire Eric’s conviction—his willingness to give up the opportunity of a lifetime to stand by his beliefs. Makes me wonder… would I be willing to do that?
Success comes with sacrifice. Eric voluntarily gave up the chance to run for England in the 100-meter race at the 1924 Olympics because the qualifying heat was on a Sunday. Perhaps you gave up a “secure” position in Corporate America to follow God’s call to become an entrepreneur. Maybe you gave up a paycheck. Maybe health insurance. Retirement. Whatever your sacrifice, you must remain strong in your convictions or you will be oh-so-tempted to swerve when the going gets tough…as it will.
Want to know what else I love about Eric Liddell? He knew God gave him the heart of a missionary, and he knew God made him fast. Really fast. This “Flying Scotsman” used his marvelous ability as a runner to spread and strengthen his mission as an evangelist. He knew his “Big Why” and drew upon that “why” as he ran the race of life. “I believe God made me for a purpose,” he told his concerned sister. “But he also made me fast.”
Eric ran with perseverance the race marked out before him. He steadfastly fixed his eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of his faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
My heart aches for Harold Abrahams each time I see the movie. A scorned son of a Jewish immigrant, Harold hungers for acceptance and honor among the British establishment. His why is big, yes, but it’s a why that torments him. We’re left wondering if he ever finds peace and joy even though his determination to succeed brings him victory in France.
Our whys as Christian Women Entrepreneurs must inspire us to clear the hurdles before us with joy and perseverance, not fear and angst.
Know your why.
Know what it needs to do for you.
And hold it close to your heart. Forever.
Happy Mother’s Day!
May 8, 2011 by Jory · 2 Comments
How fortunate I feel every day. Especially today, May 8, 2011.
My youngest daughter Brett (youngest by four minutes) is about to complete her plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy. My “middle” daughter Jana (Brett’s twin sister) is flying home as I write, inwardly pleased with her awesome GPA as a freshman at SMU and ready for a well-deserved break. And my oldest daughter Becca is winding up her first year as a bilingual teacher with Teach For America in inner-city Dallas. All girls purposeful. All girls determined to make a positive difference. All girls a special blessing to their mama. Happy Mother’s Day indeed!
Even as I think about how amazing my daughters are, I pay special tribute to my own mom, Josephine Ellen Hingson (1920-1999), and to the thousands of other military wives and mothers who aren’t able to live out their purpose with joy.
A war-time bride and mother, Mom lived in the shadow of my father’s exemplary naval career. She never “found” herself, much less her purpose. It’s fair to say she hated her life even though she loved her family with all her heart and soul. My daughters and I are so fortunate that we are free to explore why we’re here on earth and to serve others as we feel led. Mom couldn’t or Mom didn’t. I’ll never know for sure. I just know I was raised by a woman who struggled to make sense of life…a life that took her husband away from her for months and months at a time….a life that included orders to move to locations that never would have made her “bucket list”… a life she tried to escape, several times.
I’m so sorry, Mom. I didn’t understand.
But I know you’re happy now. Laughing your wonderful laugh and smiling your beautiful smile. May you sing and dance and paint forever and ever! With Dad at your side.
I love you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.
Finding and Following the Path for Your Life (Cordell Schulten)
April 27, 2011 by Jory · 2 Comments
As humans, we all have a deep desire to live meaningful lives. Finding and following the path for our life is essential to realizing meaningfulness. But, every person must seek out their own path. There are no formulas that a person can “plug-in” like an iPhone app and obtain a GPS guidance plan for their life. Instead, each person must seek out and discover how God has designed and equipped them to serve others and then seek God’s daily grace to live in service to others according to that design and equipping.
About Cordell Schulten
Cordell Schulten is a professor of American law at Handong Global University in Pohang, Korea. He also holds an appointment as a Senior Lecturer in ethics, law, and religion at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. Previous to his current posts, he taught at Missouri Baptist University. Before teaching, he practiced law for ten years specializing in commercial litigation and death penalty cases. He earned his M.A. in Theological Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2004 and his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1986. Cordell and his wife Sandy have been married for 32 years. They have four grown children and four beautiful grand children.
Cordell’s Success Tips
1. The most important time is now.
2. The most important person is the one who is before you now.
3. The most important task is serving the person who is before you now.
Cordell’s Favorite Quote
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Listen to the interview by clicking the audio arrow or link below:
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Discover more inspiring interviews at www.WomenFindPurpose.com.
Click Here to Sign Up for Your FREE “Discover Your Purpose” Starter Course!
Goal Setting for Personal and Professional Success
Last week we talked about tithing as a way of saying “Thank you, God, for all the good I’ve received” – tithing as a way of acknowledging God as our Source. This week we focus on Goal Setting – what Edwene Gaines considers the second Spiritual Law of Prosperity.*
What do you want your life to look like? Your business to look like? What do you want more of? I don’t mean in general; I mean specifically! (Edwene loves to tell the story of a woman in one of her workshops who wrote down the goal, “I want more love in my life.” When she got home, her neighbor gave her a pregnant dog!)
As a coach and mentor, I am continuously asking my clients to set goals for themselves and for their businesses. As an entrepreneur, encouraged by my own wonderful coaches, I do the same. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I fully grasped the importance of writing down those goals and making sure they are specific and tied to a date by which they will be attained. A vague sense of success, prosperity, doing good in the world just won’t get us where we want to go.
But wait…there’s more.
Edwene asks us to pray daily, “Father, what must I change about myself in order to achieve my goals?” Yikes! I have to change???? You mean if I want to be a respected, inspirational speaker, I have to let go of my fear and insecurities? You mean if I want more clients, I have to get out there and network? I can’t just work long hours at my computer?
Pastor and author Eugene Peterson says this about that: “Busyness is the enemy of spirituality. It is essentially laziness. It is doing the easy thing instead of the hard thing. It is filling our time with our own actions instead of paying attention to God’s actions. It is taking charge.” Hmmmmm. Food for thought.
I gift you with the following “10 Steps to Successful Achievement,” which Edwene teaches in her workshops and seminars (Edwene Gaines Seminars, LLC). As you do this exercise, imagine what your life would look like if there were no limitations. What makes your heart sing?
- In a notebook, dedicated to your goal setting program, write down all of your desires, no matter how large or small.
- Choose the 12 most important desires and write them on this paper in order of importance to you. Be very specific.
- Be open and receptive to change. Pray daily, “Father, what must I change about myself in order to achieve my goals?”
- Determine the date by which you desire to achieve each goal.
- Read your goals at least three times every morning and every evening.
- Imagine yourself achieving each goal.
- Accept your success now. Act as if you had already achieved. Take positive action toward your goals.
- Don’t tell others. Keep your goals private, between you and God. (Exception: your coach, mastermind group, people you trust who won’t rain on your parade.)
- Cross off the goals as they are achieved and continue to add new ones.
- Remember, God’s highest law is LOVE.
Fellow Sojourners
They caught my attention. Two weary sojourners trudging down the highway with their faithful canine companion trotting along at their side. Not that I would EVER want my daughters to do what I did… I pulled over to ask how I could help.
It used to be hard to explain why I do the things I do—even to myself.
I get out of my car to rescue turtles from certain death. I pick up lost dogs and track down their owners. In another era, I helped hitch hikers and distraught drivers with broken down cars. (That changed when I became a mother and realized my daughters needed me more than the travelers did.) There’s just something deep seated within me that draws me to people and animals in need, especially those whom others might not be inclined to help.
Now that I fully grasp my life purpose, I get it. One aspect of our purpose is our essence…who we are at our core. While going through the True Purpose™ process, I discerned that my essence is the following: “I’m a messenger of God’s love, joy, and compassion for His creation.” My natural tendency is to reach out to those who can benefit from a bit of God-love or agape in their life. It’s how I’m wired—I just need to be prudent about when I act upon this inclination.
Before slowing down to help Doc and Paul and Gypsy, I checked in with my “Trusted Source” (Jesus) and got the OK to proceed. That may seem crazy to a lot of folks; but so far, checking in like that has served me well throughout my life’s journey. Turned out the men were good men who had survived a rough upbringing. Brothers raised in separate foster homes (removed from parents who had abused them), they’d only received a sixth grade education. Yet somehow along the way they had acquired a deep love for God, a talent for plumbing (Doc) and roofing (Paul), and excellent manners. I thoroughly enjoyed the 150 miles we drove together.
As Gypsy napped on top of my luggage, my fellow sojourners and I listened to worship CDs. We were able to refresh not only our minds but also our souls through the uplifting notes and lyrics of the music…especially the songs of Elisabeth von Trapp. Doc, Paul, and Gypsy were exhausted after walking from Northern Pennsylvania to South Carolina to escape the cold winters and start a new life. They hadn’t had a ride in three days.
I dropped off the trio in a Wal-Mart parking lot (at their request) in Myrtle Beach, then continued on to the luxurious Sheraton Inn and Convention Center where I would be staying for the next three days. The contrast hit me like a ton of bricks, despite my homeless friends’ assurances they’d be fine. All they needed, they said, was a grove of trees to sleep in, a shower somewhere, a change of shirts, and a job. All I “needed” was … well, let’s just say my list went on and on and on.
I doubt I’ll ever see Doc, Paul, and sweet Gypsy again this side of heaven. I pray they’ve found work and that Myrtle Beach is good to them. I pray too that I remember to give thanks that I don’t have to fret over where I’ll sleep or what I’ll eat or how I’ll pay for dog food.
When I wrote my friend Elisabeth von Trapp that the three of us had been blessed by her music, this was her soulful response:
The people you are reaching are like the men who were traveling that you helped. Everyone is in transition some way, somehow toward a new place. Your work helps those who listen to consider options and possibilities that they have been hoping for but can’t find. Your program gives voice to ideas that help open people’s hearts and souls. Wishing you many new blessings.
~Elisabeth
Thank you, Elisabeth! I wish you abundant blessings as well.
In case any of you are wondering (and I suspect my daughters are curious), I’ve promised my husband not to give rides to homeless men any more–even if a sweet dog is walking along beside them. I’ll always remember Doc, Paul, and Gypsy, however, and be grateful for the many gifts they gave me.
Warmly,
Discover inspiring interviews at www.WomenFindPurpose.com.
Click here for your FREE “Discover Your Purpose” Starter Course!
Poets, Pooches, Purpose & Passion
January 23, 2011 by Jory · 4 Comments
My daughter Brett teases me for putting “movies that matter” on the Netflix queue. Though my husband and I do watch our fair share of romantic comedies, espionage, and intrigue, for the most part I prefer movies with a message—such as Dead Poets Society. (Dave, God bless him, has grown used to my purposeful proclivities and, thankfully, is truly enjoying this little hobby of mine.)
Carpe diem!!! – the mantra of English teacher John Keating (played by Robin Williams). Slowly but surely, under his inspired tutelage, “Seize the Day!” permeates the souls of several (not all…) of his students. As these teen-aged boys dare to discern and manifest who they truly are in the world, amazing things happen. Verse bursts forth. True love is expressed. Passions are pursued. But, inevitably, tragedy ensues. A poet dies.
An investigation by school administrators seeks to exonerate the exclusive prep school and pin the blame entirely on the shoulders of Mr. Keating, the unconventional “change agent” who defies tradition by encouraging students to call forth and express their true purpose and inborn passions. Hmmmm. Who is responsible for the tragic fate of Neil Perry? Mr. Keating? Really?
My heart aches for the myriad lives that the fictional Neil Perry represents. I wonder…
What can we do to ensure that we, and those whom we love and influence, make the difference we’re meant to make?
Switch gears a bit and enjoy this clip about the amazing, nationally acclaimed pooch Ricochet. If you have ever been tempted to direct your children, your students, yourself (your pet!) down a path that was not a natural fit, I urge you to reconsider. We are each born with a unique purpose to fulfill in life. Only by living out that true purpose (rather than struggling to live a purpose imposed upon us by ourselves or others), do we experience meaning, significance, and joy.
I dedicate this post to my daughters Rebecca, Jana, and Brett Beeson. Yes, girls, you make me very, very proud. Carpe diem!!
Warmly,
Click here for your FREE “Discover Your Purpose” Starter Course!