Why Pivoting May Not Be The Answer
In my sessions these last few weeks, I’m finding that what’s giving folks a lifeline, an anchor, and even a sense of ok’ness is their sense of and connection to, their purpose and how to express it now.
Purpose by definition is “The reason for which something is created or exists.” When we are untethered from our sense of purpose, or aren't sure how to express it we can feel adrift and exhausted, or even dangerously depressed.
I want to invite, support, and help you in finding and staying connected to your purpose and knowing how to express it fully, because I know we need you, now more than ever.
Moments of crisis cause us to confront what matters, and depending on our wiring, our life experiences and traumas, our resources, our temperament, our skills, and our mindset, we may find ourselves in these moments of confrontation questioning if anything we’re doing with our work and businesses have real meaning.
And/or.
We may discover renewed connection to our purpose, and double down on our offerings knowing that now as much or more than ever, the world needs our medicine. Even if we need to change what or how we offer our work.
I talk a-lot about work. My work in all its iterations and expressions is about supporting others in finding, expressing, and doing their most important work. This is true even in my mothering. I believe in the implicit goodness and beauty of soul aligned work.
And let me be VERY clear - not all important work is paid (or paid appropriately). These are topics worthy of their own newsletters.
I know many of you are in the midst of reconsidering what you’re doing in the world, how you’re doing it, or how you're sharing it. This is incredibly hopeful, good, appropriate, and necessary.
Do not let this moment of reconsidering and reflection turn into shutting down or disappearing (which are different than pulling in for self care, reflection, or recalibration).
Today I want to share a practice that will support you as you consider how you most want to show up now.
Step 1.
Starting with this question, "at the root of my work what is it I’m really offering"? (For example if you sell greeting cards your root offering may be joy, or connection, or communication. If you are a money coach your root offering may be sovereignty, sense of self, confidence. If you are a writer or artist your root offering may be beauty, truth, inspiration. If you sell technology your root offering may be empowerment, support, access.)
Your root offering is directly related to your purpose and this simple practice may be enough to fuel you.
If you want to go deeper you can move on to Step 2.
Step 2.
Once you’ve named your root offering, get out a piece of paper, write it at the top, set a timer for 3 minutes and write all the reasons why your root offering is needed right now. You can start with “People need (insert your root offering) right now because….” and just keep writing. If you get stuck write same sentence over and over until you have something else to say.
Once you've named why your root offering is needed right now this may be enough to fuel you.
If you want to go deeper you can move on to Step 3.
Step 3.
When you’re done walk away, get some tea, stretch, and come back to your page. Gently review what you’ve written and notice what jumps out, hits you in the gut, or tugs at your heart, circle these things.. Keep your paper somewhere close by and look at it often.
From here you can clearly consider if you really do need to change your offerings and business, or how you’re communicating about them.
You may find that a lot needs to change, you may be quietly (or loudly) overjoyed by this discovery or knowing, you may also be terrified (which could be the best sign). Or you may find you simply need to shift how you offer your work or what your pricing, or messaging is.
Whatever you find, I can tell you this with certainty.
The world needs your medicine.
Say this to yourself often and if you’re feeling unsure, you are welcome to borrow my confidence.
The world needs your medicine.
Let your purpose anchor and fuel you.