Recently I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary. I know…I cannot believe it either! We were incredibly young when we were married and did not know a lot about marriage, but we knew it was a commitment and for life.
Those of you who have been married or even in committed relationships know that it is hard work. Unfortunately, 50% of all marriages in the US end in divorce. We attribute our longevity to our love, commitment and respect for one another and our willingness to fight for our relationship. After all a good marriage is 2 imperfect people who refuse to give up on one another!
Just like we must fight for our marriages and relationships, we must be willing to fight to discover our passion and purpose and the greatness that is within us!
I spent 18 years in the banking world with many highs and lows. The highs of great pay and experiences and the lows of job losses and toxic work environments. An environment and culture that did not allow me to be fully me!
Recently, I connected with an old friend and told him that I was no longer a banker and he said, “That was not you…you were trapped in a box!” Wow… that blew my mind! He was right. I always knew there was more out there for me but did not know exactly what that was or where to find it.
Even some of my banking colleagues would say, “You are going to do something great someday.” Others would tell me that I am different in a positive way from my colleagues.
I also remember another telling me that he thought I was sharp and there was something greater out there for me. The funny thing is that some of these people who were saying these things to me were often not the easiest people to get along with, but am thankful that they saw something greater in me that I needed to fight for and pursue!
I am grateful that I found the courage to transition out of banking to pursue my passion as a motivational speaker and community leader. It has not been easy, but worth it. I wake up every day fulfilled knowing that I am doing what I was created to do: motivating and inspiring others to discover their greatness!
As you read this blog, what is it that you are passionate about? What have you been created to do? If you are not already doing it, I would encourage you to fight for your greatness.
I define greatness as living your passion and purpose. It is simply living your life in such a way that you empower and uplift others as no life is created simply for self-comfort and pleasure.
No, it does not mean that you must be in the nonprofit world as your passion and purpose may be in the corporate sector as well. It is wherever you can live and walkout your purpose and positively impact the lives of others. It could be as a business leader, teacher, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, nurse, musician, nonprofit leader, motivational speaker, etc.
No matter where you are called into greatness, you must be willing to fight for it! You must be willing to work hard and sacrifice and never give up on you or your dreams despite the rough road ahead.
Just like in my marriage, there will be many obstacles, failures, setbacks, heartbreaks, and disappointment along the way! We had to fight to stay united to live out our dreams together. This also applies to discovering and living out your passion and purpose!
So, what are you waiting for? Never give up on fighting for yourself and your goals and dreams!
You cannot discover and realize your greatness if you do not keep fighting, pushing, and believing in yourself- even when it does not look like you will persevere. However, you must have the courage to keep believing in your dreams.
The time is now to put excuses aside and put your plans and goals into action! When you move past excuses, negative thoughts, and self-imposed limitations, you will live your best life and unleash the greatness that is within you!
Make Today Great!
Remember, Greatness Awaits You!
Carlos T. Carter
Founder & Chief Motivator
www.seeds2fruitmotivation.com
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