Monetize My Skillset, Live My Purpose
Since exiting my previous business and returning from our 6 month global adventure 16 months ago, I’ve been on a journey to learn how to balance between how I make a living and how I make a difference. Upon our return I believed that I needed to make a living by teaching what I learned, by educating people how to live a more purposeful life. I’m not sure if it was my approach or my skill set, but that didn’t work out exactly as I’d planned. I can go back and explore exactly why it worked out the way it did, but if you know me at all, that’s not my style.
I’ve met others on my journey that seem to be able to monetize their way of being, but that doesn’t seem to be my journey. I love helping companies grow, love thinking strategically about businesses, attaching their identity to words that describe them and helping them tell their story. I also love developing relationships, establishing strategic alliances and managing lots of relationships. So, what have I really learned?
Having met with well over 1,500 people since our return last summer, the more people I meet the more I’m convinced that everyone’s journey is unique. I used to share my story as a way to guide others on their journey. Now when I share about my journey it doesn’t mean that anyone else needs to follow in my footsteps. I only hope that my words can provide comfort to those in the middle of the struggle. There is a place of peace and calm where we can fully live, create a life that we’re proud of and create financial return at the same time.
Now that I’m figuring out how to replace my income in this new iteration, where does my purpose come into play? If I don’t fully monetize my purpose where does it fit? One of my main purposes is to leave this planet infinitely better than I found it. I have found so many ways to do that, and it doesn’t need to be based in how I make a living. I tried that and it never felt totally right. I also spent a significant amount of time working with companies that are living and monetizing their purpose. Since I haven’t done that myself yet I don’t believe that is my home either right now.
I believe that part of my purpose is to be a bridge, a connector, in so many different ways. My title at 5 Dots is Chief Connector, that is the most appropriate title I’ve ever had in my life. I’m here to connect people who are waking up to this new way of being in the world and aren’t sure exactly how to get to the other side. I’m meeting more and more people that are starting to wake up and realize that they might not be as happy as they thought they were, that their definition of success is not working for them anymore. That is the work that I do once I help them grow their business, that’s not what I market because I don’t believe that’s what people will buy. If I show up living my purpose and sell my skillset, I can help companies grow while also helping them understand the new worldview that is upon us.
I’m more excited about this transition than I’ve ever been. It’s been a long haul and I forgot what it took to start a business from scratch, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m closer to the place where I can balance family, work, friends, community, financial return and fun. It has not been much fun in the middle of the mess, but I know it is necessary for so many reasons. I look forward to the coming years and continuing to live out my beliefs and see if, in the end, they will produce more happiness and joy.
In Success Redefined I stated that happiness is getting our needs met, where are needs are food, water, shelter, safety, air and health, with the hidden need of purpose. As for joy, that is found at the intersection of purpose and connection, or shared common purpose. As I spend time with people that have shared common purpose I am definitely finding more joy. As for the happiness part, that’s been more of a challenge with Ilise’s current health issues, raising two teenagers and not being exactly clear on how my purpose fits into my life. I know that I’m on the right path and I look forward to continued learning. I love sharing my experiences and seeing how others see the world as well. Please let me know what you think, and how you live your purpose and if you have found a way to monetize your purpose or are you monetizing your skillset?
To connecting the dots ….. one dot at a time!
Larry Kesslin 