Your calling is in service of other people. When you speak from calling, people don't just hear information, they receive impartation. Passion can fade, but your calling is what really sustains you. The alignment that you're looking for, it actually is a byproduct of operating out of your calling. When you participate, that's when grace comes, and that's when courage rises up within you.
When Jordan and I were brainstorming this season, we realized that we were in a totally different season of our life, and that's why, you know, we went from calling you out and calling you higher to now we're calling you to your roots. And part of that is 'cause, like, we're actively walking that out in our own journey right now, and so we've been asking these bigger questions lately, and I'm sure that you can relate. I think that I've seen this common theme across the industry lately, where we're just kind of asking the bigger questions. Like, we're done with the monotony of, like, "I'm just gonna post. I'm gonna be the authority. I'm gonna stay consistent. I'm gonna do this, this, and this." And we're kind of feeling like, all right, something's off. And so we're like, "What's off? What do I actually want to be doing? What am I actually meant to be doing?"
And one of the bigger questions that we have personally been asking ourselves and that we really want to pose to you today is, what is the work that you feel called to do? Not necessarily how are you planning to hit your sales goals this quarter, or what are you launching this year, or what's even your vision for your business? But what's the work that you feel called to do on this planet, the larger work, the larger theme, the larger pull that you're feeling drawn towards? And I think what often happens, let's be real, entrepreneurship is not the easy path. It often feels like this uphill battle. Like, we're striving and sometimes pushing and we're showing up to show up because you have to. Like, you're responsible to, like, move the business, and there's, like, a weight that comes with that. But sometimes it can just feel like you're battling resistance at every turn, and what that leads to is we end up in this state where we're just striving in our business all the time, and we're operating from this survival mode every single day. And so we don't even have the space or the thought to ask these bigger questions. Mm-hmm. You know what I mean? Mm-hmm. We're just, like, showing up. We're doing the thing. We're surviving, and we're thinking about, like, "Where's our next sale coming from? What's the content that I need to create? What's the plan for the next year?"
And all of those things are important, and those are things that we both do. You have to have those things. You have to have these short-term goals and mile markers along the way. Otherwise, you will get off the path, but we're often thinking so short term, and these kind of short-term goals end up becoming a distraction from the larger work that we're meant to be doing, from the actual calling that we have on our life. But a lot of times, what I think is that the breakthrough that we're looking for, the alignment that you're looking for, it actually is a byproduct of operating out of your calling. So if you're off your path or if you're in part of the work that you're meant to be doing but you're kinda, again, we're more so in that survival state. It's like we're walking around like zombies. We're not really, like, tuned in and dialed into the larger purpose behind it all, the work that we're called to do, you're gonna feel like something is off. And the reality is that you have been called to do a specific thing on this planet, and I think sometimes we think that that is our business, but to me, that's a myth. Like, our business isn't the end-all be-all. Like, our business isn't the destination. Our business is a vehicle for us to live out our purpose, for us to embody our calling. It isn't the purpose, the destination. It's a vehicle. It's a vessel. And so today, we wanna have a larger conversation about what's the work that you're actually called to do because there's so much alignment that will come from that. There's also so much, I believe, success that will come from that, because when you are operating in your calling, success follows you. It's, like, inevitable because the work you're doing is so potent, it's so deep, it's so transformational, it's a whole other level than here's how to do this. There's more meat to it. There's a natural, inevitable grace to it. So that's the question we wanna pose to you right out the gate today.
Yeah. I love that, the way you put that, about, like, the business being a vehicle for your greater purpose, because there's, like, the work you do in your business but then there's the work beneath that, under the surface, that, like, maybe you don't market yourself as doing this certain thing but it's sort of this undercurrent, something that's happening under the surface, uh, that maybe you're, like, not even aware of. Just to give, like, a more tangible example of that, like, you know, Ashton is, like, a strategist, and she's helping people with strategy in their businesses, but there's, like, deeper things going on behind the curtains, things that people may not even be aware of that are happening, like inner transformation and things like that. It's like, we're not marketing ourselves that, like, that's what we do, we transform you, but, like, it's just that deeper work that happens because she's operating out of her calling and she's operating out of her expertise, and it naturally, organically sort of creates this transformation that's happening under the surface.
And one of the biggest things that I want you to really think about when it comes to this conversation, because it can seem so big and daunting, like, "Well, what is my calling?" Like, "Do I know what it is that I'm actually doing?" Just to make it a little more tangible, I want you to think about, what is it that you feel called to do that might not just benefit you, but that will benefit others. Like, what do you want and need to do that will be of service to other people? I think that is the central thing that I really want you to think about, is, like, how are you contributing something to someone else's life? Like, the people that you're working with and supporting, how are you actually supporting them? How are you contributing to their life? Because I believe your calling is in service of other people. Mm-hmm. Like, it serves you because it lights you up. Like, you're called to do something for a reason. Your calling is yours for a reason. So it lights you up, and I do think, I agree with what you just said about it, like, brings this organic, like, success as well. Like, it's inevitable when you're operating out of your calling. Mm-hmm. But it also ultimately is in service to others. Yeah. It's not just something that you're passionate about. There's a conviction there. There's a responsibility there. It's almost like that thing inside of you that might feel scary, but you can't escape it, and it's this deeper conviction. And I love that distinction that your calling isn't necessarily something that just benefits you. It really is for other people. It's how you contribute. It's perhaps the transformation that others experience because of your presence. And these are gonna be larger themes that guide you and the work that you're doing in your business. So you might be a social media manager, let's say, but your calling likely isn't to be a social media manager. There's gonna be larger themes that, that guide the way that you operate in your business, the way that you interact with your clients, the way that you market yourself, the message that you share, the touchpoints that you have behind the curtains. And I know for myself and Jordan, we were raised in a family where there are definitely these larger themes I think that we're naturally passionate about and I think that we're even called to do because of the way that we were raised, or things that were passed down to us through our family line. And, like, helping women build wealth is one of those things for me. You know, I obviously help people grow their business, and yes, make more money, but it's this larger concept of, like, how do I show up to help women create more wealth that doesn't just help them take an extra vacation, but actually helps them build generational wealth? I love to help people think so much bigger about why they're here and what they're doing, the generational impact of what actions you're taking today, the way that you're growing, the way that you're becoming right now. Those are the bigger conversations that I like to have. Those are bigger themes that aren't often at the forefront of our marketing, but they're central to my calling. They're central to my convictions. And so think about, like Jordan said, what is it that you feel called to do, that you feel convicted to do, that you want to contribute to the world?
And I think, like you said, calling can feel like this big thing. It's like, "What do you mean?" Like, what, what am I called to do? That's, that's such a big thing. It's like when you're going to college and people are like, "What do you wanna do for your life?" Yeah. I remember I hated when people asked me that question. "I don't know." And maybe too, your, your calling isn't going to be crystal clear. You might have these themes that are highlighted to you, but it's probably more than likely going to be fully revealed as you continue to partner with it and you continue to participate in it. So you don't have to have full understanding, but you do have to follow that, that pull and that conviction, and find ways to embody it now. Mm-hmm. But when your calling is guiding everything that you're doing in your business, there's so much more purpose there, there's so much more fulfillment there, and if we're missing this, your business is gonna feel off. You're gonna feel so misaligned. You're gonna feel like significance is lacking. It's going to leave you with a hollow feeling because you're going through the motions but you aren't showing up in a way to support your convictions and your callings.
Yeah, I like the way you put that, saying that it can be something that can kind of, like, scare you. And a distinction I wanna make here is that it's not necessarily what you even, like, want to do or the way that you wanna show up, like the things that you're passionate about. Like, I think the things you're passionate about are the vehicle for the deeper work that you're meant to be doing. So things that you're passionate about maybe doesn't last forever. Like, passion can fade, but your calling is what really sustains you. if you're really, like, firm on that and you just keep returning to that. Like you just said, it—you might not feel certain on it, like 100% like, "This is my calling." I think it can kind of, like, slightly shift and maybe, like, uh, sway a little bit. But it's like, just keep returning to that deeper question. Keep r—like, asking yourself, like, "What am I called to do? Is this in alignment with m—with my calling?" And I think you just kind of figure it out as you live it out.
Uh, you might feel called to do something that kind of feels a little daunting to you. Like, I just was gonna share, like, a personal experience for me. I've always felt like more of a writer. I love to write. I've always been drawn to that sort of, like, medium of creativity, and I always excelled in writing when I was in school. Like, English classes was, like, super easy for me. I never, like, faltered in that setting. I was always really, like, strong in that, in that area. Um, but recently, like, I don't know, the past few years even, I've felt like I've been thrown into the fire a little bit when it comes to speaking. Like, with Ashton and working at The Awakening, I, like, she has asked me, you know, to step into more of, like—years ago, this was like a while ago, but she asked me to, like, step into more of a role of, like, sharing on Instagram Stories, which like, sounds super simple, but like, back then, I was like so nervous to do that and like, speak in front of people who are gonna see it. And then I kind of stepped more into our membership and was coaching a little bit more in there, and we started the podcast together. And it's like, we've always, like, conversed together, but I think speaking in this setting, it just felt a little bit different for me. And then, uh, several months ago now, I just felt this, like, tug on the inside of me that was like, "Speak." Like, "You're meant to speak." And I don't even know what that means, but I just kind of, like, felt it in this moment of quiet with God, and I was like, "Oh, like that's kinda scary," 'cause I am so much more comfortable with writing. And I've even seen this show up recently where I'm so comfortable with, like, texting people, it's always been more of an uncomfortable thing for me to, like, call people, talk on the phone. I like talking in person with people, but it is a little bit more vulnerable because I, I don't have time to tinker with an idea. I'm on the fly, I'm speaking. Like, there's no time for me to, like, figure out what I'm saying, whereas in writing I can tinker with something for like a while so that I can say it, like, perfectly. So that's just something that's shown up for me recently that I feel so, like, compelled to do. But it does kind of, like, scare me a little bit because it, it feels a little bit outside of my comfort zone, but I believe that it's actually supposed to be in my comfort zone. And I think that the more I face the discomfort of it, the more comfortable I'll get with it. Like, the more I'm willing to press on and just speak even when I'm scared, like, it sort of gives me more and more confidence to just keep doing it. Mm. So, yeah.
Your calling may not be comfortable. We talk a lot about how we all have these unique strengths and gifts and things that just come naturally to us, but I think that that's the unique thing about your calling, is that it may not be something that originally comes easily to you. It might actually be quite uncomfortable, and that's where you do have to press in. And like Jordan was saying, that comfort can be developed and accessed over time. And our mentor shared this example where when you start playing an instrument, you don't know the mechanics of that instrument, but the longer that you play, the more you learn about the instrument, the more proficient you become, and then you have that base level of knowledge that then you can use to then play, and you're more proficient in it and you can go in different directions. And that's the way that I view speaking. Like, it's—or anything else, quite frankly. It's a new skill set that you do have to develop, and there is this inevitable harmony and flow and success that can come when you operate in that area, but it might not come easily. It might not feel comfortable at first, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't press into it. And I think that's a beautiful example because it shows and displays that conviction that you feel inside of you, that pull that you feel inside of you towards something, and yet you're over here like, "That doesn't come naturally to me. I'd rather just sit and write and tinker, and that's what I love to do." Mm. But it's something that you inevitably feel this pull towards.
Yeah. And I think, too, it's just funny how that came about, because we weren't originally thinking that you would be plugged into the business in all of these different arenas. But it's like, as we continued to grow and expand in different ways and introduce new projects and mediums like the podcast, we brought you on as a guest, and then we discovered this, like, synergy that we have when we speak together, and we also discovered your ability to speak. And we were like, "This is something that we need to do." So, that's another example that things may unfold in time as you press into them. Like, you may not be listening to this today and have this full epiphany of, "This is what I'm called to do," and exactly how it's going to pan out. It's likely not going to happen that way. But I just think that we're really trying to hit home on different things that you can notice, that are being highlighted to you, that convict you, that compel you, that feel like the larger work and purpose behind the work that you're doing in your business. Mm-hmm. And that's another big thing we want to hit home on today, is like, your business is just a part of the picture. We have to disrupt this idea that your business is the destination, it's the end-all be-all, it is everything. That leads to burnout. It also leads you to live such a fraction of your purpose and your life, because your business is just one entity. We have to get connected to the larger calling that's guiding that. Who knows? You might be someone that runs multiple businesses, or you might be someone that shows up in different facets and areas of your life and your business is just one of them. So, we can't stay in this small-minded perspective that, like, your business is everything, it's just a medium, it's just a tool, it's just a vehicle.
Yeah, and like I said before, your calling is for other people. And just going back to that example of speaking, like with me. I don't even necessarily know how that will benefit people down the road, or like what exactly that looks like, but I just know that I feel that conviction to speak, and that I just believe that it's going to, like, help and serve people. Like, I think it helps and serves people in our community, but I think it's even, you know, beyond that. It's like, in everyday interactions, I feel more courage than I did before to just, like, speak to people. Like, on a very, like, human level, just speaking to strangers, like, I didn't really ever feel comfortable doing that. Like, just people at the store. Like, I'm not talking about anything crazy or any in-depth conversations. I'm just, like, talking about normal interactions with people who, like, work at a grocery store or something. Like, I used to be so scared to even, like, look people in the eye or, like, say hello, 'cause I was just like, "I'm just not going to. I'm just gonna avoid that and, like, you know, go about my day." But I just feel like I don't know the, the bigger picture of, like, how that will benefit other people, but I just am choosing to, like, go with it and—'cause I feel the conviction and the, and the, like, draw to it. And like, I'm just doing it, even if I'm kind of scared or nervous to do it. And I just know and believe that it's going to benefit m—people, other than me, down the road—Mm-hmm.—and, and in the present. And I think that is a big reason why I'm, like, feeling so much more willing to do it, because I'm like, "This isn't about me. This is about something bigger than me."
Mm. Yeah, it's like you don't get to wait until you're ready. You have to partner with it now. Mm. And it—the longer you keep waiting, the more the work is gonna be prolonged, the—the more people won't be impacted, supported, served by the call on your life. There is certainly gonna be someone else that could support or transform in a similar way, but there's only one person that can serve on this Earth in the exact way that you are meant to, in this time, in this season. So you don't get to wait. Stop waiting on the sidelines, stop saying, "One day," or, "When I have time," or, "When I get to this level." Let's be willing to have this deeper conversation. Let's be willing to show up and—and honor the work that we're actually meant to be doing, to be obedient to it. These are things that are harder to act out than—than they are to say out loud. You know, obedience and submission to the call is beautiful to say, but it's a whole other thing to live out. Like, Jordan hasn't felt, like, fine and dandy and amazing every time that she's shown up to speak, and neither have I. Like I said very humbly in this episode, I have definitely been at negative level before, okay? We all start at the bottom and we just keep growing, and we just keep partnering, and we just keep being courageous as we grow. We don't get to wait though. Take action now, partner with it now, partner with the moments and the opportunities that you have to live the call now. Whether you're speaking to the person at the grocery store, or you're going live on Instagram, or whatever it is for you. Your calling is something that you've been graced to do, but it requires your participation. It requires your effort. It requires your partnership. So that's our encouragement to you today, to participate, take small steps, show up in small ways, because those are going to compound over time. We hope that this conversation blessed you, served you, supported you, and we'll catch you in the next one.
