I left my job in February 2020, right before The Great Pause hit, thinking I would get another job straight after. Then everything started shutting down, so I started selling my website consulting service on Fiverr while simultaneously trying to unearth my purpose in life.
I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into each client’s analysis, offering my services at a steep discount in order to build up some rapport and fine-tune my product. Some days I wonder whether going above and beyond is worth it.
My last client’s review reassured me that it’s always worth it.
“I wanted to message you personally to thank you for your suggestions,” she began. “Today was a really hard day for me. Truth be told, I have been in tears off and on today. I was hesitant to open your feedback, however something told me I needed to see what YOU saw. In effect, you see me. All of your suggestions are completely valid and manageable. I told you to go harsh on me- and yet you validated what I am trying to put out. I just wanted you to know that what YOU do makes a difference.“
A voice inside me whooped with joy as I read her words! It was my voice of encouragement, the one that always believes in me even when there’s seemingly no good reason to. My brain released a dose of positive chemicals. Suddenly, I could see something clearly that has never been clear to me before: I just might have a purpose.
Finding a Purpose
One thing is very clear to me: I was never meant to have a 9-5 job. I will work around the clock toward something I truly believe in, but put me in a job, and I will get bored very quickly.
As such, it’s been up to me to find out what it is I truly believe in. What is worth pouring my heart and soul into?
My list of things that aren’t worth it is longer than the list of things that are. And then there’s the category of …but maybe? Those are the ones that really trip me up, because in my head, looking for my purpose ends up looking like the most confusing Venn diagram you’ve ever witnessed.
Yeah…that hurts my brain, too.
Purpose has proven to be very elusive; the more I search for it, the further away it seems to slip. I started my Fiverr work without a huge plan in mind, which is very unlike me. I set out to help people by doing something I was good at (graphic design & marketing). In doing so, I happened to uncover a secret ability (encouragement).
Turns out that it’s impossible for me to not pour my soul into my work. If someone needs my help, I will give them the best of everything I can muster, even if it’s way beyond what they asked for or paid for. I suppose that has been my secret strength in life all along.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
I see myself as an encourager. I can sense when someone is struggling to find a sense of joy because fear is getting in the way. I’m empathetic, sometimes to a fault. Lost potential pains me.
It’s sad to imagine that someone didn’t accomplish their lifelong dreams because they weren’t encouraged enough. It takes a lot of courage to step forward and create something from scratch. It’s my lifelong dream to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. I LOVE witnessing creativity at work! The whole process of entrepreneurship is invigorating to me.
That’s why small business website consulting suits me so much – it’s right in line with my dream. I’m interacting with the types of people I enjoy the most in the world while playing to all of my strengths and providing value. How cool is that?!
I’m excited to meet all of the people I was meant to have in my life.
All I need to do now is keep believing that I am good enough.
You are good enough.
Let’s change the world together.
