Finding Your Purpose & Redefining Success for a Life Fulfilled

This is a group episode featuring nine individuals who share authentic perspectives about the meaning of fulfillment in their lives. Host Bernie Borges emphasizes that fulfillment is deeper than happiness, connected to achievement or purpose, and "nearly always immutable." 

🗝️ Three key takeaways:

1️⃣ Redefining Success and Fulfillment for Personal Well-being: Several participants shared transformative journeys where they shifted their definition of success from external validations like titles, promotions, or societal expectations to more intrinsic values. Nishat Jones left corporate America after 25 years to find freedom, prioritizing time with family, energy, and control, now saying "yes to purpose and no to burnout". Shanté Smith-Daniels redefined success as peace of mind, moving away from a life that felt "automated" by checking all the "successful woman" boxes, to one where her business framework is "people, profits, peace of mind." Dr. Eboni L. Truss shared her "unbecoming movement," realizing that doing "everything right" for external approval didn't bring wholeness, leading her to get honest about shedding expectations and returning to who she was truly meant to be.

2️⃣ The Power of Authenticity and Self-Relationship: The importance of deep self-reflection and prioritizing one's inner self was a common thread. Sunette Sahlah shared that her most fulfilling relationship is with herself, a realization that came after navigating divorce, her daughter leaving for college, and a career pivot. She took a year-long sabbatical to travel and "found more of me," learning not to "outsource her joy" and to ensure her own cup is full. Loretta Monroe Calvin re-evaluated her legacy after her son expressed a wish that she "didn't work so much," leading her to become more intentional about balancing work with family, health, and faith, making adjustments to ensure her children see her enjoying life.

3️⃣ Intentionality and Impact Across Life's Pillars: Guests demonstrated how living with purpose and intentionality can lead to profound fulfillment, whether in personal health, family life, or professional endeavors. David Medansky, known as "the health guy," stays connected to his purpose by reminding himself that "excellent health can never be owned, it can only be rented," motivating him to help others achieve healthy lifestyles by providing simple, affordable plans and emphasizing consistency. Ivonne Fry highlighted that "we get one shot at this" and "every day is our chance to have an impact," detailing her work with Workforce Development Partners to help high school students find hope and pathways to success, believing one person can significantly influence culture. Brent Pohlman, a CEO, shared his company's success and growth by prioritizing "people first" (over process and technology), building a culture of gratitude and trust, and actively engaging with employees to align leadership with collective purpose.

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