Walking in your purpose is a costly journey that not many people discuss because it is often portrayed as hosting empowerment events and conferences, publishing books, photo shoots, and anything that "looks" glamorous.
While all of those things mentioned above comes with walking in purpose, it is critical that individuals understand that walking in it frequently feels more like a hike than a walk due to the many sacrifices that are made.
The greatest athletes in the world were not born great. They were born good at what they do but through training, hard work, and sacrifices; they became great.
One of the greatest athletes of all time, Kobe Bryant, has a quote that explains how paramount sacrifice is.
“There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something, there’s a choice you have to make. We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that. Family time, hanging out with friends, being a great friend, being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with making that decision."
The value of sacrifice in Kobe's life was not in vain. In fact, it was his many sacrifices that led to the success of his overall professional and athletic career. His dedication and focus over the past few years is what led him to produce NBA championships, MVP awards, and business ventures. Although Kobe is no longer with us, his wisdom regarding sacrifice holds invaluable relevance when walking in purpose.
Similar to Kobe’s point, when walking in purpose, do not be alarmed if the following 3 things are sacrificed throughout your journey.
1. Friendships
As you continue to walk in purpose, you will notice that some of the friends who were once rooting for you may begin to decline in number. You may even start to sense bitterness and resentment loudly from others. Regardless of what you may be experiencing, do not fret because it is a part of the journey.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, it says that there is a season for EVERYTHING. So if you find that certain individuals whom you were once close with begins to shift, it is because that season of the friendship is over and it probably is time to embrace a new one. It is also important to note that something bad or dramatic does not always have to occur in order for a friendship to end. Some friendships end because they are meant to end.
However, on the other hand, there are some friendships that needs to deliberately end. I am talking about the toxic, bad influence and up to nothing good type of friendships. See, when walking in purpose, you must be aware of the friendships that are a hindrance. Below are some of the characteristics of a friendship that becomes a liability:
Negative/pessimistic attitude
Make you feel bad when you work on your craft
Jealous
They do not support you
They laugh at your ideas
They encourage to quit
Of course the list provided above can be extended but I am sure you get the point! As you can see, those characteristics found in an individual who is masked as your "friend" can delay or prevent you from arriving at your destination(s).
2. Sleep
This is a not so popular sacrifice that individuals shy away from discussing and that is, walking in purpose may cost you your sleep.
There will be times that you may need to stay up late or get up early to work on your project, go over your presentation, send and respond to emails, assist a client, or do some studying as it relates to your craft. Sacrificing sleep does not mean that you should run your days off of 2-3 hours of sleep because that is not healthy. Yet, making time to pursue the things that God has called you to do, may require you to have some late nights and early mornings. Remember, the early bird was only capable of catching the worm because it got there before all the other birds woke up.
3. Comfort
Walking in purpose is not a guarantee that it will be a comfortable walk. As mentioned prior, walking in purpose often feels more like a hike. So when you find yourself doing things that you believe that you are qualified to do or taking up space in rooms that you do not feel that you're "ready" to be in, do not be alarmed.
Living your life intentionally will challenge, stretch, and force you to walk out outside of your comfort zone. This is why walking in your purpose is not for the weak or those who only want to "play it safe". Something has to give in order for you to truly walk in your purpose and that something is your comfort. So get comfortable with sacrificing your comfort if you want to walk in purpose.
In essence, walking in your purpose is a lifestyle that will require various sacrifices it will not be in vain. Therefore, I eebut do not let it deter you from embracing the journey. In the words of Kobe,
"There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something, there’s a choice you have to make"
In essence, the sacrifices you make will be difficult but it will not be in vain.
Want to learn more about purpose?
Be sure to purchase my new book, This Is Not Your Typical "Finding Your Purpose" Book on Amazon HERE.
