If you’re in the coaching business like me, you hear people talking about life purpose all the time. Whether it’s other coaches or clients looking for a more meaningful life, seems like I’m talking about this topic at least once every day. As for me, I’m at a great place with life purpose. I feel like every single thing I’ve done in my career specifically served to lead me to this very moment. Yes, that’s a “whoa that’s big” statement. (For those of you who don’t know, I’m a recovering Telecom Professional, MBA, CPA type turned Executive Coach, Blogger, Writer, Speaker). Actually, I’m so happy with my career that I think my friends are getting a little sick of me and sometimes frightened by my delight. They are looking at me and going. “Ok, Missy. It’s great to be in your fabulous euphoria, but come back down here to Earth with the rest of us and tell us how to get from where we are to our next step”. Fair enough.

I left my corporate position over four years ago. I can tell you that those four years have been the most excruciatingly difficult times of my life. Yes, even more difficult than high school and puberty. Why? Because going through two transitions at the same time 1) Becoming a parent and 2) Changing careers was almost more than I could navigate and still stay sane. (In an earlier post, I quoted colleague Tim Kelley, who said, “Your LIfe Purpose is the Thing You Struggled With The Most In Your Own Life”….Are you getting my life purpose and the tie to Six Figure Moms yet?).

Anyway, why am I writing about this today? Several clients have asked me lately. “Angie, Do you really think it’s necessary to do all this self discovery work to find out what I’m supposed to do with my career?” All I can do is laugh. Because I know, from looking back at them from the vantage point of the fabulous but difficult road I’ve already traveled that they are only cheating them self by even asking the question. And again I ask myself, “How do you get a horse to drink?” You know, the, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink” adage? (If only I could invent some kind of elixir or kool aid to serve all of my clients…hmmm, I’ll have to work on that. But I digress…).

SO, the point of this whole story today is this, it’s not at all about finding your life purpose, but in finding the courage to embark on the journey. To search for your purpose because it is the path to finding your best, most authentic self and to be able to look in the mirror and see how fabulous you really are. Who can resist that?

I’ll be writing more about this topic over time but today I ask you to open your mind to your own self discovery. YOU are waiting.

I love Seth’s blog so much that I almost think I could just feed his to you guys and stop writing.  Some days it seems he’s walking in my path next to me and then writing about what I’m living.  Here’s his post today, “When in Doubt, (Don’t) Follow the Money”.  Seth, thanks for another great post and for reminding me to stay on my path.

Lastly, The Barenaked Ladies have been a favorite band for years.  It’s not coincidence.  If you know them, you know that their breakthrough song is, If I had a Million Dollars….and it always reminds me to be present with my dreams….and to slow down and have a litte fun.  Happy Friday everyone!

So, I bet you’re wondering what in the world could rap music have to do with life lessons for executive women?  Keep reading.  I was perusing Tony Robbins’ newsletter when I noticed a link to an appearance on MTV.  I thought, “Tony Robbins is going to take a shot at being a rapper now?  Come on!”.  Anyway, I was just curious enough to watch so I clicked through.  Seems that Hurricane Chris in his 51/50 Ratchet CD has some serious clarity about personal leadership.  The video from Hip Hop Owner’s Manual describes a rap music term, RATCHET. The definition of Ratchet is living your life’s dream and being yourself without regard for what anyone else thinks.  In Rapper speak, “Doing YOU”.  Ratchet comes with a few guiding principles:

1. Raise Your Game – Don’t settle.  Live your life’s dream.  Hold a higher standard and be really clear on your goals.
2. Act Like You Know – Have no fear.  Don’t hesitate.  Take action in moments of clarity when you know your authentic self is driving.
3. Defy and Act – Defy your own fears and limitations.  Be your best self.

Watch the video and see for yourself. Who knew we executive women could learn so much from the rap community!  Watching this video and learning about Hip Hop Owner’s Manual also led me to a very interesting New York Times article about the future of TV and mobile devices.  Where we’re headed is pretty amazing!

So, Life lessons from the Hip Hop Owner’s Manual?  You betcha!