Identifying Your Purpose, Propels Your Success

A little over 10 years ago, my wife and I were seemingly like any other family - raising our son and pursuing our dreams - only, we were flat broke. Since then, we’ve cleaned up our debt, and created a talk show and podcast, motivating folks around the world to never settle, hustle mindfully and to take action pursuing their personal, professional and financial goals. The idea was to make both of these platforms interactive, creative, positive, empowering, and really helpful to people. Along the way we picked up an Emmy for the show and changed lives. In advance of FinCon, I’m partnering with Capital One to share a few tips to help you succeed in these areas.

Purpose has been a huge motivator for me both personally and professionally. When unlocked, it gives you meaningful direction. When I think about purpose, I think about taking action on your beliefs. 

For as long as I can remember, my purpose has been to educate and inspire people. Specifically, as I got older, I wanted to help people identify their purpose and take realistic action to propel their success forward. Purpose draws from your unique experiences, beliefs, talents, abilities and interests in a way that helps you achieve your highest potential. It’s not about the prize or the profit but the process. And let me tell you, failure is inevitable. But, failure’s role is to offer you lessons that will help you learn and grow so that you can ultimately obtain success. 

I believe everyone has a gift to share with the world; a purpose. But so many people get stuck because they don’t have access to the right resources, funds or networks to carry out their purpose - and it’s debilitating. That’s why I take on the mindset of “never settle.” I encourage everyone I meet to identify their purpose, have a positive mindset and always hustle in a mindful way for their dreams. 

Too often, people showcase their “highlight reel” and not their real selves. 

Part of the cultural crisis we’re experiencing today is people lacking vulnerability because we’re seeing everyone’s “best selves” via social media. When we only see the good, we start to think we’re doing something wrong or we feel less than, and we become addicted to seeking the approval of others. We need to see the process, the good, the in between and the not so great so we know we aren’t on an island! Everyone goes through seasons of struggle - especially in regards to money. I know and see people posting all the time about lavish vacations, when in reality they don't know how they're going to pay their bills or buy groceries this month. 

People don’t like to have conversations about money because it’s extremely personal, and thus, uncomfortable. But, the more transparent you can be about your financial goals, the more likely you are to achieve them. Get over worrying about what other people will think. Worrying about being judged by others is defense and we need to be on the offense when it comes to talking about money.  During presentations, I always share a slide that outlines all of the past debt (and I mean all of it and there were a ton of negatives) my wife and I had when we were really struggling. We never had conversations with people about it when it was happening, and that was one of our biggest downfalls. 

So, how can you be more transparent about your money struggles? First, seek advice from friends, peers or family but only from those who can relate to your position, are non-judgemental and have personal experience overcoming financial challenges. Second, find an institution with empathy and deep understanding, where you’ll feel comfortable discussing your finances. The Capital One Cafés do this phenomenally well through their Money Coaching program - it’s like an accountability partner. But, what I love about the program is, it starts with your dreams, aspirations, goals; who you are and what you want out of life...not your looming debt or just throwing a budget template at you. 

My partnership with Capital One has completely transformed my perspective of what a bank can do for you. It’s shifted the paradigm of what a financial institution should be. It should be innovative, transparent, simple and profoundly empathetic. Capital One is hyper-focused on helping people live their best lives, and addressing the long-term health of their communities. When companies do this (especially in communities that lack the access to resources, job skills, funding, etc.), it creates meaningful, lasting change. 

Listen here as I talk with Natalie Altonia Borneo from Dress For Success, one of Capital One's Community Partners.