4 key steps to connect to your unstoppable force

Let’s explore the four key steps to find your unstoppable force that inner part of you that is confident and who knows you can succeed at anything you set your mind to.

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." – Mark Twain.

Before I left my job to launch my business, I had watched leadership expert Simon Sinek, the "Why" advocate, share in his famous Ted talk, "Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause, or belief—WHY does your company exist? Why do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care? People don’t buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it."  

His talk inspired me to get to the root of my why, to find my unstoppable force. I knew going from full-time employee to full-time business owner wouldn’t be an easy transition, especially after seeing my friends who’d already leaped. I saw their struggles, and I wanted to arm myself with mental tools to get me through the ups and downs.

Let’s explore the four key steps to find your unstoppable force, that inner part of you that is confident, and who knows, you can succeed at anything you set your mind to.

Step 1: Look back on your younger years

Looking back on your younger years and what excited you then is an easy way to reconnect with what you value. 

Spend some time reflecting on: 

• How did you spend your free time as a kid?
• What activities were you involved in as a teen?
• What classes did you LOVE?
• How did you answer the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up"?

As a kid, you’d find me surrounded by friends, drawing, painting, playing in the woods, and going on adventures on my bike. As a teen, spending time with friends, doing art, attending parties and concerts, and playing tennis were always on my list.

In hindsight, I was always looking for fun ways to express my creativity that would be exciting, adventurous, and challenging, which is probably why I eventually chose a career in the entertainment industry.

This process allows you to think about what you value today and serves as a reflection when you might be feeling indecisive, unclear, or confused about what to do in certain career situations. I identified the connection between my values and what has always fueled my career and life choices.

Step 2: Study the lows and see the lessons

Studying the lows teaches us how we got through tough times and won.

I had to wait tables for nearly two years early in my career before landing my first paying job on a movie set. Then, just as I was ready to call it quits, I got a call from my neighbor, who just happened to be a Wardrobe Designer and needed an assistant for a new show called Dawson’s Creek.

Looking deeper into my determination during those two years, I knew what I wanted: an exciting, fun, creative career that didn’t involve sitting behind a desk from 9-5.

Remembering how I overcame the more challenging times helped me mentally prepare for what was to come. In addition, reflecting on what fueled my fire throughout different stages of my career reminded me that anything is possible with my vision, determination, passion, and will to succeed!

Now it’s your turn. Start by asking yourself:

• What was a low in my life, and what was the lesson?
• How and why did I endure it?  
• What personal values and traits were prevalent?

Step 3: Dig deep until you find the gold

When making a change and starting something new—like a new job, a business, or pursuing a passion—begin by asking yourself, "Why do I want this?" "Why am I doing this?" What is at the heart of it?

Dig deeper and ask yourself, "Why is that important?" When you get the answer, ask again, "Why is that important?" and keep going until you can’t go any further. For example, it might be freedom, contribution, creative expression, unconditional love, etc.

Then ask yourself, "What would I do if I knew I’d be wildly successful?"

You should start seeing patterns, words reappearing, and emerging themes. This is the start of your why – your unstoppable self.

Step 4: Putting it Altogether

Your why might evolve as mine did through my various career changes. Today, I want creativity, fun, adventure, and challenge, and I also want to serve others wishing to express their creativity and find careers they love.

Why? Because I have my North Star, I know where I’m heading. I get to be the conduit and witness the transformation through my work with my clients, seeing them go off in the direction that feels aligned with who they are. I get to wake up every day and work on what inspires me, work through challenges as they arise, and have the freedom to work from wherever and whenever I please. That’s me why, and that’s what drives my unstoppable force.

Before you make a career jump, shift, or reevaluation, start by creating your big vision so you know where you’re going, and then reflect on your own life. It’s a real confidence booster, and you’ll be reminded of just how powerful you are. In times of doubt, you will always have your unstoppable force to sync back up with!

And as philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once said, "He who has a why can endure anyhow."

Related Articles:

How To Soul Search Before Your Job Search

Why Having a Passion is Essential to Professional Development