Why Are You Here?

Originally written 9.2.07 revised 7.21.09

I've been taking time to diligent focus on the things that will nurture, grow, and develop me into what God has called me to do as my definiteness of purpose – my “Why”. I call it "Personal Mentoring". I have been extremely blessed, and it is my mission to utilize the blessings I’ve gained to bless other women.

To determine why I’m here, I asked myself 3 very important, and life changing questions:

1. What is my passion? -- What drives me?
2. What is my purpose? – What is the reason behind my passion?
3. What is my platform? – What is that “noun” to help me make it happen?!

That gives me my personal definition: Your Passion x Your Purpose + a Platform = POWER ™

Equations are made to define something. If you could break yourself down into an equation what would your definition be? What would be the major components to equate to you? Does your life style truly define who you are? Not the ‘you’ on the surface, but the ‘you’ on the inside. When you peel away the hype, what’s at your core? Your core is who you really are. It’s what makes up your definition. If what you’re doing doesn’t define who you really are, or want to become, do something else. Quick.

The best way to determine how you really are (because we all think we are perfect), is to ask two people. Someone you’ve worked with, and someone you’re related to or lived with. This activity will expose you to some things you never knew and like, and many more things you never knew, but will dislike. Regardless, all of it will stay with you for a lifetime, and change you in ways you never imagined possible. It may even turn old partnerships into new and refreshing ones.

My equation adds up to me realizing there's no one who can take me where I want to be but me. The decision I make – and didn’t make are what got me here versus there. There's no one else I can blame for my success or failure but me. Why? Because I have a brain. That sounds simple but in an era where so many people aren’t using theirs, you quickly realize, common sense really isn’t so common. We think we can do it all, and you know what…we can. We can “do” anything, but that doesn’t mean we can do it “well”.

What’s really the cause of success? Drive? Determination? Domination? Knowing someone who knows someone? I say all of it. Life is amazing – we have this great thing called a brain that we get to use. It’s jam packed with tons of information tubes and wires that guides everything we do. It’s amazing how as I type this now my brain knows what to tell my fingers to type, not to mention all the things that go on before the message gets to my finger tips. It’s like a ga-zillion messages going on at once. Powerful right? Yes it’s amazing, but my question is why most people don’t take advantage of it?

It’s almost as if we’re so used to it that it becomes less valuable. You know how it is when you have this strong desire to meet someone famous, and then you meet them talk to them and see they’re really not that different than you so all of a sudden your emotions change and you don’t scream when you see them anymore? In fact, you act like you’re best friends. “Oh, that’s just so and so. We’re cool.” All of a sudden their normal, when just a minute ago you were drooling a hyperventilating over the thought of just seeing them! That's what happens when you don’t use your brain – it’s a “oh by the way I have this” versus an “I must use this” kind of tool. Don’t take it for granted.

Use your brains, and work smart not hard. Of all the books I’ve read there’s one common denominator: Networks. Working smart means to build networks with people who share your vision, and whose strengths are your weakness. In the book “One Minute Millionaire” by Mark Hansen and Robert Allen they talk about H.O.T.S. which stands for Hare, Owl, Tortoise, and Squirrel, they are characteristics used to help sculpt the perfect team. Once you find your fit, do partner with people who fit into one of the others, and you’ll be well on your way to a strong foundation for success.

It’s also important to partner with people who have good ethical values and beliefs. That’s my deal breaker. If they don’t stand for what is right then regardless of how talented, smart, rich, or fun they may be, or how much money we could make together, I don’t do business with them. What draws the line in the sand for you? What’s your deal breaker? You may not realize your deal breaker until after you get to know the person, when you do realize it, I encourage you to stand behind whatever it is, pray about it and proudly walk away. God will soon bless you with the right partner, coach, mentor, and life time friend. This applies to all areas of your life, especially in personal relationships but that’s a whole other story.

When it all comes clear you figure out why you’re here. You soon realize you’re here to either Do something or Go somewhere. Either way there’s action. Who got you where you are right now, who’s taking you where you want to go or better yet, who are you taking with you? We all have people in our lives for a reason; it’s up to you to determine if that person adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides – to or from you. Knowing that will help determine why you’re here versus there. Where is there? That’s for you to define. It could be as big as reaching your lifetime goal or maybe just a move to another place regardless – you need to know. You need to plan. Plan ahead by preparing for the future, plan behind by learned from the past, regardless – make a plan. That will help you to plan for the now. What got you here today is what you will need to pull from to get you through the day. What choices have you made? What people are in your life? Who have you learned from? Who has crossed your path and given you inspiration?

I want to help you, so ask yourself these questions and answer with humility and honesty:

- What is my passion?
- What are my dreams?
- Am I living the life I've always dreamed?
- What is it that I want that I don't have?
- Do I hate being told what to do?
- Am I dependent upon someone else to take care of me?
- If I could have the perfect life, what would it look like?
- Do I feel at times that the weight of the world is on your shoulders?
- Do I feel at times you are so low that there's no way but up?
- Do I feel confined to you current situation?
- Am I sick and tired of being sick and tired?
- Am I happy?
- What am I doing to change this?

Now ask yourself:
- Why am I here?

I leave you with this: If you can’t fly – run. If you can’t run – walk. If you can’t walk – crawl. No matter what…just keep moving!!

© 2009 Porshea “PorsheaRae” Mitchell