Investing in yourself can yield huge dividends

One of the most challenging things we deal with as individuals is finding or identifying our life’s purpose. Many people believe they have to find their purpose, not understanding that their purpose is built into who they are – written in our DNA.

Our purpose is as unique as we are; one of a kind, rare and valuable. It’s not based on our title, position, race or association; it is based on what we were created to do, based on our Creator. Our Purpose is hidden in the Gifts, Talents, Desires and Dreams that are in us.

Sometimes, our purpose could be a diamond in the rough. It may have to go through a refining before it becomes useful or valuable. All through my childhood and into adulthood, I stuttered so badly I couldn’t say ‘My name is Sharon,’ without stuttering through every word. I was teased, ignored, and bullied; I had no friends. I felt alone, rejected, angry and broken. I often asked God why He made me broken. I didn’t realize that I was a diamond in the rough. Every time I was bullied, not chosen or left out of a game, or activity, I reminded myself that someday things would be different; that someday I will be able to speak without stuttering.

‘Failure is the price we pay to find our purpose.’

One way to identify your purpose is to follow your good desires, turn your mess into a message, and your lack into a lesson. What are your good desires? My subconscious desires to be loved, accepted, and included led me to learn all I can about speaking and communicating. I knew that I was meant for more than the way I felt – broken. So I followed my good desires. I say ‘good desires’ because another part of me wanted revenge against the bullies who had hurt me, but I didn’t allow those negative emotions to consume me. What I really wanted was to be accepted and feel loved and included. Today, when I interact with people, my desire is to make them feel loved, cared for, and accepted.

The challenges of our lives can mold us and help us identify our purpose or lead us in the wrong direction. Today, I am a professional speaker, business consultant, coach and trainer. I host a weekly online broadcast, and I have hosted two hour-long live radio broadcasts, in Cleveland and in New York, and did them without stuttering. When people ask me how I overcame my stuttering, I tell them: “I made an investment in me.”

Many people believe that their greatest investment is their real estate or their investment in the stock market; but the greatest investment any of us can ever make is in ourselves, to learn and grow. Today as I help people, businesses, and communities, I know that part of my purpose is to speak life into them, and show them how to live, lead; find their purpose and impact their world.

Another way to identify your purpose is to identify those things you’re naturally good at, refine them and be the best in that area. This could be challenging sometimes, because we so often take our natural talents for granted. Family and friends may even tease us, or make us feel badly about our good natural abilities. Most often, when people attempt to put you down, they are responding to their own insecurities. But remember, people may not always like your heritage, religion, face, or your race, but absolutely no one can take your place.

As we celebrate black history this month, strive to identify your purpose and become excellent. Excellence knows no color. Pursue what you’re good at; allow your creativity to guide you. You have a great opportunity during this time of the COVID pandemic to be creative, find solutions and become excellent – all it takes is one idea. Re-examine those things you’re naturally good at – it could be an indication of your purpose.

Here are a few things to remember about your purpose: Your purpose is not your job, or your goals, although they can be steps toward accomplishing your purpose. Our purpose never changes, but we go through seasons of change as we aspire to accomplish our purpose. I read a dictionary and the Bible to learn to enunciate words without stuttering; that was a season.

Finally, failure is necessary in finding our purpose. How to fail successfully is not taught in school, but it’s one of the most valuable lessons we can learn in life. Most successful people failed their way into their purpose and success. Failure reveals our passion for our purpose. 

Sharon A. Joseph, DPM,  is a Business Management Consultant, Coach, Broadcaster and Trainer of Trainers. Reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 440.497.0172.