"What's something you've always wanted to do but never said out loud?" It was 2017, and that one casual question from a friend completely changed the trajectory of my life and work.
We're often told to follow a scripted path: graduate, secure a stable job, climb the corporate ladder, get married, have children, and somehow, happiness will follow. In my 20s, I diligently pursued this traditional route, striving for success and fulfillment. But my friend's question prompted me to question the very definition of success. Was I truly on my own path, or was I chasing someone else's dream?
For years, I had dreamed of living in Paris and starting a business that helped others realize their full potential. Yet, I never imagined I would need to discover my own potential first. Six months after that pivotal conversation, I boarded a one-way flight to Paris, with only enough savings to last six months. I had no concrete plan, no clear goals beyond a deep-seated desire to break free from the monotony of my life.
Amidst countless croissants and leisurely café strolls, I stumbled upon the concept of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that emphasizes finding purpose and meaning in life by aligning what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. In Paris, I was unknowingly living this philosophy.
As I shared my journey of self-discovery and ikigai on Instagram, I was surprised by the overwhelming response. My story resonated with countless others who were questioning traditional notions of success and seeking a more fulfilling path. What began as a personal exploration quickly evolved into a community of individuals yearning for a life that defied societal expectations.
But how could I transform this passion into a sustainable career? I considered blogging, but it didn't feel like a truly authentic way to connect with people. My love for travel and my desire to inspire others led me to envision hosting events around the world, speaking at conferences, and building a global community of like-minded individuals. While I had a clear vision, the steps to achieve it were still hazy.
Looking back, the path to clarity seems so much simpler. I founded The Bravo Life to support entrepreneurs in finding clarity in their vision and transforming their experiences into purpose-driven businesses that serve others. Through retreats, courses, and one-on-one coaching, I help my clients turn their ideas into thriving enterprises that reflect their unique passions and values.
Here are the key steps I ultimately followed to align my passion with a successful business:
- Discover What the World Needs: As my following grew, so did the messages from people who resonated with my journey. They were successful on paper but longed for something more. This revealed a clear market demand for guidance and support in creating meaningful careers.
- Discover What You Can Be Paid For: Drawing on my corporate marketing experience, I began consulting for European brands to generate income while developing my new venture. This provided a financial cushion as I worked towards building a sustainable business.
- Discover What You Are Good at: By taking entrepreneurship courses and learning about online business strategies, I developed the skills necessary to create and grow a successful venture.
- Discover What You Love: I started small, hosting online workshops and offering one-on-one coaching. As I helped clients transform their ideas into reality, I realized my true passion for supporting others on their entrepreneurial journeys.
- Fully Realize Your Own Ikigai: Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey filled with self-doubt, risk, and setbacks. However, the rewards are immense. By persevering through the challenges and staying true to my vision, I was able to build a business that not only fulfills me but also helps others find their own paths to fulfillment.
So, what's something you've always wanted to do but never said out loud? It's time to start asking yourself that question and taking the leap toward creating a life that truly reflects your passions and values.