Can you picture one of those medieval machines used to stretch and torture? Periodically I picture this terrible device and although I am in no physical pain whatsoever I still feel like I am being stretched on it. The level of suffering in my mind is consistent with the level of torture I imagine. Of course, this is all in my mind but if you have had a “stretching” project or task recently then you can relate to this feeling. As much as I dislike this feeling I know that it is necessary and I have learned to be more accepting of it. With out it, I am comfortable, content, and safe but I am not happy.
Think about what you consider your greatest accomplishments. Most likely they were anything but easy and may have involved a lot of work, sacrifice, and time. Often we hear people dream of having enough wealth to go “live on the beach and drink margaritas” but consider how boring and unfulfilling this would become. Think of the stories of famous wealthy people who are clearly unhappy and turning to drugs and alcohol to numb their lives; the abundance of money alone did not do it for them. There are also a lot of examples of famous wealthy people (Bono, Oprah) who are taking on projects that impact the world; they appear much more fulfilled by their success but they also lead much more complicated lives with challenging issues.
It is a big paradox that finding happiness and success in life involves this stretching that sometimes feels like torture. Problems and issues will always be part of our lives: small and petty problems equal a small and petty life while big problems and issues equate to living a big life. Strong and successful leaders know that problems, struggle, and fear are part of the equation and they learn to live with them. They push through the obstacles and do not let their comfort zones hold them back from taking on the big projects that are in line with their purpose, and they utilize their passions and strengths to make a difference.
I am preparing for a large project that has already stretched me and will involve a lot more stretching by the time I am done. Several times over the past month I have thought, “Why am I doing this to myself? It would be so much easier to be working on my business in the comfort of my office.” However, I have continued to push forward and I am learning to really enjoy this journey knowing that the impact will be significant, both on me and the young women that I will be working with in China. I will be facilitating a module on “Passions & Purpose” for the World Academy of Women located at SIAS University in Central China. The purpose of the World Academy is “to promote and accelerate the advancement of women worldwide” and the mission is “to engage women in discovering their purpose and passion in life and to inspire, inform, and instruct them in finding their path to success.” The program consists of eight modules delivered by facilitators each month of the academic year. Jerrie Ueberle, the President and founder of Global Interactions, a nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, is leading this project and she envisions expanding it to countries around the world. See her web site via the link for more information. This year is the first year of the Academy and it is a great honor to be part of the inaugural facilitator team.
My plan is to give updates in this blog as the project progresses over the next six weeks. Please comment to let me know what you think.
photo credits: Bobcatnorth, babasteve