AGAINST THE ODDS: The Perseverance of Purpose

AGAINST THE ODDS: The Perseverance of Purpose

By Dr. Heather Hetheru Miller

Good Day Good People!

Backstory

When a passion is planted within you—an INSPIRED idea—and you accept it with all of your heart, there is a very dynamic human struggle that ensues. Typically, our purpose, as clear as the nose on your face, will impact the lives of others. The impact is usually designed to change their lives for the better! There is a price to pay and greater rewards to be gained when you decide to pursue this passion, this inspired idea, and make it reality.

As one called to this work, it is a tireless pursuit of connections and complaints, promises and disappointments, sacrifices and circumstances—many out of your personal control. You often seek the support, comfort, and resources of those you love, and who love you. But unlike the commitment to your walk, their support tends to have an expiration date. The reality of their world and the possibility of yours don’t always align.  In fact, only 13% of people worldwide feel engaged in their work. (Gallup, 2023)  That means nearly 9 out of 10 people are not walking in purpose—which makes your journey both rare and necessary. 

You MUST have faith and they NEED evidence! You MUST persevere even though the odds are against you!  “NOW Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)  “The LAW of Attraction is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on.” Or “All thoughts turn into things eventually.” – based on theLawofAttraction.com

INTENTION of Actions

NOW Faith has been repackaged under the Law of Attraction. For some, the Law is more palatable and popular due to exposure from The Secret and other philosophies. While the basis for our expected results is similar, the process is quite different. This is not about judgment or religion; it is about believing and knowing that what you hold in your heart and thoughts to be true can be manifested as reality. Your purpose is no exception.  Holding true to your purpose is holding a thought for more than yourself. We often do this—against the odds.  Over 52% of purpose-driven individuals report frequent or constant burnout. (McKinsey Health Institute, 2022)  25% of entrepreneurs say they often feel lonely and unsupported. (Harvard Business Review, 2018) These numbers reveal the emotional toll of living on-purpose. Walking in purpose demands everything—and can leave you feeling like you’re walking alone, even when surrounded by others.

The burden is heavier and the cost is high. Purpose may steal time with loved ones, cause financial depletion, demand sacrifices you never expected, and strip away every illusion of pride or control. There is no illusion about whether it is easy or difficult—because there are moments of both.  And still, purpose adds life to your years.  People with a strong sense of purpose live up to 7 years longer and report a 63% lower risk of disease. (Hill & Turiano, JAMA Psychiatry, 2014; National Institute on Aging)  Purpose doesn’t just sustain your spirit—it protects your body.

SOLUTIONS for Consideration

Our world, our families, our communities did not get this way overnight (it happened over generations)—and it will take all of us, moment by moment, to change it. Those of us walking in our purpose are the signposts that change is already here.

But many of us fall under the weight of fulfilling our purpose because those closest to us feel the impact of our pursuit—emotionally, financially, even spiritually—and we often feel forced to choose. To choose between our faith and the appearance (or lack) of success. To choose between the calling and the comfort.  70% of trauma is passed generationally—but just ONE person can stop that cycle permanently. (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2021)  Your walk in purpose is not just your journey—it’s a generational healing assignment. You are the interruption to cycles that have lasted for centuries.

Without men and women of purpose taking the necessary steps to fulfill their calling, our world will continue to spiral out of control. We are witnessing a shift—not for us to judge or doubt—but to encourage.  There are 5 sure ways to encourage a man or woman of purpose:

1. Provide financial support (a healthy vehicle for your tithes and offerings).

2. Remove the obstacles you see are in their way.

3. Testify that someone is doing something to address the issues that affect you.

4. Find your purpose.

5. Acknowledge their efforts.

Each inspired individual can positively impact over 1,000 lives during their lifetime. (Stanford PACS, 2016)  One purpose-filled life multiplies—impacting generations you’ll never meet. Imagine if we all stepped into our purpose?  Through my purpose, I found the meaning of MY life. I found true LOVE. I learned how to desire wisdom and temper it with knowledge. I learned how to be a woman, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a wife, and a Personal Change Coach. I learned to heal, to forgive, to embrace tolerance and creativity—and to remove judgment. But most importantly, I learned that there is so much more to learn.

I persevere against ALL odds.  Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in America, increasing by 164% over the last decade. (American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, 2019; Harvard Business Review)  This is no accident. Purpose-driven women—especially Black women—are not only breaking ground, we are changing the game.

RESOURCES:

Books by Heather Hetheru Miller available on Amazon; Woman of Purpose: Walking the Path

Workshops; From Secret to Sacred for God-Centered Women | The Secret Chamber

Visit  www.yourinspiredjourney.com to learn more!

…Let the Journey Continue!

 Citations & References

1. Gallup. (2023). State of the Global Workplace Report.

2. McKinsey Health Institute. (2022). Addressing employee burnout: Are you solving the right problem?

3. Harvard Business Review. (2018). Loneliness and Leadership: The Hidden Human Cost of Running a Business.

4. Hill, P.L., & Turiano, N.A. (2014). Purpose in Life as a Predictor of Mortality Across Adulthood. JAMA Psychiatry.

5. National Institute on Aging. (2021). Purpose in Life and Cognitive Health in Aging.

6. Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child. (2021). Toxic Stress and the Science of Resilience.

7. Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS). (2016). Ripple Effects of Leadership.

8. American Express. (2019). State of Women-Owned Businesses Report.

9. Harvard Business Review. (2020). Black Women: Ready to Lead, Overlooked by Business.

10. The Law of Attraction. Retrieved from www.thelawofattraction.com

11. The Bible, Hebrews 11:1 (New International Version)