How To Reach Your Full Potential

And know you are on the right path along the way

December 20, 2020. I published my first piece on Medium, thinking about “What am I doing here?”

I recently had a revelation that life is not about a destination; rather, the journey along the way. Truly accepting that while some milestones in life may be perceived as “destinations” they are simply rest stops along the way became life-changing.

The perceived “destinations” are a gift to stop, reflect and take in the view.

Much of my life has transformed over the last three (-four) years, beginning with a bold step to return to school and complete my Masters degree. This step engaged my whole family to make sacrifices as I studied and worked — often from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. six days a week, with a few hours reserved on Sundays for family time.

As I graduated, a new job opportunity presented. I left a job I had been at for nearly twenty years and stepped into so much that was unknown. This opportunity was closer to home; in hindsight, perhaps a calling to make up for time with my family that I had lost while studying.

Hindsight and not obvious — as this transition caused many sleepless nights and let so much self-doubt creep in. There have been many days where imposter syndrome runs high. There have been others where I find my stride and, in turn, my confidence. In all honesty, finding confidence for the first time — ever.

The latter sensation is an affirmation that the decision to change careers was the right one on so many levels.

In between these changes, my husband and I went “all in” to homeschool our children, withdrawing them from the traditional brick and mortar school just before COVID-19 transformed things on another level.

The transition to home school exclusively has not been easy; however, it’s been incredibly rewarding. I can share that my children are thriving — so, I don’t need to look far to understand just how “right” this decision was for the kids and our family.

The last few years have been a journey; here I am:

Working close to home — my commute is a ten-minute walk (as opposed to an hour and twenty-minute drive).

When not in the office, I spend some time living in a trailer.

And, writing on Medium is a daily habit — a new, literal and figurative, chapter in my life.

Medium and this community have provided a space to connect and translate some of my convoluted thoughts into more meaningful and, hopefully, articulate (at least once in a while), ideas.

As luck would have it, I am earning money as I enjoy this hobby — which is incredibly surreal. My earnings doubled last month; my readership seems to have grown considerably— thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and readership.

I am using half of my Medium earnings to support local organizations: making a regular contribution seemed like a far-off dream — my readers are making this dream a reality.

You are making a difference — more than you know.

When the Girl Guides knock on the door, I no longer have to say “sorry” because I don’t have a penny to spare after supporting my children’s developmental needs. My family already scrimps to do that: heck, my kids share a room so we can rent out space to an exchange student and afford their activities.

By assigning some of my Medium earnings to this purpose, I have further motivation to achieve more than I thought possible… I am tapping into my potential.

So, how to reach your potential AND know you are on the right path?

Be present on the journey and don’t lose sight of your purpose.

I am grounded in my purpose of creating a safe space for my children to ALWAYS come back to, which informs every decision I make. By tuning into my moral compass and letting it guide me, with hard work and dedication, I am discovering my potential.

Potential, as a noun, is the abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness.

What is your untapped potential?

To tap into your potential, you need a growth mindset that evolves as you do.

Do not let the memories or past experiences limit your future.

Learn from your experiences because challenge and adversity remind you of who you are — deep into your core:

“Storms hit your weakness, but unlock your true strength.” ― Roy T. Bennett

Do you believe in your infinite potential? I do.

Sabrina Johnson invites your thoughts on her piece discussing the live-to-work or work-to-live crisis, which may provide unique considerations as you reflect on your potential. Read her piece here:

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