Have You Ever Felt Lost?
Now, you're probably wondering, "Is this about you, Tess?" No, it's about us. Reflect on the occasions when you felt like you didn't know what you were doing, where you were headed, or what your life is all about. Think about those situations where somebody asked, "Who are you?" And you had no idea how to answer that. You probably repeated this very same question to yourself silently.
I Thought I Knew It All... Until I Didn’t
I used to think I knew myself. I used to think I had it all figured out: my mission, vision, long-term goals, strengths, and weaknesses. I used to think, "Wow, girl, you're a rockstar. Smart, ambitious, goal-oriented, and a hard worker." And then tragedy hit (domestic abuse, homelessness, etc). Let me tell you, stuff like that affects you deeply, in a way you can't explain. I lost myself completely. I would walk around looking like I knew what I was doing, but I had not the slightest idea. So, I started asking myself, if you knew yourself so well, how come it's so hard for you to find a path back to her?
Since leaving that godforsaken relationship, I've been winging it until recently, when the fog started lifting. I used to feel like I was everything and nothing at the same time, especially because I wear so many hats that I can't even define myself.
Everything and Nothing at the Same Time
"Tess, are you a biostatistician, a web developer, a YouTuber, a mentor/coach, a content strategist? Who are you?"
And then I concluded, I am everything and nothing.
Maybe you’ve felt that way too, like you’re juggling so many roles, trying to meet everyone’s expectations, and in the end, not really sure who you are or what direction you’re heading in. And usually this happens when you realise you are failing at everything.
Breaking Through the Confusion
When I first started this entrepreneurship thing, I didn’t really have a clear plan or vision. I was just trying to survive. I was just doing what felt right in the moment. I didn't fully understand how or why I was achieving what I did. But lately, I’ve been feeling this struggle even more. My content, my roles, and the goals I had set for myself felt scattered like rolling in several directions at the same time.
And then I had a breakthrough. I realized that all these roles I’ve been playing: creator, transcriptionist, entrepreneur, writer, coach, strategist, aren’t just random pieces of my life. They all fit together under one mission:
Helping others achieve financial freedom and personal growth through storytelling. That’s who I am, and that’s what I’m here to do.
It’s so easy to lose sight of your true mission when tragedy hits or when you’re focused on the day-to-day hustle. I realized that defining my vision:
To create a world where individuals can take control of their financial destiny and live fulfilling lives, no matter their background, is what ties everything together for me.
And suddenly, everything made sense. The content I create, the products I sell, and the stories I tell all stem from that one vision. It doesn't matter what title I give myself; this is the core of everything.
I’m sharing this because maybe you’ve felt this way too, like you’re trying to be so many things but aren’t sure what it all adds up to. Despite your titles and achievements, you still feel like nothing. I want you to know that it’s okay to feel lost, but it’s also okay to step back, reflect, and redefine your path. That’s part of your growth.
So, this didn't happen overnight. I spiraled and spiraled, but trying to answer these questions helped me reflect.
What do I wake up wanting to achieve every day?
What’s the one thing that motivates me when life gets chaotic?
What kind of future do I want to create for myself and the people I love?
What kind of impact do I want to leave behind?
What steps can I take to start living up to my mission and vision?
The easiest answer is often the right one; don't overthink it.
