I have been asked this question thousands of times because I walked away from a successful corporate career to follow my passion. No one understood when I explained I was living the life someone else designed.
When we live our lives by the design of others, we get caught up in their poor choices and toxic mindsets. However, when we are courageous and discover, and follow, our inner “calling”, our lives will take on new meaning and purpose, and it becomes apparent that success is defined within.
I learned that I must discover, define and design my life. Regardless of what society, the media, family, friends, co-workers, or colleagues say, it is up to me. When I learned to own my identity and control my thoughts, actions, behaviors, attitude, and beliefs, I experienced a powerful life shift.
For years, I was defined by others and validated by things. But when I released the stronghold of external “things”, I learned why I am here. I was not born by accident. There is an assignment that belongs to me that only I can accomplish. We are all born with assignments, and when we discover what it is, our entire life will shift, change, and re-arrange.
Our mindset will no longer focus on superficial tangible things. Our attitude, outlook, perspective, and energy level will shift. We stop making excuses, blaming others and circumstances. We suddenly realize why all the painful life experiences happened in their sequential order. The journey, image and vision for your life will suddenly become clear. As you begin to see your vision, you will embrace, embody, and become it. As you become one with the vision, your wisdom will begin to align with your words, thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Then you are ready to carry out your unique life assignment.
Living your purpose is your most powerful and successful life accomplishment. It gives your life meaning, fulfillment, joy, peace, and happiness that you cannot get from external sources. You shift from being self-conscious to self-confident. The light that shines within you will align with the universe, and everything you need will be supplied. As obstacles come, you will connect to your inner voice and receive the answers. You are never alone.
This is when you begin to know that success happens IN you before it happens TO you. Once you’ve made this life-changing discovery, you can now help others along the critical life journey of self-discovery. This is a journey we must all travel alone. There will be mentors, coaches, visionaries, and luminaries along the way to inspire, motivate, and elevate. But the journey belongs to you.
As we continue on our journey, there will be naysayers, obstacles, and even failures. But failure isn’t final – it is feedback. You will strive to be better each day along your journey. Fear will dissipate as you discover that F.E.A.R is simply Failure Expected and Received.
So, how do you define success?
Great read. Inspirational and true.
Thank you Jwan – your support means a lot!
Inspiring for sure! That definitely sounds like the type of mindset I want to have. Thank you Cathy Holloway Hill
Thank you Cory – I am living my passion, and that passion is helping people like you! 🙂
This is such a powerful article. Too many times we let others define our success. Cathy did an excellent job in this article of defining what success should be. The main thing that I took away from this article is that the journey belongs to me! I determine my own success! No one else decides that for me. This is an excellent article!
Thank You Cathy! I’m gonna share this with my son and others!
Crystal, my sister, that’s what we all need to do is share our wisdom with others because we are all connected, and when each one reaches one, THAT’s how we begin to change the world – one person at a time!
Great message, Cathy!
Thank you Cathy – I miss talking to you!
Great article. What you’ve described is a lifelong journey that most (unfortunately) don’t ever complete. The definition of success (and of oneself) is a key ingredient to leading a fulfilling life.
Jaison, you always support me, and I love you for that. YOU are also very gifted with your wisdom, and I’m always here to support you as well! xxxxoooxoxoxo
Great!
Thank you Chris, so glad you enjoyed it!
Good morning, and THANK YOU for your words. As I step into my own next “phase” of life, I can understand what you mean. I define “success” as having TRIED everything that i wanted to try… I wanted to try building a business – so I did! I wanted to try martial arts – so I did! I wanted to try writing a book – so I did! I wanted to try politics – so I AM! Your words, Ms. Cathy, have inspired me to continue to move forward and explore the talents that I have been blessed with. THANK YOU again for your encouraging words of wisdom!
Tasha, YOU are an inspiration to me; and you’re also a very VERY dear friend. Your support means more than you’ll ever know. I love you dearly!!!!! <3
Great article. I’m a firm believer in life by design.
Thank you Teresa! We can live by our own design or someone else’s, but designing our own lives according to our journey, passions, and life lessons will direct us toward our destiny!
That is the most inspirational article that I have read in years! It is strong, true, loving, and to the point (in a gentle and inspiring way). God has annointed this woman for greatness, as she even tries to help others! Outstanding Article!!!
Marisa, my dear BEST FRIEND, you’ve always been there for me, and I’ll always be there for you; and you know that’s all that needs to be said….because when the heart speaks, it says more than words can describe – I LOVE YOU!
Very inspirational
Thanks for the wake up call!
Terri, I love what you said about the “wake up call” because a lot of people sleep walk through life. I’m always here to help make a difference and I’m glad this article provided that for you 🙂
Cathy this is truly an inspiring message from you to me today, and I must say it is right on time. I woke up having some different feelings this morning. However God lead me to this link to read this. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
I needed this reminder to pick myself up and get back on track today. Because I am with God’s guidance coming to learn my life assignment. I can not wait to walk into it and all the things you mention above come into alignment and I operate in His will and to be the BEST me He has designed me to be. However on my journey I thank God for family and friends and most of all for you and what He has done in your life to allow you to help others be encouraged and inspired. You are the BEST, Keep doing what he has assigned you to do. You are SUPER at IT.
Gwen, “aka Sissy”, you KNOW i’m ALLLLLLLLWAYS here for you! nuff said…LOVE YOU MUCH!
This is a great formula for success. I love your definition of fear. After reading your example, I realize fear is not fatal as long as you don’t feed it! Thank you for your words of encouragement, each paragraph lifted my thoughts to move forward towards my own personal goals. You have no idea what you have done for me today. I’m moving forward – I was born to win!
Sis, you are a friend and sister in so many ways. I’m equally proud of you and all that you have accomplished and overcome. I’m always here for you! MUCH LOVE!
Perfect timing. I was feeling a bit blue this morning, largely due to a head cold. This blog post came at the perfect time for me to re-evaluate my day. Success is being able to take the time I need for what I need. Today, it’s tea, rest and repair.
Love the line ‘the journey belongs to you’…I’m taking as my affirmation for today.
Jacqueline, you are a beautiful soul, and I’m happy you’re taking time to re-fuel yourself! I believe timing is sync’d with our needs. Our Higher Power always knows exactly what we need and where to get it from. And today, you were sent here to receive this message. My heart is singing! 🙂
I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy and was instantly touched by her spirit and passion. Both of which I wanted to bottle and take home with me. I am so glad to see her continuing to share her words and encouragement with others. This is just what I needed today!
Yes M’am, I do remember meeting you, and I’m so glad our paths crossed. I’m always here for you!
Thanks Cathy for the inspiration. I understand what your are saying. I was a few years from retiring from my secure Federal job but walked away to pursue my passion, what I,m current doing…
Thank you Bob – we’ve gotta get you back on the radio show for another interview 🙂
This was an awesome read. Once I identified my purpose, it seemed like all hell broke loose. However, change is always met with friction and that is healthy. Many fear the friction, but if you can get through this period, you will live and manifest purpose. Be consistent!
Maurice Valentino
Maurice, all hell WILL break loose when you begin to walk into your destiny. You are obviously committed (not merely interested) because you’ve walked thru hell and came out victoriously. Bravo, and I’m proud of you!
So true! Too many live lives of “quiet desperation” because they’re allowing others to design their life. I appreciate this article because it supports me in staying my course, creating my life my way.
Inez, thank you for the encouraging words. YOU, my dear, are a brilliant soul with many gifts to bring to the world. So bring it on because the world needs you!
Cathy, this is Jennifer Smith. I have read this article and it is very inspiring and an article that should be shared with everyone! Thank you for sharing this article with me. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Jennifer, I am so glad the article added value to your day! 🙂
Inspiring thoughts. I like the idea that failure isn’t final it is feedback.
Thank you Sandie – too many times, we fall down and stay down, but it’s during those “down times” when we should rise up instead of giving up. Our life lessons are there to make us better, not bitter. Keep striving, and I’m here for you!
Living the life and destiny personally designed and directed by God is the path toward infinite happiness!
Yes Karen, you are absolutely right! It’s a feeling that can’t be described 🙂
I consider Cathy a visionary, luminary and a mentor. Always insightful and always inspirational. May you continue to walk in the anointing and the path God has destined for you! Best wishes my dear. So proud very proud and happy for you! Blessings & much success!
Thank you Kimberly – I AM truly blessed that God is using me for His purpose. As He continues to order my steps, I will continue to walk in the path for whatever He has orchestrated for my life! I’m here to support you always!
Thank you Kimberly! It’s people like YOU who make it all worthwhile when the obstacles and challenges come (and they will), but knowing that I’m making a difference is what give me joy and fulfillment!
Kimberly, I appreciate the kind encouraging words. I am always here to support you!
Every word and step this young lady takes is definitely a walk along the path of purpose-driven living. Cathy Holloway Hill is a bright light and gift to THE WORLD!
Thank you Lilly – your support means so much to me!
Once again Cathy breaks through with the truth.
Mike, you are sooooooooo very dear to me, and your friendship, support, and love mean more than you know. I’m always here for you my friend; and I pray we can talk soon!
Mike, you are VERY dear to me, and your support means more than you will ever know! xxxoxoxoxxoxox
Extremely powerful and insightful. As Oprah would say, “ah ha moment”! Love it!
Life is not complicated when you begin to understand it. The problem is that most of us are not aware that there is a divine design. Thanks Cathy for helping us to remember to remember that we are unique and we each have a calling that is embedded within us.
Kai, even though we’ve never met, I know in my spirit that we are connected by a powerful force that we both believe in and stand for. Your words and appreciation for my work are VERY much appreciated, and I look forward to meeting you live in living color one day soon! 🙂
I follow Cathy’s work all the time, and I knew this would be yet another great piece of writing; but OH MY GOODNESS! I was not prepared for the depth, insight, passion, and commitment that this article possessed! I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it a million more – THIS WOMAN WAS CALLED TO DO THIS AND SHE IS A GIFT TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE! My prayer is that she continues to have opportunities like this to share her brilliant wisdom! Thank you Inspire Me Today for granting US the opportunity, via your website, to connect with Cathy’s heart.
Thanks Cathy for more inspiring words for truth seekers.
Clara
Cathy, you and I have not met and this is the first time I’m reading your work. I must say our hearts and our minds are very aligned. I too, left my great paying, secure job to do what felt right and have followed my passion ever since. I love helping others awaken to their inner wisdom and am constantly learning from them about what’s important to me. This might sound like a contradiction, but what I really mean is that empowering others reminds me how important it is to be true to myself.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so openly and eloquently, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
Oh Debbie, thank you sooooooo much. That means a lot coming from someone who is new to my work. Please find me on facebook, and I hope to share more inspiring uplifting words with you! May God shine upon your life!
Great article Cathy. I am always inspired by you. It is good to confirm/inform that we can define our own success.
Essie, thank you for your support. I miss you all very much and hope to see you soon!
This is right on point! Many times we see the bigger picture and know our potential even without the support of others! Sometimes you just have to walk in faith, thanks for showing us the way Cathy!
Elizabeth, thank you for your kind words. I love sharing my words, work, and wisdom with the world, and it’s even better when people get value, joy, and peace from it! 🙂
This lady has a way with words to make non-believers truly BELIEVE that our lives do matter. Thank you
Al always Cathy you have amazing insight and inspiration!!
Oh Deb, you’ve always been in my corner from the start, and I hope you know I’M HERE FOR YOU TOO! xoxoxoxxxxxoxoxoxoox
What a amazing article! Success happens in you before it happens to you is such an eye opening statement. Thank you so much for having such a heart to grow our potential. 2014 is going to be such an amazing year!
Wonderful article, I agree.
Great piece of work. Very inspiring.
[…] I have been asked thousands of times because I walked away from a successful corporate career to follow my passion. No one understood when I explained I wa […]
OH MY GOD!!!!! I’m speechless by this amazing piece of work. All I can say is THANK GOD FOR CATHY HOLLOWAY HILL!
Cathy,
Excellent article! You’re always a source of true inspiration.
Brilliant and soulful… your insight motivates and creates self-reflection on the purpose of our true calling.
Great article! Something I’m going through now. Realizing that there is more to life than what I am doing now. Wanting to make a difference as well as make a living!
And we cross paths at a time in my life when I started changing my mindset. Thank you Cathy! Get article.
It is always a pleasure to read your inspiring contributions to this our human race. Thanks for your inspiration and depth of character.
Cathy, this is such a great article. Your words are so true and very wise. I learned this later in my life, but I really try to guide my grown kids in this direction. Living their passion now and following their inner instincts – not listening to what others tell them they “should” do! Loved your article, and I will share it.
It’s important to know what you really want to do and why you’re here. Wonderful reminder!
Cathy, Awesome article. I appreciate you sharing your insights and knowledge. Thanks for the reminder of reminding of where in life your focus should always be on.
Madgie
Thanks so much for the inspiration Kathy! You are truly wonderful and make such a positive difference for people!
This article goes deep into the essence of who, what and where we are in life. Cathy breaks it down in a magnificent way & it helps us understand why we can’t and don’t get ahead. THAAAANK YOU!
Cathy, you never cease to amaze me, and you definitely ALWAYS deliver powerful content right on time! I truly needed this confirmation that I’m on the right track in life. I have goals I’m trying to accomplish, and this article helped me put things in perspective! Thank you for all that you do in the Community and our Nation! God bless you.
Brilliance! JUST PURE BRILLIANCE! Thank you Inspire me Today for featuring this life-changing brilliant article, and thank you Cathy Holloway Hill for helping to enhance lives and enhance our world! We need to clone you so that we can stop the violence and give people help and hope in their lives!
This is individual has changed my life in the most tremendous way! When I was down and out full of despair, she came along and lifted me to a place where I’d never been. She is gifted, compassionate, and passionate about other people. She is truly one in a million!
This young lady should be world renowned & on every major speak circuit in the world!!!!
This is deep & insightful! Please keep this young lady in the forefront because she truly defines LUMINARY!!!!
Everytime I have an opportunity to witness the brilliance of Ms. Holloway Hill’s work, I’m amazed at her gifts. She has a unique ability to deliver the most life changing universal messages in a way that helps people to realize that life is more than just day to day mundane stuff. This is awesome!
BRILLIANCE AT IT’S FINEST! AND WOW!!!!! I NEEDED THIS
This brilliant soul has touched thousands of lives with her amazing keynotes, motivational presentations and Corporate training. I am fortunate enough to hear her on a regular basis, and every single time, she touches the depths of my soul. Congrats and keeping following your passions and living your purpose!
Cathy, thank you ever so kindly for this brilliance! YOU are a true Luminary!!!!!!!!
This is one of the best articles I’ve read to help understand why we need to own our lives along with the how’s and whys. Bravo!
Ms Holloway Hill has gifts like non-other & she’s a blessing to the world!
Too many times we focus on meaningless tangible stuff that nets us nothing but drama and trauma, but this truly bring life into perspective. This is a great depiction of who, what, where, and how we should exist in this life. Outstanding!!!!!!
WOW! Speechless!!!!!!!!!!
This is thought provoking to the million-th power!!!!!!!!
This young lady is a strong powerful voice for life enhancement! So very proud!
I recently starting following the work of this amazing soul, and I’m SO glad I did! She is truly something special and someone who knows how to use her God given gifts
I’ve read all the comments, and I agree with all that has been said – THIS is truly a very special individual who needs the biggest platform she can get to change our Communities and our Nation!
VERY DEEP, absolutely LOVE IT!!!
This is a SUPER great article! Truly did make me stop and think about my life!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh My GOD! Thank you soooooooooooo much, and I needed this TODAY!!!!!
I saw Ms. Holloway Hill’s post about her article, so I just had to come and read it, and I’m sure glad I did! I will be following her work all the time because she has a VERY unique way of getting deep into a person’s soul!!!! Thank you for listening to my comment
I’m also a new follower of Ms. Holloway Hill, and I saw her post on LinkedIN and wanted to check out her article, WOW! It far exceeded what I expected. I will be following her work very closely. Thank you for featuring this and helping me to realize her brilliance!
Not enough words in the english language to describe the depth and brilliance of this article. It truly reaches deep in the recessess of the mind, spirit, and soul! Awesome and amazing is what comes to mind after reading this!
This is something special! To be able to articulate the sequential order of life events and how/why our journey has occurred like it has is a rare and true gift! THIS lady is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you
BOOM! Too much power to take in all at once! Brilliant, magnificent, and exactly what (and WHO) this world needs!
This individual is someone that I would highly recommend you align yourself with. Look her up! Her work is amazing and so is her passion and desire to make a difference in the world. May God continue to bless you in all that you do!
ABSOLUTELY AMAAAAAAAAAAZING!!!!!!!!!
This goes beyond brilliance; this is an individual who truly understands what life is about and “LISTENS” to the Creator and the Universe! Thank God her passion is to help others because we need it!
This was the most inspiring, exciting, eye opening article I think I have ever read. You basically simplified what life is all about in a beautifully written article. I can’t tell you how inspired, and empowered I feel right now. I think I need to read this every morning and every evening. I need to read every article you have written, you are a brilliant woman. Thank you for figuring this out and for giving us your gift! It was well received (I have never seen so many comments for an article)
Thank you Christene! It makes my heart smile when my work touches people deep in their Soul. Our toxic world needs more love, hope, peace, passion & purpose!