My wife, Julie and I recently took a week vacation in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. After breakfast, we’d do a light workout, lounge by the pool, people watch (always entertaining), and enjoy an afternoon walk on the beach. On our final walk of the vacation, Julie said, “Steve, isn’t it great that we’ve set up a life we don’t need to escape from?”

How many people do you know that take a vacation to escape a life they despise or regret?

My shift occurred several years ago when I realized I wasn’t working… I was called. Every day, I wake up knowing that my calling (or purpose) is to inspire and add value to leaders lives so they can multiply empowerment to those they serve.

I don’t think Thomas Edison was motivated to work; I think he was motivated to invent.

I don’t think Mother Teresa was driven to work for the poor of the forgotten; I think she woke up every morning called to be the compassionate hands of God to the broken and lonely.

I don’t think Martin Luther King, Jr. marched, preached, or was motivated by a paycheck; I think he felt destined, driven and was called to stand in the gap and challenge indignities and inspire a better human spirit.

Imagine if we rose each day feeling a calling of purpose for what we do….

My father owned and operated Tom’s Pancake House for thirty years. He was asked what motivated him and his answer was simple yet profound, “I have a calling. Each day I get to serve and touch 400-500 people at Tom’s. Many of whom are sad or facing difficulty. Sometimes when I pour them coffee and we chat, I’m able to lift them up and they walk out feeling better.” That’s called purpose.

I encourage you to look at your life and your work differently. Turn your work into a calling – in small and dynamic ways. Always remember that you matter. Vacations are wonderful but you don’t need to escape your life when you are living your purpose.

I think that’s something we each can aspire to do. There’s nothing like doing what you were created for.

Here’s to your calling!
– Steve