We often attribute humility to the point of self-erasure; we are taught to downplay our achievements and dim our light. We’re told not to “brag” or to “be too much.” But what if honouring your inner strength is about being authentic instead of feeling arrogant?

It’s time we reject the limiting belief that we must hide our genuine selves to be considered “humble” or “likeable.” Instead, we must share our gifts and talents with pride because this is the most authentic way to express ourselves and help others.   

Do Not Dim Your Light! You Are Remarkable Just the Way You Are.

You are powerful, and you are abundant beyond measure. Your inner light is a gift to be shared. The world doesn’t need you to be smaller—it needs you to be fully, unapologetically, and radiantly you.

When you dim your light, you are not just doing a disservice to yourself; you are robbing the world of your unique contribution.

The Fear of Being “Too Much” Follows Everyone.

This fear is a common shadow that is often invisible. We worry that our joy, our achievements, or our confidence will make others uncomfortable. So, we make ourselves smaller to fit in, to avoid judgment, or to protect the fragile egos of those around us.

This habit of self-diminishment is a form of self-sabotage. It holds you back from pursuing your biggest dreams, speaking your deepest truths, and embracing the full scale of your purpose. It’s the silent agreement to play a supporting role in your own life story instead of being the star.

Your strength, your wisdom, and your light are meant to be expressed.

What Does it Mean to Genuinely Shine?

When you fully embody the heart-centered leaders’ principles, your light is everything but being loud, boastful, or self-centered. It’s about being radiantly authentic. It’s a state of being where you are so comfortable in your own skin and so connected to your core truth that it becomes a visible, powerful force.

It’s the feeling you get when you’re around someone who is fully in their power—they aren’t trying to be impressive, they simply are. They have a quiet confidence that comes from deep self-acceptance. They are not afraid to be vulnerable, to be messy, or to be different, and that very vulnerability is where the shine comes from.

It Means:

• Celebrating your wins, big and small, with gratitude and joy.
• Speaking your truth in rooms where your voice has been silent.
• Sharing your gifts and your understanding generously, without the fear of being “too much.”
• Standing in your power and not shrinking when faced with criticism or doubt.

Your vibrational energy, your ideas, and your unique presence are a form of abundance. When you fully step into who you are, you create a cause and effect that is purposeful and positively impactful. When this mindset becomes part of your make, you let your heart-centered leadership ability to inspire others to do the same, and you attract opportunities and people who are aligned with your core values, desires, and innate beliefs.

You Are Abundant Beyond Measure.

Your value is not tied to your productivity, your bank account, or what others think of you. Your worth is inherent. You are a powerful, creative force, and your capacity for love, joy, and success is infinite.

The act of shining your light is an act of trust—trust that you are enough, that you possess unique gifts that are needed, and that there is more than enough space for everyone to thrive.

So, the next time you feel the urge to hide or to hold back, remember this:

Your Voice, Your Story, Your Experience are Your Unique Gifts, and there are People Waiting for You to Share.

Self-doubt is a shadow that follows so many of us, especially when we’re about to do something courageous. We look at what others are doing and hear that little voice say, “Who am I to do this?” or “Is my idea even needed?” This is a myth we’ve all been sold—that we must be different or “more” to make a difference.

The truth is you are the missing piece.

Your unique blend of experiences, passions, and perspectives is a contribution only you can make. The world is a beautiful, intricate puzzle, and no matter how many other pieces try to fit into your spot, they’ll never be a perfect match. Your purpose is not about striving to be someone else; it’s about acknowledging and accepting the remarkable human being you already are.

We’ve Been Conditioned to Believe that there’s a Secret Formula to Realize Our Dreams.

That we have a missing skill, or a special connection that will magically unlock our potential. This belief keeps us in a cycle of seeking, striving, and self-criticism. We become so focused on finding the “missing piece” that we overlook the one we already have: ourselves.

This constant search for external validation or a perfect plan is not only exhausting but also a form of self-sabotage. It prevents us from taking the very steps that would prove our worth. You might be putting off starting that business, writing that book, or launching that project because you’re waiting for a sign, for more money, for a certification, or for someone else’s approval. You’re waiting to feel “ready.”

Shifting from Seeking to Seeing.

What if you stopped looking for the missing piece and started to see that you are the whole puzzle? What if you entertained the idea that your purpose isn’t something to be found, but something to be expressed? This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being authentic.

Your Experiences Are Your Superpowers.

Your journey, every twist and turn, has equipped you with a unique set of perspectives. The challenges you’ve overcome, the knowledge you’ve gained, the lessons you’ve learned, and the empathy you’ve developed are your greatest assets. They are the foundation of how you can contribute to positive change and help others.

Think about a time you had a conversation that felt completely natural. That’s your flow, your zone of genius. It’s born from a lifetime of learning and living, and it’s something no one can replicate.

Everyone’s Path is Different, and Everyone’s Contribution is Needed.

Comparison is the thief of joy and the architect of self-doubt. The moment you start measuring your journey against someone else’s highlight reel, you lose sight of your own progress and purpose. Your path is unique, and there are people waiting for that very special solution, only you can deliver. Instead of asking, “Who am I to do this?” start saying, “No one else on the planet can do my thing like I can.”

I am the perfect example to this. There are no shortage of people doing what I do, and many are doing amazing things, but no one will ever do ‘my thing’ in the exact same way I can. The moment I started believing this is when things started to unfold for me.

Your Unique Voice, Your Inner Wisdom, and Your Genuine Heart are Needed.

Your purpose was never about being a carbon copy of someone else’s story. It’s ab out showing up as you are, with all your beautiful imperfections and sharing your gifts, talents, and experiences.

This shift in mindset is where your freedom lies—the freedom to stop striving and start being. It’s the freedom to move from a place of fear to a place of trust. Trust in your abilities, in your worth, and that you are already enough, because you are! So, the next time that little voice of self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself of this very powerful truth: You are not missing a piece. You are the piece. And your journey, your purpose and your impact, begins the moment you believe it. 

How Does this Post Make You Feel?

Every journey begins with an act of courage. A quiet act that is intentional and inspired. It’s the willingness to believe in something that others can’t yet see, and trust that whisper, even when it’s saying something different from what you thought you “should” be doing.

When you start to take inspired action from that place of inner knowing, everything shifts. You begin to align with an energetic flow that attracts the right people, the right resources, and the right opportunities. Your purpose-driven impact is not about a perfectly executed plan; it’s about being brave enough to tune in and take those consistent, small, courageous steps forward.

We all have a story filled with twists and turns. The triumphs, the heartbreaks, the moments we felt lost—we often see them as disconnected chapters. But what if every single one of those experiences was a part of your own personal purpose? What if they were all guiding you, unknowingly, toward this very moment in time.

Your past is not a collection of random events; it’s a roadmap. It has prepared you with unique wisdom, empathy, and resilience that no one else has. The challenges you overcame have given you a superpower, and the things that brought you joy are pointing you toward your authentic self. Your purpose isn’t something you find; it’s something you recognize when you tune into your heart and give it your full attention.

The Moment We Stop Trying to Fit into Society.

In a world that screams for big, dramatic gestures, the most powerful act of courage is often a quiet, internal one. It’s the moment you say “yes” to your own intuition, even when it doesn’t make logical sense. This is the moment you stop trying to fit into a mold and start to live from your own unique blueprint.

This isn’t about quitting your job tomorrow or making a huge, life-altering leap. It’s about taking one small, inspired action today. Maybe it’s dedicating 15 minutes to that creative project you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s having a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Or maybe it’s giving yourself permission to feel your way forward instead of thinking your way forward.

When you consistently honor these small acts of courage, you build a bridge between where you are and where you are meant to be. Each step strengthens your belief in yourself and creates a powerful momentum that moves you out of fear and into alignment.

Our Past Experiences Refine Who We Are Today.

We often carry our past hurts as burdens, but what if we reframed them as blessings? The moments of pain and struggle have not defined you; they have refined you. They have built your character, developed your compassion, and equipped you with the resilience needed to face what’s next.

Think about the lessons you’ve learned from past failures. Those lessons are invaluable. They are the insights that will allow you to guide others through similar challenges. The empathy you developed through personal heartbreak is exactly what will make your message so powerful and resonant. Your story, with all its messy, imperfect parts, is your most compelling offering and solution for positive change.

Move Beyond the “To-Do” into a “To-Be” List.

Many of us approach our purpose as another item on a to-do list. We check off boxes, follow a prescribed path, and measure our success by external metrics. But true purpose is about who you are being, more so than what you are doing.

It’s about being brave enough to show up authentically. Being courageous enough to be vulnerable. Being so aligned with your inner truth that your actions become a natural extension of who you are. This is the flow state—the point where effort and purpose merge into a seamless, joyful experience.

Your purpose is not found in a grand plan; it is revealed in the small, consistent acts of self-trust.

So What is One Small, Courageous Step You Can Take Today to Believe in the Path Your Heart is Guiding You On?

I was taught to copy my way to success in business. “Find a few successful business models who are succeeding in the way you hope in the coaching and consulting industry,” they said. This was called R & D, but it didn’t stand for Research and Development. As I remember it, it meant “Rob and Duplicate”—see something that’s working and replicate it to achieve the same or better results. So many amazing and talented people, to this day, struggle with an identity crisis, and I think this “Rob and Duplicate” mentality is a big reason why.

While seemingly practical on the surface, this approach often leads to a lack of genuine identity. You become a patchwork of borrowed traits, and while you might experience fleeting moments of victory, it’s ultimately unsustainable. You’re playing a character, not living your truth. This disconnect between your actions and your authentic self can lead to burnout, disillusionment, and a nagging feeling that something is missing. You may look successful on the outside but lack the inner fulfillment that comes from truly owning who you are and the unique gifts and talents you bring.

So, how do you break free from this cycle of imitation and pave your own path?

It starts with understanding that true success isn’t about mimicking someone else’s blueprint. It’s about discovering your own. It’s about digging deep to uncover your unique strengths, passions, and values, and then creating a solution that reflects those core elements. Sure, look at what others are doing, but don’t stop there. Don’t just copy.

That dream you hold in your heart would not exist if you didn’t have what it takes thrive with it.

The most important questions you can ask yourself are: “What makes me, me?” “What kind of impact do I want to make?” and “What is it about the work I do that lights me up?”

Once you have a clearer understanding of your authentic self, you can move away from identity crisis and into experiencing a new reality that resonates and aligns more with who you are. This isn’t about creating a persona or putting on a mask. It’s about fully embodying the truest version of yourself—the person you were always meant to become.

It’s about letting your authenticity shine through in everything you do.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about identity shifts and creating new realities. This has led me to examine how I’m showing up for the people I help, for my family, and even for myself. As these thoughts and feelings have evolved, I’ve realized that I am an Impact Activator, and I need to show up as a heart-centered leader, not as the “Girl Friday” I used to be.

For me, it was about fully embodying the Impact Activator identity. This is who I was meant to be, but this identity was often overshadowed by the pressure to do business as usual, like everyone else.

Here’s what I’ve learned, and I sincerely hope it helps you move from identity crisis to a new, resonant reality, bringing you to a next-level identity that allows you to make the impact you were born to make.

From Identity Crisis to Experiencing A New Reality.

From the belief system you hold about what you want to achieve, to how you are showing up in life and for the people you want to help, to who you are being daily—all these combined do the following three things:

• Bring inspiration and create new ideas.
• Shift perspectives and identities.
• Vibrate at the highest frequency, making it easier to connect with others.

Then, and only then, no matter what, will you achieve all that you want and more in your life.you want and more in your life.

If you are an entrepreneur or a CEO with a special cause, and you feel like you have what it takes to make a bigger impact but aren’t sure how to get noticed for the incredible work you do, I invite you to explore the Beyond ‘Biz’ Experience. It’s an inspiring online space where passion meets purpose, and every interaction brings you closer to turning your dream into a thriving reality! You may also want to join me for a virtual cup of coffee. Click the link below to grab a spot on my calendar.

In a world that often glorifies the hustle, there’s a significant shift happening. A shift that encourages the idea of “Choosing To Work Smarter Not Harder.” This concept challenges the traditional belief that success is determined by the number of hours we put in. Instead, this shift invites us to reevaluate our approach and question the effectiveness of our efforts. It encourages us to seek out strategies that maximize productivity and results.

“Choosing To Work Smarter Not Harder.” isn’t about cutting corners or avoiding hard work. It’s a call to take inspired actions while we tap into our resources and leverage our gifts, talents, and strengths. To optimize our actions to achieve our goals with greater efficiency and purpose.

There is a more proactive way to do our work. A Beyond ‘Biz’ approach that welcomes a new way of working, bringing us closer to success. All the while preserving our well-being and balance.

Imagine achieving more in less time without exhausting yourself.

That’s the essence of “choosing to work smarter, not harder.” Instead of working longer, this idea focuses on finding better ways to get things done. It’s about using your strengths and strategies to reach your goals efficiently.

Let’s explore how this approach can lead to success without burning out. I can tell you from experience that burning out is not a badge of honour; choosing to work smarter, not harder, is!

Getting started on the path to financial success is exciting, especially if you’re new to it all. As business owners, we have many ideas and things to do, which can feel exciting and sometimes overwhelming. The journey ahead is like a blank canvas where our dreams and ambitions take shape. It’s a chance to turn our concepts into reality, to transform our dreams into tangible achievements.

However, in the thick of this excitement, including a strategy that works intuitively and in alignment is key. This will provide a clear plan that guides us through the countless choices and possibilities.

Without a solid roadmap, even the most promising ideas can become scattered fragments, diluting our focus and slowing our progress. Relying solely on the endless hustle may not be the best as we step into this realm of opportunity.

Let’s break that down and see how you can find the right balance for an effective business and entrepreneurial journey:

1. Going Beyond Hard Work.

When you’re just starting, it’s important to recognize that more effort is necessary in the beginning stages. This is to establish the foundation for reaching your desired income. But if you want to go even further to reach higher levels of success, you need to think differently. Choosing to work harder isn’t the only solution. I believe there is a limit to how much one person can do. There is a cap on how much a person can earn by working hard. Don’t get me wrong, there is no limit to the success you can achieve. From personal experience, I always advise to keep an eye on how much we push ourselves.

2. Explore the Realm of Inspired Actions.

You’ve probably heard that working yourself to the bone is the way to succeed. It might seem like a safe choice, especially when times are tough. But it’s important to realize that pushing yourself non-stop isn’t a good long-term plan.  Trust me, when you take inspired actions while adding a mix of self-care, it often doesn’t feel like work.

3. A Balance Between Effort and Strategy.

Building a successful business does require effort. You need to create valuable offers, improve your skills, connect with your people, and handle tasks like marketing. These things take work, but they’re productive work. Ensure that your work is intuitively aligned with your soul and your dream.

4. The Key to Choosing to Work Smarter is Taking Inspired Action.

Understand what your business really needs and be willing to put in the right effort. It’s about knowing when to do things yourself and when to delegate. Challenges and discomfort are part of the journey but are not the same as the endless hustle. When you take inspired action, you work towards something you believe in. Every action allows you to make a real impact on your business beyond business as usual.

5. Welcoming Challenges as Opportunities for Growth,

The challenges are your chance to grow. Facing them with a smart approach is how you move forward. Learning new skills and dealing with uncomfortable situations are important, but they shouldn’t drain all your energy. The right mentor can make all the difference as you build and grow your business. A mentor’s wisdom can shed light on the path ahead, helping you sidestep common pitfalls and uncover hidden opportunities. Their guidance offers a shortcut to growth, enabling you to learn from their successes and setbacks.

6. Bridging the gap between finding what helps you grow and identifying what burns you out.

By finding this balance, you’ll be on the right track to your next level of success. This is how you can nurture your growth and avoid exhaustion. Another key point is that continuous success thrives on self-care, thoughtful decision-making and inspired actions.

As you embark on this transformative journey of working smarter, nurturing your growth, and achieving success, remember you’re not alone. With the right guidance, you can equip yourself with the tools, strategies, and insights you need to succeed. I invite you to take the next step. Let’s reshape your approach, elevate your results, and guide you toward making the impact you’ve been striving for.

See how you can integrate the work smarter, not harder, philosophy into your daily routine.

If you already know you need a better online solution, I have designed the Beyond ‘Biz’ Experience so you can step into an inspiring online space where passion meets purpose, and every interaction brings you closer to turning your dream into a thriving reality!

There was a specific moment in my entrepreneurial journey that changed everything for me. It happened when a consultant shared his business success perspective with me. While doing so, this is the statement that brought everything home for me.

“Everyone loves Susan, but if she led more with her head and less with her heart, she could take her business to the next level.”

That’s the moment I realized the revamping of my entrepreneurial journey was in order. I instinctively knew without a shadow of a doubt why I became an entrepreneur in the first place — to create, inspire, and lead with my heart.

My Journey to Social Entrepreneurship

Society has made it so that the “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” approach, characterized by working 80-plus hours a week, is how we achieve results, that burnout is a badge of honour. However, after living and working in this way for many years, only to experience burnout, I realized this conventional way of thinking and working was unsustainable. Most importantly, it wasn’t for me.

This was the wake-up call I needed, the push that inspired me to reevaluate everything about my work and life.

As this clarity continued, I realized that doing things like everyone else no longer made sense. I knew I had the power to revamp my entrepreneurial journey in a way that suited my desires and lifestyle. I understood that while leading with my heart first made sense, I also needed to dig a little deeper and find the missing pieces that led me to experience this burnout in the first place.

It was time to take inspired action and align my efforts with my heart’s desires.

I boldly decided to go all in, leading with my heart first and setting an example for others. This was my chance to make the impact I always wanted, but first, I had to line things up if I wanted to prove to the consultant and others that leading with heart is good business. To demonstrate that leading with our hearts first is the only way to stand out and reach our full potential.

I took things one step further and began evaluating the different parts of my business to see the aspects that aligned with who I wanted to be and how I wanted to show up to help others. This meant looking at everything from the backend operations to the front-end service offerings, delivery, and the bottom line.

This eye-opening exercise is what shaped the rest of my journey moving forward.

Evolution is remarkable when you allow it to unfold naturally.

What I’ve learned during the revamping of my entrepreneurial journey took place, is that taking the time to let things unfold instead of rushing the process is a powerful strategy. When we allow ourselves to evolve personally and grow with our online platforms, our impacts can unfold in so many more beautiful ways than we imagine from the start. This is my experience and it’s the most amazing feeling ever.

I know now that every step forward, no matter how big or small, is a step toward becoming a better version of ourselves. For me, this meant taking all of the knowledge and experience I had gained, keeping some, leaving others, and seeing how the skills that aligned with my new structure could fit in. It also meant, taking a close look at my belief system, acknowledging my gifts and strengths in a way that quite literally reshaped my whole existence.

I ditched the business as usual, designed the Purpose-Driven Impact Model and founded the GO BEYOND ‘BIZ’ EXPERIENCE!

Through this whole experience of revamping my entrepreneurial journey, the most essential things that were lacking, causing me to be overworked, underpaid, and experience burnout, was a strong foundation, a streamlined approach and a simple process to attract, connect, and sell online. Fast forward to the here and now, where I get to show up authentically, fully embodying my new reality as a Social Entrepreneur and Impact Activator.

I invite you to come along for the ride and join in on the fun as more heart-centered leaders are ditching business as usual to go beyond ‘biz’ and experience the excitement and impact of bringing their ideas to life and their dreams into a thriving reality.

CLICK HERE to read more about the specific inner work I did to gain the confidence to revamp my entrepreneurial journey and unlock my full potential!