Purpose Shift: Which Stage Are You In? -Part 2

(Part two of Purpose Shift)

There are three stages in shifting:

1. Awakening — getting your attention; takes you away from your comfort

2. Emerging — you know, you are aware, you stepped into it; more accountability, consistency and structure

3. Established — go higher, further; taking flight while knowing who you are and what you do

"Knowing your purpose is key to walking in your power. Will you walk in your fullness or stand in your comfort zone not getting anywhere or making progress?" — Jennifer Sumter

Stage One: Awakening

The definition of awakening is an act or moment of becoming suddenly aware of something. Plain and simple, in this stage, you are now conscious of the fact that you know there is some place else or a new level you should be on. Your mind has accepted that you are in need of leverage in your life. When one becomes awakened, they can take the necessary steps to get to that next level. Everyone has a different experience in this stage! What works for one person may not work for you or any one else but what's important is that you take the time to sort through where you're heading and what it's going to take to get there.

[1] In your awakening moment, how did you feel? Scared, excited, nervous, unsure, overwhelmed, mixed emotions? No matter how you felt, know that this is a change for the better. Awakening is a beautiful thing and should be embraced as such. Don't allow fear to get in the way of your leverage.

[2] Are you willing to change your life in this stage? Will you let go of what no longer serves you? Can you leave certain things, people, and places behind to embrace new things, people, and places?

[3] How can you adjust your life, thoughts, and actions to fit to your new level?

Use this moment to feel everything and every emotion. This is the stage where awareness is extremely high because it's where it all begins. You are being shifted to new territory and taken away from what's comfortable. This is out of your comfort zone but you will make it. I personally see the awaking stage as a wake up call from above; a spiritual awakening or an "aha moment" in a way because it comes out of no where but you feel deep down that something good is going to come from it. It can also be a wake up call from faith! You must take risks in life and in order to do so, you must take that jump!

Book recommendation for the Awakening stage: Jump by Steve Harvey:

"Once you jump, God will take it from there. He will place you in positions to learn important lessons that will prepare you for the next stage of your life — your next jump. He will also reward you with abundant blessings along your journey. Knowing that, why wouldn't you jump?" -- Steve Harvey

Stage Two: Emerging

The definition of emerging is, of facts or circumstances, to become known. This is the stage where you have made the jump and taking things head on. You have accepted your shift and accomplished more steps. You are living in it, you have made those scary steps and jumps that you thought you couldn't make and your life is flowing a bit more. Accountability has been taken and your consistency has lead you to being more structured about your moves, thoughts, and actions. These are things to continuously perform so that when you reach stage three, established, it will be effortless to do more of what's needed.

[1] What has become different about you?

[2] Do you feel like your life is in a better space?

[3] Do you feel as if your life has elevated and you feel better about the direction in which your life is taking?

Tips while emerging:

* Continue to be fearless: fear is an unpleasant emotion that can cause you to become stagnant and complacent. Being fearless will allow you to push through and come out strong! Say it with me, you will win!

* Take your time: There is not a timeline on how long you should be in a certain stage. There shouldn't be a rush to complete the stage you're in because if you rush, you will miss something vital along the way. This process needs your undivided attention.

* Relax and breathe: It can sometimes get overwhelming as change comes into your life. I've been there plenty of times myself but, you must stay calm and breathe. Panic and anxiety will not help! If you must, step away for a moment and regroup and then get back to it!

Book recommendation for the Emerging stage: Higher Is Waiting by Tyler Perry:

"It is my hope that as you read this book, it will spark God within you and ignite a flame that makes you feel like you can go higher; know higher is waiting; understand that higher is not only a place in your thoughts, your finances, your love, and your compassion, but that it is waiting in every aspect of your life, on every step of your journey. My hope is that these readings elevate you to a new level in all areas of your life." -- Tyler Perry

Stage Three: Established

The definition of established is to achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for. In this stage, you have permanently accepted that your life has changed completely. This is the final stage of shifting. As you are established, you have soared and took flight in your purpose! You have excelled and accomplished more and you continue to press your way on to greatness. You have mastered your purpose, who you are, and what you're about. Even though this is the last stage, there is still work to be done or that could be done. You may have reached many milestones already but there is always room for more. You may feel as if you have reached and accomplished enough and that's fine but know that in life, it will sometimes surprise you with more than you bargain for. In the event that you are on your way to accomplish more, you're well equipped for the tasks at hand because you are established. You have made it through the other stages, you have learned and gleaned a lot from where you started, and you are continuously on a path of excellence!

[1] How does it feel to be established?

[2] What can you compare and contrast about yourself from stage one to stage three? Is there a drastic change, some what of a change, or do you feel as if there is no change?

[3] Do you feel as if your purpose and/or life is fulfilled?

[4] How do you feel about yourself as you have been transitioning? Are you proud? Satisfied? Feeling more confident?

Congratulations! You have made it!

Book recommendation for the Established stage: Soar by T.D. Jakes:

"If you have the desire for advancement in your life and you're willing to risk the familiar comfort of where you are for the adrenaline-fueled thrill of where you want to be, then you can fly. You can take your vision, build it into something remarkable, and reach heights you could have never imagined." -- T.D. Jakes