Shift to Become a Purposeful Leader

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Some of you may know who Dr. Wayne Dyer is if you or your parents watched PBS in the 70s,  80s and 90s. He unfortunately passed away in 2015, and was a very popular self-development guru. Right before he died, he produced one of his last projects, a film called ‘The Shift’ which is about our spiritual journey here on Earth. He discusses the ‘Morning’ and ‘Afternoon’ of life, which he describes as the progression from self-centered desire and ambition to the search for meaning and fulfillment. We can have many instances throughout life that bring us closer to the Afternoon. Dr. Dyer referred to these instances as “quantum moments;” they can’t be forced or planned, only subtly invited.

Dr. Dyer’s teachings have helped to transform me into a more spiritually aware person. When I first began my business, I would constantly turn back to his lessons and ask myself if I was moving toward or away from my purpose. Something amazing about The Shift is that there is no judgement when you are in the Morning phase. At this point we are “young” (I leave that in quotes because it's not about age). We can be this way forever if that’s how we choose. It's the point when we are full of ambition, and want to make our mark in the world. We want to be creative and exciting, and possess this natural desire to achieve. There is fire and energy in that state, we are hungry to find out who we are.

I had this moment where I just felt like everything was standing still around me... I became incredibly aware of how I was evolving in that moment.
— Merritt, during our Leadership Live

Then after some experiences, and a lot of trial and error, we undergo a transition into more self reflection. Within that self reflection, we realize it's not all about us. In order to have the real impact in the world that we so desperately desired before, we have to look inward so that we can get clear on how we may serve. It's within this holistic understanding that we enter the Afternoon stage of life. This is where we find that acting in service, and in alignment with our gifts and passions, is where fulfillment truly lives. 

Though quantum moments are typically not to be managed by definition, there are ways to invite them. Meditation is an easily accessible channel to open for these moments to come through.  When I first experienced a quantum moment, it felt as though everything became clear, and time stopped. It was as if I entered a different realm and could relate to everything around me in an entirely new light, as if I could sense my part in the Infinite. It served as a reference point from that point forward - I am now acutely, experientially aware of how much more there is than my one unique perspective of time and space.

In The Shift, Dr. Dyer says, “Putting your attention on service; your life becomes about living those virtues. How can I serve? How can I be gentle? How can I be reverent? Thinking like that means you’re living in meaning.” We are constantly searching for that next thing, whether it be a house, a car, a promotion, etc. But it's when you live outside of society’s standards that society will stop defining you. So I challenge you to live by Dr. Dyer’s words and live to serve others, and to enjoy the ride once you are ready to ease into that Afternoon of life. 


Watch the full Leadership Live below.


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Being an Accessible Leader

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Being Vulnerable to Achieve Impact as a Leader