Embracing Purpose and the Power of Intentional Living
Welcome to The Lavish Leader – Unveiling Wisdom. Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Nicole Ganier, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in talent management and workforce development. Nicole’s dedication to creating meaningful impact in people’s lives through her work is nothing short of inspiring. She leads with a powerful combination of passion and intention, proving that aligning our work with our values can create transformative change—not just for ourselves but for entire communities.
Nicole’s story resonated deeply with me because it’s not just about professional success; it’s about living with purpose, overcoming challenges, and embracing the fullness of life. These themes remind me of what it means to truly live a lavish life—one where purpose and intention guide every step.
Our conversation left me reflecting on some of life’s most profound questions: How do we define success? What does it mean to live authentically? And how can we step into our purpose with courage and clarity? If you’ve ever felt the pull to align your life with something greater, this post is for you.
The Evolution of Purpose: A Lifelong Journey
Purpose isn’t something we find once and hold onto forever—it evolves with us. This idea was at the heart of my conversation with Nicole. We often think of purpose as a destination, something we need to uncover and commit to for life. But the truth is, purpose is fluid. It shifts as we grow, as our circumstances change, and as we gain new perspectives.
For many of us, purpose reveals itself during life’s most challenging moments. Perhaps it’s a health scare, the loss of a loved one, or a professional transition that forces us to pause and reevaluate. I’ve had my own moments of reckoning—times when I’ve asked myself, Is this enough? Am I living in alignment with what truly matters to me?
What I’ve learned is that purpose isn’t about what you do—it’s about the why behind it. It’s the impact you create and the fulfillment you feel when your actions align with your values. For me, that means prioritizing connection, empowerment, and authenticity in everything I do.
If you’re searching for your purpose, start by paying attention to what lights you up. Reflect on the moments when you’ve felt most alive, most in tune with yourself. These are often clues pointing you toward your deeper calling.
Intentional Living: Reclaiming Your Power
Living with intention is about more than just setting goals—it’s about making conscious choices that honor who you are and who you want to become. Nicole and I talked about the power of intentionality, and I couldn’t agree more: when we live intentionally, we reclaim our power.
But what does it mean to live intentionally? For me, it starts with clarity. I regularly pause to ask myself:
- Am I investing my time and energy in things that align with my values?
- Are my daily choices moving me closer to the life I want to create?
- Where do I need to set boundaries to protect my peace and purpose?
One practice that helps me stay grounded is journaling. There’s something transformative about putting pen to paper and giving your thoughts room to breathe. Even ten minutes a day can bring clarity and calm to an otherwise chaotic mind.
Intentional living also requires us to embrace stillness. In a world that glorifies hustle, taking time to slow down and listen to your inner voice can feel revolutionary. But it’s in those quiet moments that we find the clarity to act with purpose.
The Courage to Pivot: Letting Go to Grow
Change is rarely easy, especially when it requires us to step into the unknown. Nicole’s story reminded me of the courage it takes to pivot—to leave behind what’s familiar and comfortable in pursuit of something greater.
I’ve faced my own crossroads, moments when I knew I needed to let go of what no longer served me. And let me tell you, it’s not always smooth sailing. The fear of failure, the opinions of others, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: growth rarely happens in our comfort zones. It’s the moments of discomfort, of stretching beyond what we think we’re capable of, that lead to the most profound transformations.
If you’re feeling the nudge to pivot, trust it. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Give yourself permission to try, to experiment, and to learn as you go. Every step you take is a step toward the life you’re meant to live.
Building a Tribe: The Power of Community
None of us can do this alone. One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was the importance of building a supportive tribe—a community of people who lift you up, challenge you, and cheer you on.
For me, my tribe is my lifeline. It’s made up of friends, family, and professional allies who share my values and inspire me to be my best self. These relationships didn’t happen by accident; they were built through trust, vulnerability, and a mutual commitment to growth.
If you’re looking to strengthen your own tribe, here are a few ideas:
- Be intentional: Seek out relationships that align with your values and aspirations.
- Be authentic: Let people see the real you. True connection happens when we’re willing to be vulnerable.
- Reciprocate: Relationships thrive on mutual support. Be as generous with your encouragement as you are in seeking it.
Having a strong support system isn’t just about having people to lean on—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. It’s about knowing you’re not alone on this journey.
The Power of Boundaries: Learning to Say No
Saying no is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our energy and focus on what truly matters. As someone who has struggled with people-pleasing, I know how hard it can be to set boundaries. But I’ve learned that every yes is a no to something else.
During our conversation, Nicole and I talked about the role intuition plays in decision-making. Sometimes, our gut knows what’s right long before our mind catches up. When faced with a decision, I’ve started giving myself the gift of time. Instead of immediately saying yes, I’ll pause and ask myself:
- Does this align with my values?
- Do I have the bandwidth to give this my best effort?
- What am I saying no to if I say yes to this?
Learning to say no isn’t about being selfish—it’s about being selective. It’s about honoring your purpose and creating space for what truly fulfills you.
Authenticity and Self-Acceptance: Owning Your Truth
At the heart of our conversation was a message I believe every woman needs to hear: You are enough. We live in a world that constantly tells us we need to do more, be more, achieve more. But the truth is, we don’t have to prove our worth to anyone. We are worthy simply because we exist.
For me, living authentically means embracing my imperfections and letting go of the need for external validation. It means showing up as my whole self—messy, flawed, and fully human. And it means giving myself permission to rest, to recharge, and to prioritize joy.
If you’re struggling with self-acceptance, start small. Practice speaking kindly to yourself. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. And remember: authenticity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real.
The Truth of You Now
One of the most powerful questions Nicole posed during our conversation was this: What is the truth of you now? It’s a question that invites us to look inward and reflect on who we are in this moment—not who we were in the past or who we think we should be.
For me, the truth of who I am now is someone who is deeply committed to living with purpose and intention. I’m learning to let go of the need for control and to trust the journey, even when the path feels uncertain. And I’m finding joy in the process of becoming, rather than striving for perfection.
What about you? What is the truth about you now? Take a moment to sit with this question. Let it guide you toward the next chapter of your journey.
A Call to Action
Living a purpose-driven life isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. It’s about choosing to show up, to do the work, and to embrace the fullness of life with all its beauty and complexity.
As you reflect on these themes, I encourage you to take one small step toward living with more intention. Whether it’s setting a boundary, reaching out to your tribe, or simply taking a moment to breathe and reflect, every step matters.
So, what’s calling you? What’s your truth now? Listen closely—you might just discover the beginning of something extraordinary.
This blog post encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, weaving in my insights and reflections. To more powerfully immerse yourself in the wisdom and nuances of these conversations, please listen to the entire episode. You can also catch all of my bi-weekly downloads of The Lavish Leader on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, or anywhere else podcasts are found, and click subscribe.
For more insights and guidance on how to live a lavish life, visit my website.
Remember, you, too, can live a lavish life of fulfillment, freedom, and joy.
