Purpose is . . . So Hard
For The Moments When Hardship Makes You Question Your Calling | I Am What an Intellectual Property Attorney Looks Like.
Hey Fam,
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a “purpose panic”?
Everything is hard.
Deadlines are looming.
The to-do list is never ending.
Your systems are breaking or not acting right.
And nothing seems to be . . . flowing.
If you’re anything like me, Pollyannaish optimism is the last thing you turn to.
Instead, we’re more likely to say, “If this is my purpose, why does it feel like punishment?”
Listen, I get it.
You’re doing the work that once lit you up.
But now? It’s exhausting.
You’re not necessarily quitting, but you are questioning.
Not necessarily doubting your mission, but definitely doubting your capacity to carry it.
But here’s the thing, my friend: hardship isn’t a sign that you’re off track.
Sometimes, hardship is confirmation that you’re right where you need to be.
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There have been seasons on this entrepreneurial journey—especially in my early years—when I questioned everything.
Equipped with Bar Licenses in both New York and California, I had left a secure Silicon Valley job in Big Law and stepped into full-time entrepreneurship, armed with a mission to help diverse founders protect their genius.
But purpose didn’t feel like a straight line.
Instead, it often felt like a mountain climb in the dark.
Yes, the work was meaningful. But heavy.
Sure, the vision was clear. But the path was uncertain.
And often, I wondered, “Is this really what I’m meant to do?”
Ever felt like that?
But here’s the thing; what kept me going weren’t just the wins.
Indeed, fasting solely on the wins in any entrepreneurial journey is simply unsustainable and will keep you starved in some seasons.
It was the whispers of impact—the quiet affirmations from community, clients, and even strangers who said,
“Your story helped me keep going.”
“Your firm gave me clarity.”
“Your courage gave me permission.”
se weren’t just compliments.
They were evidence.
Not that everything was perfect—but I could not shake the feeling that something purposeful was taking root.
And that leads me to the first sign you might actually be right where you need to be, even in the hardship:
You might feel stretched.
You might feel like your efforts are going unnoticed.
But then—someone tells you that your words shifted something for them.
That your story gave them courage.
That your work was the reason they decided to keep going.
That’s fruit.
And purpose always bears fruit.
Even in dry seasons.
Even when you don’t feel fruitful.
Purpose has a way of producing in others what you’re too tired to see in yourself.
So don’t ignore those little affirmations.
They’re not coincidence.
They’re confirmation.
Purpose is not just about what you do.
It’s about who you’re becoming while you do it.
Some of my most difficult seasons matured me beyond measure and gave me the “growth” and self-confidence that I used to pray for.
This is because, when you stay in the work through the hard things, you develop the kind of depth that can’t be taught in a course or earned through a certificate.
You become more discerning. More patient. More emotionally intelligent.
That’s the beauty of hardship.
It refines your character.
It pulls out the kind of leadership the world needs more of.
Quiet. Grounded. Gracious. And resilient.
Keep going. God is still working.
The amount of times I’ve returned to the canvas needs to be studied, ha ha.
Especially after I said, “I quit.”
Can you resonate?
Even on your worst days, you can’t shake it.
You consider walking away, but something pulls you back.
It’s not hustle.
It’s not ego.
It’s purpose. Whispering. “We’re not done yet.”
You feel it in your bones. In your prayers. In your silence.
The work won’t let you go.
And if you’re honest, you kinda don’t want it to.
That quiet tug is divine.
Honor it.
Whether you’re just starting out or are years into your business building journey, I’ll say this:
Purpose doesn’t guarantee ease.
But it does promise impact.
It transforms you and the people around you.
Even through the trials.
Even through the tears.
Even through the tension between where you are and where you think you should be.
So if you’re in a season where it’s hard—know this:
You’re not alone.
You’re not off course.
And you’re not done yet.
What are the subtle signs that you’re still in purpose—even when it’s hard?
Comment below or share with someone who needs this reminder.
Need Help Protecting Your Creativity?
If you are unsure—or if you know you need to take action—reach out to us.
We have helped countless founders and creatives safeguard their intellectual property, and we would love to do the same for you.
If you need further guidance, reach out to me and my team at Firm for the Culture.
We’re here to help you navigate the copyright, trademark, and thought leadership journey.
Can’t wait to help you protect your dynamic impact.
And #ThatsAWrap
The Doors of the Church Firm Are Open
Thanks for reading.
See you next time.
#PurposeInProgress
Yes indeed! Fulfilling purpose is hard but Faith covers fear. But our mess becomes a message, trail is a triumph.
Every purpose has waiting seasons. That is when I feel uncertain. That's when my mind begins to figure out how to get it done from a new perspective. That's when I have to reach beyond what my body wants to do, and follow my soul that is saying "Girl, you HAVE to do something about it." Purpose reaches beyond embarrassments, disappointments, limitations, and expectations. It just is what it is. It is my portion. Although it can be filled with doubt, the moments when you get to fully step into it are magical and unstoppable. These moments play peekaboo though. Thus, we seek this magical place, where we are supposed to be, for a lifetime.