Be Rooted in Your Purpose
Nelson Mandela was a great leader and the first elected Black President of South Africa. He had the gift of encouraging people and aligning them with a greater cause for freedom.
Throughout his life, he was met with unbelievable challenges that threatened his mission of bringing democracy, learning, and equality to the people of S. Africa. His life in politics, saw him lead many protests, rallies, and initiatives with and for the people to change the powers that be.
He was met with great opposition but no matter what, he always found a way to persevere. His life’s work was jeopardized when he faced his greatest adversity. Mandela was sentenced to life in prison after being accused of sabotage while fighting for the freedom of his people.
Before sentencing, facing what could be the end of his freedom forever, he spoke these words:
I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all people live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
What you need to internalize from what Nelson Mandela faced -- the great adversities and the uncertainty of his future -- is he never lost sight of his purpose. His purpose was to dedicate his life to creating a free society for his people. To change the ways of the oppressive government and bring democracy. He never wavered from his purpose, even in the face of spending life in prison.
In your own journey to becoming elite in your craft, you will undoubtedly be faced with great challenges. This is something that is unavoidable. But the important thing to remember is your purpose. Every day you need to remind yourself of your purpose for pursuing what’s important to you. Then, press on. Your purpose is truly bigger than you. We need you to love yourself enough and believe in your purpose enough for the world to feel your impact.
~Ambitious&Black