Jack of all Trades, Master of...One

You know the saying: just because you can, doesn't mean you should. I received my undergraduate degree in culture and politics, my master's degree in public health and public policy, and had a fantastic career in international development. I was able to do good work. I created new initiatives and worked with others to innovate in my field. However, many did not know that I was also a fitness professional and yoga teacher on the side. Though I remained several years in my career in international development, I never lost my passion for health and wellness though it did take a back seat. Indeed, my business started while I was still fully employed.

I was talented as a worker. Then, one day my boss (now a friend) said to me during a review that I took an entrepreneurial approach to my job and the light bulb went off. I realized I could use my talents to focus on my passions.

It did not happen right away; I was a mother of 3 children a wife, and I had family obligations that kept me tied to the 9-5. So I continued to work through my passion until the two couldn't co-exist.

“The riches are in the niches, they say. I could have likely stayed in my 9-5 because I was good at what I was doing. I was bringing money to my organization, and my programs were getting attention. Or, I could step into my passion and use my talents to build something new and fresh. This decision point is a scary one. To leave the comfort of a regular paycheck, health insurance, and all that come with being an employee to stepping out and doing what you love. It’s not easy; however, I couldn’t do both. I needed to make a decision. I decided to follow my passion. ”

Stepping out of the comfort zone is not an easy task. You may have to try numerous things before identifying what works. In the process, reflection on what works and what doesn't is constant. The process must be purposeful and focused. 

A few years into my business, I got a call from a friend who needed help to write a proposal. I believed I could help her, plus it involved a trip back to the motherland. I had missed my frequent Africa trips, and I jumped at the opportunity. I threw myself all in to support this process. It came at a cost, though. While on the consultancy, I couldn't focus on my business. My business took a backseat, and my team felt it. Just because I could write the proposal and make some quick money didn't mean I should have taken the opportunity.  

Entrepreneurship is an all-in endeavor. I attended Bikram yoga teacher training in the spring of 2010. One of the many memorable quotes from Bikram himself was: if you place your feet in two boats, you will split your a**. It meant that you could not be a toe-in. You have to commit to the process entirely. And even if it means you try multiple things until you find what works, it is a process that requires your attention, strategy, and commitment. 

After this consultancy agreement, I told my friend I wouldn't be available for more opportunities. Instead, I knew I had to commit fully to growing my business and that I needed to focus there. The results of that decision have been rewarding.

As I meet entrepreneurs, especially those just starting, the desire to place their feet in two boats is constant. This decision or indecision isn't always due to a lack of strategy. Sometimes, it's by necessity—the need for health insurance, family obligations, and more. However, I realized that I needed to leave those comforts behind to step into my purpose. I could not continue to be a toe-in if I was to reach my goals in my business. I couldn't continue treating my business as a side hustle.

“If you’re an entrepreneur, you will get to the point where this decision becomes palpable. You won’t be able to ignore it. It will often become apparent when your clients question your commitment to them. It will become evident when you can’t do all things well. As a result, the business that you’re trying to grow will suffer.”

Doing everything means something suffers. Being a jack of all trades doesn't work. Choose your lane. Dominate it and grow it. The reward comes with the focus. The more I dig deep, the more I see opportunity. I'm no longer distracted by the quick money opportunities that come my way. And I'm quickly able to see if these opportunities align with my vision or not. The intention is to dominate my lane. 

Imagine what it could be if you put two feet in the boat and stepped into your purpose. Imagine if you have yourself no option but to succeed. Create it. Own it. It's all within your power.