ClaireMolineaux.com

This morning as I opened my email and sorted through the various industry e-publications to which I subscribe, a headline caught my eye: "Top 40 Under 40 in Direct Marketing" As I read through the list of 20- and 30-somethings who have achieved great accolades in their various roles, I wondered how many countless others worked tirelessly to earn a position on this list, only to fall short - or to have their efforts go unnoticed. I'll be honest, I think it would be cool to be on this list someday. But let me take a step back for a moment. Don't these kind of lists set unrealistic expectations? Don't they highlight the early bloomers and ignore those who have labored their entire careers for such success? Why try to achieve so much so early? My entire life I've been labeled as a fast-burner, or a bit of an over-achiever. I finished high school at 16, consolidated a 4-year Bachelor's degree into 3 years, landed my dream job, bought a house, and ...

A moment of clarity can be defined as a time when you suddenly and vividly understand the meaning of a deep truth.  It's that moment when your vision becomes unclouded and you gain unprecedented focus.  Peter Bloch said it this way: "Moments of clarity are those occasions in life when small concerns and plans that had seemed important fall away in the face of greater truths." Someone recently asked me to stop and think about my purpose.  What was I was placed on this earth to do?  Wow.  Talk about a tough question.  There could be numerous answers.  Perhaps my purpose is to sing.  I love singing.   Maybe my purpose is to be a great mom to my two little girls.  They mean the world to me. My purpose might lie in my desire to learn and teach others what I've learned.   I could also find a deep sense of purpose in my profession in higher education. Or maybe my purpose is just to encourage those around me. Then it hit...