Discovering Your Unique Mark and Reaching Your Full Potential

What if the journey to self-discovery isn’t about fitting in, but about finding what makes you stand out? Fear and doubt are natural, staying stuck because of them isn’t.

In a world that often seems driven by external validation, the journey to self-discovery and personal fulfilment can be challenging. This article, inspired by my thought-provoking podcast, Mindful Poetic Stories, Episode 4, entitled “Make Your Mark” explores the importance of finding our unique mark in the world and reaching our full potential.

Victor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and author of “Man’s Search for Meaning,” believed that our deepest desire is to find meaning in our lives. When I read this book this concept resonated with me personally, and my continuous quest for finding my meaning and purpose. This can be a powerful motivator in overcoming life’s challenges. I believe that by tapping into our unique true essence, we can unlock our potential and our unique gifts, to make our mark and find meaning.

However despite this innate desire for meaning, there can be barriers, as many people struggle to reach their full potential and through my coaching journey I have explored what can interfere with this process. In 2021, I conducted a small personal survey, where I asked 40 people I know, what they thought was the biggest obstacle people face to reaching their full potential, and the results were:

1. Fear (50% of respondents)
2. Lack of confidence/self-belief (40% of respondents)

These barriers often manifest in self-limiting beliefs and behaviours, preventing individuals from exploring their true capabilities and strengths. There are all types of fears we can feel that hold us back, feel of failure, fear of poverty etc, but one teenager in my survey said, fear of what other people would think.

The concept of “making your mark” is central to my podcast’s message. All through my younger life I didn’t believe I was “good enough” and sadly I told myself, and truly believed I was“not creative”. It was a limiting belief and one that I now know held me back, without even being aware of it.

What you believe is true, is true, until you no longer believe it!

In 2009 ICF (International Coaching Federation) did a survey which revealed that the top motivator for seeking coaching was self-confidence.

I know that my coaching journey has helped me become aware of my thinking, and the interference, that was stopping me from realising my unique gifts and making my mark. Coaching helped me diminish their power, so I could move forward to where I am today, sharing my unique gift here in this very blog and in my podcast. It is forever a creative work in progress but a journey I am enjoying to the full, and one I celebrate daily.

In my podcast I encourage listeners to stay open to the fact that everyone has a unique contribution to make to this world, but fear and lack of self-belief hold so many back from ever realising it.

I encourage listeners to:
1. To practice building self-love and self-care, which for me is the bedrock of self-belief
2. Recognise and challenge self-limiting beliefs
3. Cultivate personal power and self-belief – (listen to Episode 3 of my podcast)
4. Celebrate yourself, and all your achievements, qualities and attributes

The tools I suggest to help listeners on their journey of self-discovery:
1. Personal Mission Statements: Writing a personal mission statement can bring clarity, focus, and a sense of inner stability.
2. Journaling: Using writing as a therapeutic tool can help manage emotional responses and facilitate personal growth.
3. Self-Reflection: Regularly examining one’s thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours can lead to greater self-awareness and personal development. By regularly asking questions like; Is it true? Is it helpful? Can I reframe or rewrite this to enhance my life?

I love Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.”

This inspiration helps me continue my creative journey with curiosity and imagination.

The Power of Creativity and Authenticity

In my Mindful Poetic Stories podcast, I share how I feel about the importance of embracing one’s authentic self and creative pursuits. I believe that by tapping into our true essence and appreciating and respecting our uniqueness we can realise our gifts, and with them, we can make a meaningful impact on the world around us.

I love this phrase; The idea is not to live forever but to create something that will

Conclusion

Finding our unique mark in the world is a journey of self-discovery, courage, and perseverance. By overcoming fear and self-doubt, embracing our authentic selves, and continuously striving for growth, we can unlock our full potential.

My old (pre-coaching self) would never have believed she would be publishing poetry in books, speaking and performing, and writing and producing podcasts, but it would not have happened if I didn’t get out of my own way and realised my uniqueness and my true essence within.

Remember, as Wayne Dyer said, “Don’t die with your music still in you.”

I know the world is waiting for your unique contribution — so what are you waiting for? It’s time to make your mark!

In times of great wars and destruction, create something positive and beautiful from your true essence. The world needs it, so believe in yourself and believe in the ripple effect of making your mark.