5 Characteristics of a Successful Purpose Driven Woman

Recently, a friend invited me to the launch of her newest business and as I sat in the room with some admirable, fierce, and focused women, I started to notice some similar character traits and idiosyncrasies. I started to compile my own mental notes of individual narratives and how they overlapped. And after contemplating my own journey and the stories of other women whose journeys I often marvel at, I created this list of 5 characteristics I have noticed among successful purpose-driven women.

If you are or want to be more of a successful purpose-driven woman:

1. You embrace self-care – My mother-in-law, who is a saint, came from an age where women suffered silently for their families. An age where women often neglected themselves for their babies and/or husbands. When I look at pictures of my husband’s mother as a young woman, I understand why my father-in-law pursued her relentlessly. She is the rare combination of startling good looks and kind-heartedness. She is a woman who encourages others to be better by just sitting in a room. But she is a woman who sacrificed so much for hers that she would be weary when she should be soaring. I think women of later generations, those who have learned how to be both fierce supporters of our tribe and lovers of ourselves. We have learned and embraced the knowledge that we must first care for ourselves to best care for others.
2. You’re not afraid of the hustle – Michelle Obama, RBG, or Oprah might be quoted if you find a room full of fierce women who know how to make a dollar out of 15 cents. Most of the women in my life have the kind of work ethic that might shame a fortune 500 CEO. Some are caregivers to children, many work a gig during the day, and even organize their side hustles after hours as needed. They wear suits, or construction hats, or aprons and are present in their personal lives while building beautiful things with their passion.  They are intentional with their time and they know why they do what they do, and they do it to the best of their ability.
3. You understand that passion should meet purpose – There is no point in starting anything (business or relationship) unless you possess a strong sense of purpose. You must believe that you are headed in the direction of greatness. For instance, Oprah Winfrey believed she had a purpose in life. She wanted to make a difference, and she certainly did. To be a success in whatever it is you are called to do, whether it is entrepreneurship or building community, you have to believe in yourself and believe that what you are doing shall be impactful. A strong sense of self and purpose will be reflected in your work, which will only help it to stand the test of time.
4. You know when to ask for or accept help – It often takes a village to do great things. Whether it is a supportive partner or the right hires. 
5. You aren’t afraid to fail and you are willing to learn – A fierce woman understands things change quickly and it is a fast-paced world where we must self-correct or lose precious time or momentum. A woman who is willing and able to embrace her purpose is honest with herself, able to admit when something may not be working out or worth the additional emotional or material resources, and is able to let go and move on.

There will be times when you are just going through the motions, making tons of mistakes, and may seem far from your purpose, but when you are feeling down or overwhelmed, remember your true north, remember the why of your journey, and move forward, because your greatest triumph might be just around the corner.