Be water: stay with “why”, not “what”

Text: Bernice Li

BA (Hons) in Contemporary English Studies (2022)

Photo: iStockphoto

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success and lose sight of our deeper motivations. However, I've learned that by continually reflecting on my purpose and allowing it to guide me, I can achieve flexibility and make a lasting positive impact. This has been at the core of my own career, and I've gained valuable insights through the challenges and triumphs of staying true to my purpose.

It was a pivotal moment when I embarked on an exciting trip to Indonesia, intending to develop a new line for WMXN Collective. The opportunity seemed promising, with potential for growth and expansion. Little did I know that a lightning bolt of clarity would completely redirect my focus.

Immersing myself in the vibrant culture and engaging with local communities, I had a profound epiphany. A true calling urged me to dedicate more time and energy to developing SoleSoul Club — an initiative empowering individuals through artistic expression and personal growth. It was at that moment that I understood the importance of prioritising my greatest passion — a passion that resonates with my core purpose and the desire to create transformative change.

With this newfound clarity, I recognised that staying true to my purpose meant making difficult decisions and reassessing my priorities. While WMXN Collective had played a leading role until then, I realised that SoleSoul Club held the key to unlocking my full potential, and making the most significant impact on other people’s lives.

This realisation taught me a valuable lesson about the power of prioritisation and aligning with our deepest passions. It reinforced my belief that we should not allow labels or external expectations to define us but, rather remain steadfast in our commitment to what truly drives us. Having understood this, I resolved to shift my focus and dedicate more time and resources to SoleSoul Club — a decision rooted in the pursuit of my core purpose and the desire to empower others through artistic expression.

This taught me that staying true to purpose requires constant reassessment, and the realignment of our efforts. It demands that we prioritise what truly ignites our passion and enables us to create meaningful change. By embracing flexibility, and making conscious choices based on our strongest motivations, we can navigate our entrepreneurial paths with clarity, fulfilment, and unwavering conviction.

My journey to Indonesia served as a lightning bolt of realisation, guiding me to prioritise SoleSoul Club over WMXN Collective. It was a profound moment of understanding, highlighting the importance of pursuing my greatest passion and aligning my endeavours with my core purpose. As you embark on your own entrepreneurial journey, remember the importance of staying true to yourself, remaining flexible, and allowing your purpose to guide you towards lasting fulfilment and meaningful impact.