Some people call it our purpose, others call it ikigai, but whatever the label, finding what we are truly born to do is probably one of the hardest things an individual can achieve. I have often found that it is simply an ongoing process that deserves attention, cultivation, and patience. It often takes a significant change in life to encourage this type of introspection. We often hear the stories of a diagnosis, a loss of a dear friend, or a forced break from the routine as the catalyst for this type of change. But what if it doesn't have to be? Life is often made up of all of these little moments, each an opportunity to build the life that we always dreamt to be possible. It is a bit of an odd thing to say and, admittedly, it is uncomfortable for me but I have always been talented at a multitude of things. If it was physical, I could always pick up on things pretty quickly and perform at a pretty high level in a short amount of time. I was given the gift of being a fairly quick learner and I have also been the type to dedicate myself fully to anything that I am focused on. It becomes a pretty powerful combination. However, it also has often left me in a place of confusion. Ever since I was a kid, my parents were quite concerned as to what I would do in life because I couldn't seem to find any one thing, I would jump around from one thing to the next, always trying something new. It has taken me on this path that has been ever-winding, full of steep grades and even scarier cliffs, and has also taught me a lot about myself.
I've been known as a filmmaker, a designer, a creative, an entrepreneur, the marketing guy, and also the person you call when you just want to solve fairly big problems. I've always prided myself on my ability to be adaptable, capable, and effective. But at the same time, it has mostly felt like an imposter syndrome for most of that journey. In most of the situations that I have found myself in, I have often wondered why anybody would trust me so much with their ideas and vision. The immediate fear of messing up comes right to the surface, the what-ifs come rushing in, and the doubts stack on top of each other with a paralyzing level of energy. The question that follows is, "Why am I even doing this?" This, while usually in the moment of fear, is actually the question that I believe we should be asking ourselves throughout life. The WHY is the most powerful of any of the W's that we are often taught in school. And if you think about it, why doesn't really have much to do with the mind compared to how much it has to do with our heart, gut, and soul. Some of the best work was not because it was logical, but because I was compelled to do it like there was an unstoppable force pushing me to achieve what I believed I was not capable of. I encourage you to think about, even in this moment, why are you doing what you are doing? And pay attention to the first thing that you feel it in your body. For me, it is always my heart and gut. It either feels right or it doesn't. The brain will always try to make logical sense of all of it, and that is often where things become overwhelming. I'm unbelievably guilty of this as I often ruminate on decisions much longer than I believe to be needed. However, it is mostly because I always want to ensure that the decisions that I make are the right ones. I usually find myself back to the beginning after the long journey in my mind and that gut instinct most always turns out to be correct. So finding what you are born to do is really based on the awareness of what truly feels right, not what you think right is. After all, right is merely a point of view, not an objective truth.
So, why am I a filmmaker, a designer, a creative, and an entrepreneur? Why do it? The mind says that all this can really be beneficial for others, it can create something that has never been done before in a way that can change the lives of many. And yes, that is 100% true. I believe that all of my work has the opportunity to be bigger than myself and can serve as a conduit of change. But the real why, the gut and the heart why, is because I care deeply about people. I don't know how it happened but I feel things incredibly deeply when I am around other people. The feeling of joy, wonder, pain, love, and just about any emotion imaginable is felt when I am expressing my creativity. I feel this deep connection with the person that, up to this point, has been largely unexplainable. I feel my purpose is to capture that moment of emotion, that deeply human and meaningful emotion, and translate that so others can feel like they are in the room. Even in some of the most unexpected of moments, I have experiences that I will never forget that last merely a moment. But that changes the way I approach my work, my life, and my internal self. We have always thrived when we are in community because the human experience is meant to be shared. It can and is quite painful sometimes. And other times, it is completely unbelievable the feeling of elation and excitement. The contrast is what makes life colorful. It is what makes us human. I used to think that I was just a camera guy, but I would more equate it to a historian of sorts. The people that I am so lucky to be able to spend my time with are part of this beautiful fabric of human existence that transcends space and time. You never quite know if a conversation with a stranger will fundamentally change their life. You never quite know that your skillset, your gift, your mission in life, may inspire an entire movement that can change the course of history. One of the things that I have always believed is that when people are pursuing what they are born to do, success is inevitable. And I mean success not as financial, but spiritual. I've been lucky enough to meet people with massive wealth and those without. In each case, the emotion, the passion, the conviction, the love, is universal. One of my favorite moments with a camera is when I am filming in a room and everybody completely forgets that I am even there. The world disappears around them and I am able to witness people transcend into a state of flow. The energy changes in the room, time stops, and I am even getting goosebumps thinking about the feeling that rushes through me in that moment. It is something that we cannot grasp. And the moment we recognize it, it has passed. But that moment, that is the moment where everybody, no matter what they are doing, is doing what they are born to do.
And, for those reading, I know that you have felt this feeling. I would encourage you to pay attention to the next time you feel it and just make a note of it. Cultivate that emotion and feel it as often as possible. We only get this life once, and it is unbelievably short, precious, and delicate. So don't wait for something to happen in order to explore what you are born to do. If you have already found it, you know it. And the most beautiful part is that when you do find it, you realize that it is not the end, but merely the beginning. A whole world opens up, an ever-expanding sense of curiosity, passion, and love. If you were to ask me if I have reached the end of the road or have it all figured out, I would tell you that I am far from it. Because the more you know, the more you realize you don't know. But the process of figuring all that out, when you are doing what you are born to do, is frictionless and a beautiful ride down a never-ending wave. So enjoy the ride, wherever it may take you, because right now, this moment, is exactly where you are supposed to be.