Own Your Everyday
Overcome the Pressure to Prove and Show Up for What You Were Made to Do
Book Edition Details
Summary
figure it all out"? In Own Your Everyday (2019), Jordan Lee Dooley equips you to confront limitations like perfectionism and comparison, and live your purpose by embracing your unique story. Discover practical tools to overcome insecurity and unnecessary stress about an unknown future, finding fulfillment now.
Introduction
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the endless pressure to figure out your life's purpose? Perhaps you've scrolled through social media watching others seemingly live their dream lives while you're still asking, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" The truth is, you're not alone in feeling stuck between the pressure to prove yourself and the desire to live meaningfully. This internal struggle between our insecurities, unmet expectations, and the constant need to demonstrate our worth creates barriers that prevent us from stepping into the purpose we already possess. The beautiful reality is that your purpose isn't something you need to find or earn – it's already within you, waiting to be lived out right where you are today.
Break Ground Before Building Your Purpose
True transformation begins not with external changes, but with the courage to dig beneath the surface of our lives. Just as every solid building requires breaking through the hard ground to establish a proper foundation, we must be willing to examine what lies beneath our carefully constructed images and defenses. Jordan learned this lesson through a personal struggle with cystic acne that had plagued her for over a year. Rather than addressing the root causes, she found herself covering up the problem with layers of makeup, hoping to hide the imperfections from the world. When she finally visited a dermatologist, he revealed that the breakouts weren't just surface issues – they were systemic problems caused by internal factors like stress, diet, and hormones. The makeup she used to conceal the flaws was actually making the condition worse. This revelation became a powerful metaphor for how we approach our deepest insecurities. Like Jordan's approach to her skin problems, we often focus on managing our image rather than addressing the internal issues that create our struggles. We spend enormous energy covering up our perceived inadequacies instead of dealing with the root causes of our insecurity and self-doubt. The path forward requires what Jordan calls "breaking ground" – the willingness to dig into the uncomfortable truths about ourselves. This means examining the lies we believe about our worth, the toxic messages we tell ourselves, and the ways we've allowed external expectations to define us. Start by asking yourself what internal battles you've been fighting in secret, then commit to addressing them honestly rather than simply managing their appearance. Remember that authentic confidence doesn't come from achieving perfection or maintaining an flawless image. It emerges when we do the inner work necessary to build a solid foundation for our lives, even when that process feels messy and vulnerable.
Overcome Mental Barriers with Intentional Action
The phenomenon known as impostor syndrome affects countless people who feel like frauds despite their accomplishments. This mental barrier whispers that we're not qualified, experienced enough, or worthy of the opportunities before us. Rather than letting these thoughts paralyze us, we can overcome them through intentional action and a willingness to learn as we go. Jordan experienced this firsthand when she started her small lettering business from her sorority's storage closet. With no formal training or business background, she began creating simple designs with basic materials, feeling completely unqualified with each step. When her first Etsy sale came from a woman in Germany, she couldn't believe someone across the world would want something she had made. The voice of impostor syndrome grew louder with each new milestone, from speaking opportunities to writing this book. However, Jordan discovered that the key to overcoming these mental barriers wasn't to wait until she felt qualified or confident. Instead, she took intentional steps forward despite her doubts. She asked questions when she didn't know something, sought help from friends and mentors, and embraced her reality as someone learning rather than someone who should already know everything. Each small action built momentum and gradually quieted the voice of self-doubt. The strategy that proved most effective was focusing on incremental, implementable actions rather than trying to have everything figured out perfectly. Instead of creating a five-year business plan, she focused on manageable next steps: setting up an Etsy account, buying canvas and paint, ordering packaging materials, asking friends for help. This approach removed the overwhelming pressure to have all the answers and allowed progress to unfold naturally. To overcome your own mental barriers, start by identifying one small action you can take today toward something that intimidates you. Embrace the mindset of a learner rather than an expert, ask questions without shame, and prepare for setbacks by viewing them as learning opportunities rather than failures. Your qualification isn't determined by your credentials but by your willingness to show up and grow through the process.
Focus on Identity Over Performance
The foundation of purposeful living rests not on what we do, but on who we are. When we derive our identity from our performance, achievements, or roles, we create an unstable foundation that shifts with our circumstances. True confidence and lasting purpose flow from understanding our core identity as beloved children of God. Jordan discovered this truth during a vulnerable moment as a teenager when she asked God directly, "Who am I?" Expecting to hear a list of her accomplishments and qualities, she instead received one simple but profound word: "Mine." This revelation shifted everything, showing her that her worth wasn't based on her performance but on her relationship with her Creator. Her identity was secure not because of what she could prove, but because of whose she was. This understanding transformed how she approached opportunities and challenges. Instead of asking "Who am I to write a book?" or "Who am I to speak to these women?" she learned to ask "Who am I NOT to step into what God has placed before me?" When our identity is rooted in being God's beloved children, we operate from a place of security rather than striving. The practical application of this truth means regularly reminding ourselves of our core identity, especially when facing new challenges or opportunities. Before taking on any endeavor, reconnect with your "why" – not the external validation you might receive, but the internal calling to love God and serve others. This identity-first approach removes the pressure to prove ourselves and frees us to focus on being faithful with what's in front of us. When insecurity whispers that you're not qualified or worthy, counter those lies by declaring who you truly are. You are chosen, loved, and equipped for purpose not because of your resume or track record, but because the Creator of the universe has placed unique gifts and calling within you. Identity unlocks the door that insecurity tries to keep closed.
Summary
The journey to purposeful living doesn't require you to have everything figured out or to wait until you feel completely qualified. As Jordan reminds us, "We always live out of who we believe we are." When you root your identity in being God's beloved child rather than in your performance or achievements, you free yourself from the exhausting pressure to prove your worth. Purpose isn't something you find in the future – it's something you live out today through small, intentional actions that flow from knowing who you are. Stop waiting for the perfect moment or the ideal circumstances, and start living your purpose right where you are, with what you have, one brave step at a time.
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By Jordan Lee Dooley
