Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to SoFeya Joseph. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
SoFeya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Thank you for such a thoughtful question! I’d say my purpose found me rather than the other way around. My journey began unexpectedly—on an ice rink, overshadowed by a dream that wasn’t mine. Born to a mother with dreams of figure skating glory for her daughter, I found myself in a world where I didn’t fit in. I was the antithesis of the ideal skater in my academy—short, stocky, with dark hair and eyes—constantly reminded that I didn’t belong. They called me Stupid, Lazy, Pig, and I believed it was true, so I got kicked out of the skating academy. But my mother refused to give up on her dream and continued to take me to practice every day, on my own.
One day, we were approached by a tall stranger: “I am a new coach with the Academy, and I would love to teach this talented, beautiful girl.” No one ever saw me as “ talented and beautiful”! She became my beloved coach. Under her guidance, I felt loved and valued, and I gave her my absolute best work. This led me to the top of the podium, changing my life. Not only did I realize that I had potential just like the other girls in the academy, but that we all possess this Potential within us!
This experience ignited a passion in me to help others realize their own potential, leading me down the path of becoming a coach. I wanted to transform “Stupid, Lazy Pigs” into ‘champions.’ My mission has been to transform those deemed ‘Stupid, Lazy Pigs’ into champions. For over 35 years, I’ve dedicated myself to this purpose, guiding others to recognize and nurture their inner champions.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m SoFeya, the creator of i’MAGiNT LiFE, an innovative brand and method for personal transformation. My journey towards creating i’MAGiNT LiFE began in February 2006 in Turin, Italy, where I trained figure skater Sasha Cohen for the Winter Olympics. At that time, coaching an Olympic medalist was my life’s dream, a goal I had pursued relentlessly for over 15 years. However, even though Sasha finished with a silver medal, she didn’t fulfill her potential, falling twice and losing out on the expected gold. It was devastating; we had put so much work in, and it wasn’t enough. Those two falls were feedback that we had missed a crucial aspect of our training: the Mind and Heart (Soul). At that time, it felt like the worst thing ever, but it actually became the catalyst for change that pushed me to search for a better training method—a search that would eventually culminate in i’MAGiNT LiFE.
Returning home from the Olympics, feeling defeated, I knew I wanted to create a different experience for my up-and-coming students. So, I went back to school to study Sports Psychology. While it answered some of my questions, I felt something crucial was missing. Around that time, I discovered yoga and meditation through a series of synchronicities. These disciplines were not mainstream yet. The new world opened up for me, and I voraciously consumed everything I could find on the subject of consciousness and spirituality. Eventually, I stumbled upon Spiritual Psychology, which gave me the answers I was seeking and inspired me to create the i’MAGiNT LiFE Method and Brand.
You see, most people are consumed with actions, habits, and behaviors and believe that when they attain a high level of competence in these skills, they will become the person they aspire to be and get the results they want. So, it only makes sense to work super hard to achieve this, often at great personal sacrifice. It took over 20 years of crazy intense struggle to discover the fallacy of this belief. I literally had to lose everything to see it — my career, my family, my house, and all of my money. They say at the intersection of desperation and loss, inspiration is born.
That’s when I had an epiphany, I realized you don’t work your way into becoming something; you grow into it by realizing YOU’RE already that something. You just have to claim it! But there is more to it! Who we are are not human beings but spiritual beings in the human body, and our purpose is to grow as SPIRITUAL BEING! The human body and experience are just an EXPRESSION of this Spiritual Being. When we begin seeing and living from this perspective, our minds, our actions, and our lives change by default.
Each Spiritual Being is unique in its Blueprint — strengths and weaknesses. i’MAGiNT LiFE is built on this paradigm shift. We discovered that each of us has a unique Spiritual Blueprint—our core strengths and weaknesses. Through unique rituals and practices, like charging water based on your unique Blueprint, we make transformation tangible and simple, and it works for all people regardless of their spiritual orientation or lack thereof. We even don’t need to say “Spiritual’, because it may feel abstract. But when you work on growing in Nurturing, Trust, Courage, or Abundance — it’s tangible. You can see it, you can feel it, you can be it, and you can create more of it! i’MAGiNT LiFE gives the roadmap and tools for how to do that with ease and grace.
I have accomplished many things in my life I can be proud of. Being an immigrant, not only did I learn English and get a Master’s Degree, but I also wrote and published an International bestselling book, became a world-class speaker, coached an Olympic Silver medalist, a couple of National Champions and medalists, and choreographed a program that won a World bronze medal. I’ve been on TV, and was interviewed by some big names in the industry. I value these accomplishments tremendously! I think I went far beyond what my coaches and even my parents predicted for the Stupid, Lazy Pig they called my younger self. All these are truly fantastic. However, i’MAGiNT LiFE is above and beyond all of those accomplishments. It’s my Legacy. I believe it will change the world. I want to live to see it, but I think it will live beyond me, and I am training Teachers and students who will take this torch further.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, it’s clear that personal growth doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all path. Instead of pinpointing three universal qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge, I believe the power lies in identifying and nurturing the specific traits each individual needs to flourish. This belief is at the heart of i’MAGiNT LiFE, particularly embodied in our unique Blueprint approach.
The Blueprint allows individuals to select and focus on the i’MAGiNTs—qualities like Cooperation, Compassion, Courage, Patience, Balance, and many others—that resonate most deeply with their current journey. It’s about giving people the autonomy to tailor their path of growth by choosing the qualities they feel are most essential to develop at this time.
For those early in their journey, my advice is threefold:
1. Personalization: Engage deeply with the process of identifying which qualities you need to develop or improve upon. Use tools like the Blueprint to customize your growth path. This process of selection helps you to align your personal development goals with your true self and aspirations.
2. Expansion and Embodiment: Learning how to expand and truly embody your chosen qualities is crucial. It’s not just about recognizing these qualities but integrating them into your daily life, making them a part of who you are. Practice, reflection, and application are key to making these qualities your own.
3. Transformation of Beliefs: Developing the skill to identify false beliefs and judgments—and transforming them into strengths—is vital. This involves a deep dive into self-awareness, challenging and reframing limiting beliefs, and turning perceived weaknesses into sources of power and inspiration.
For those at the beginning of their path, focus on cultivating a mindset that embraces growth, curiosity, and openness to change. Embrace the journey as a personal one, and remember that the qualities you choose to develop should resonate with your inner self and aspirations. i’MAGiNT LiFE is designed to support you in this personalized journey, offering a framework that encourages you to select, expand, and embody the qualities that will most effectively propel you toward your highest self.
By focusing on these areas, individuals can lay a strong foundation for personal growth, equipped with the tools and mindset needed to navigate their journey effectively. Remember, transformation is a deeply personal process, and the most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge are those that align with your unique path and purpose.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In reflecting on the multitude of influences that have shaped my journey, it becomes evident that success and growth are nurtured by a blend of internal discovery, personal relationships, and community support. Central to my path has been the unwavering guidance of my Higher Self, the invaluable insights from my students, the wisdom of numerous mentors, a deep commitment to continuous education, and the foundational role of my personal Blueprint and i’MAGiNTs in guiding my growth. Moreover, the partnership with my husband and the solidarity of the i’MAGiNTeers community has been indispensable.
The personal Blueprint and i’MAGiNTs I’ve chosen for myself have been like a map and compass on this journey, guiding me towards my true north. This personal curriculum, crafted from the qualities and intentions that resonate deeply with my soul’s purpose, has been instrumental in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities. It’s a testament to the power of personalized growth paths and the transformative impact of embodying the qualities we most need and value.
Sharing this journey with my husband, who is not only my life partner but also a committed i’MAGiNTeer, has been a source of immense strength and inspiration. Our shared purpose and commitment to growth have fortified our relationship and amplified our impact, both individually and as a couple. His support and partnership have been a beacon of light, reinforcing the belief that having a partner with whom you grow and share a purpose can magnify the journey’s rewards and the depth of connection.
The community of i’MAGiNTeers, a vibrant collective of individuals committed to their own and each other’s growth, has been a wellspring of support, inspiration, and collective wisdom. This community embodies the spirit of i’MAGiNT LiFE, illustrating the profound impact of a shared journey toward awakening and transformation. The camaraderie, shared experiences, and mutual support among i’MAGiNTeers have enriched my journey immeasurably, underscoring the power of community in fostering personal and collective evolution.
To those at the beginning of their journey, know that the path to fulfillment and success is a mosaic of personal discovery, meaningful relationships, and community engagement. Embrace the journey within through tools like the Blueprint and i’MAGiNTs, cultivate partnerships that nurture your growth, and immerse yourself in communities that uplift and inspire. Remember, the most profound growth often emerges from a harmonious blend of self-reflection, shared purpose, and collective endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imagintlife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofeya_joseph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoFeya.S.Joseph/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayekitariev/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FayeKitarievauthor/videos
Image Credits
These photos are from my private collection
