Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than we realize. With the benefit of hindsight, we asked some wise and experienced members of our community whether they think they are doing what they were meant to do or told to do.

Jeff Dawsry

This an incredible question! I wish more people had to answer this. Right now, I believe I’m doing what I was born to do, fulfilling my God-given purpose. I believe so, because all that I suffered and struggled with in my life is now fueling my motivation to help those who have or are suffering and struggling with the same things. Read More>>

Gabriela Reyes La Canela Flamenco

My parents let me choose what what I wanted to do, But they supported me when they saw my talent, I still grew up in an environment that would fuel what I’m doing now. For example, my mom took me to her dance classes, my dad gave me my music stand so I could place the sheets music on it to play the violin. Read More>>

Dr. Shelly Shell Williams

I’m not doing what I was told to do, I’m doing what I was born to do. My mom believed in the safe path: college, job, retirement. But God called me to something different. Entrepreneurship wasn’t my plan — it was His. And I’ve learned that when you follow God’s call, the path may not be safe, but it’s always sure. Read More>>

Gregory Jamiel

In this moment, I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. But for most of my life, I was doing what I was told to do. I was raised with the familiar script: graduate high school, go to college, get a steady job, find a partner, get married, buy a house with a white picket fence, and start a family. Read More>>

Haley Biggins

A little bit of both. Society created the structure where we have to work to survive, so that part I feel like I’m doing what I was told I had to do. Which isn’t super enjoyable, the obligation..however, I am lucky enough to be able to do that by using my creativity, which is what I was truly born to do. Read More>>

Shannon Darsow

I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve always known it even when it wasn’t logical, even when no one else agreed, and especially when it would’ve been easier to play it safe. There’s always been this quiet voice inside me in my heart. Not loud, not dramatic.. just certain. Read More>>

Angella Trout

I believe that I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. I’ve never been one to listen to the supposed to’s. I’ve tried and every time I move away from my path as a farmHer or work away from home, something major always happens to force me back. Read More>>

Jordan Binney

I feel like I’m doing both, and I’ve made peace with that duality—for now. I have a full-time job, as so many of us are expected to, especially within the framework of corporate culture and societal norms. That part of my life is structured, reliable, and meets the expectations of what it means to be a functioning adult in today’s world. Read More>>

Elizabeth Clar

I am doing what I was born to do. I have always had my creative passion in the background. Sometimes more and sometimes less depending on my corporate job, husbands illness and other obligations. Now is my time to shine and really lean into all of my creativity. Read More>>

Kelly Wong

I feel like I was born to be a scientist. All my friends envisioned me being a teacher, but in reality, I hate grading, and it is the biggest nightmare for me. Read More>>

Tiana Jovana

For most of my career, I was doing work I genuinely loved. Writing was always part of my dream, and I take great pride in the years I spent doing what I loved. I had the privilege of telling stories, solving problems, and creating campaigns that mattered. But, as satisfying as that work was, it wasn’t fulfilling. Read More>>

Amanda Reiman

Definitely what I was born to do. I think that when your job consists of small talents that you can use in tandem to make the whole bigger than the sum of the parts, you are doing what you were born to do. Read More>>

Daltyn Emrich

I feel like I am doing what I was born to do, like I am fulfilling my purpose. If I were to do what I was told to do I’d have a regular 9-5 job, revert to the old American dream aspect of life. Ima go getter, a hustler for life, and I think I’ve shown that to the fullest of my abilities. Read More>>

Samya Mohamed

For much of my life, I did what I was told to do. But in recent years, I’ve stepped into what I truly feel I was born to do. Over the past six years, I’ve devoted my energy to cultivating every skill I have—whether in creativity, sports performance development, building brand awareness, or giving back to communities through my voice, passion, and platforms. Read More>>