We recently connected with Maribeth Graham and have shared our conversation below.
Maribeth, 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?
I found my purpose in life by first realizing that I was not living a fulfilling life. I was working 12 hours a day, traveling all the time, and I was constantly stressed out. I realized that I needed to do more with my life, and that giving back to the community was a way to do that.
I first started volunteering because my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and joined a program called Chemo Angels. Chemo Angels partners cancer patients with volunteers who send them encouraging notes and gifts each month. I thought this was a wonderful program, and joined to be an “Angel” for someone else. I realized that I wanted to continue volunteering, so I signed up to volunteer for other organizations as well. United Way of Greater Stark County was a client at my former job and I became very involved in various volunteer programs within the organization, which then opened up more volunteer opportunities in our community.
Volunteering is important for a number of reasons. First, it allows you to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others. Second, it can help you meet new people and build relationships. Third, it can help you learn new skills and develop your talents.
It took me some time to realize that I did not have to say yes to everything. I used to feel like I had to do everything that was asked of me, even if it was not something that I really wanted to do. But I eventually realized that it was better to just do a few things really well, rather than everything mediocre or average.
Once I started saying no to things that were not as important to me, I had more time and energy to focus on the things that were. I was able to volunteer more, spend more time with my family and friends, and pursue my hobbies.
Finding your purpose in life is not always easy, but it is worth it. When you find your purpose, you will feel more fulfilled and satisfied with your life. You will also be able to make a difference in the world, and that is a truly amazing feeling. My favorite quote, by my favorite person (Dolly Parton), is “Don’t get so busy making a living you forget to make a life.”
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 have accumulated 19 years of experience in various sales and marketing positions, and currently hold the position of Director of Strategic Accounts at Zonda. https://zondahome.com
In March 2019, an exciting opportunity presented itself when I co-founded Sole Inspiration alongside a friend and his family. Our organization’s primary focus is to provide athletic shoes to student-athletes in need throughout Northeast Ohio. My friend, Matt, and his family had already been generously donating shoes to athletes in the area through their personal funds. However, we collectively realized that there was a larger community need to be addressed, and thus, Sole Inspiration was born. Since our inception, we have donated nearly 150 pairs of shoes, making a meaningful impact on the lives of these young athletes.
Aside from my involvement with Sole Inspiration, I actively serve as a Board Member for several organizations. This includes the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio, where I contribute my expertise and insights to support their mission. Volunteering for with this organization holds a special place in my heart because my sister is an incredible eight-year survivor. This personal connection has driven me to give back and make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer. I serve as a Board Member for the Stark Library Foundation Board of Trustees, utilizing my skills and knowledge to aid in advancing their initiatives. I am also a Board Member for Girls on the Run East Central Ohio, actively participating in empowering young girls through physical activity and confidence-building programs.
I am a proud member of the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital, where I currently serve as the Vice Chair of Prospective Membership. Furthermore, I am an engaged member of the Perry Township Rotary and Women’s Impact, two organizations that embody community involvement and foster personal growth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
ooking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge had the most significant impact:
Time Management:
Effective time management was crucial in balancing my professional commitments, personal life, and volunteering efforts. Learning to prioritize tasks and allocate time wisely allowed me to make room for meaningful activities like volunteering without neglecting other essential aspects of my life. To develop this skill, I suggest starting by creating a schedule or using productivity tools to track and manage your time. Identify your priorities and allocate time to activities that align with your purpose. Regularly assess how you spend your time and make adjustments to ensure you are making progress towards your goals.
Building a Strong Network:
Building a supportive network of like-minded individuals, mentors, and fellow volunteers played a pivotal role in my journey. Surrounding yourself with people who share similar passions and values provides encouragement, support, and valuable insights. To develop a strong network, actively participate in volunteering events, workshops, and community gatherings related to your interests. Engage with others, be open to forming connections, and seek mentorship from experienced individuals who can guide you in your journey.
Being Yourself:
Authenticity is vital when pursuing your purpose. Embrace your true self, strengths, and weaknesses, as this honesty will resonate with others and create genuine connections. Emulating someone else may lead you astray from your true purpose and prevent you from making a unique impact. To improve on this quality, take time for self-reflection, understand your values and passions, and embrace your individuality. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your personal growth and development.
For those early in their journey, my advice is:
Explore and Experiment: Take the time to explore different volunteering opportunities and areas of interest. Experiment with various roles and projects to discover what truly resonates with you and aligns with your purpose.
Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experienced volunteers or mentors. Learn from their experiences, seek advice, and leverage their insights to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
Start Small: You don’t need to take on huge commitments right away. Start with smaller volunteering projects or activities that fit your schedule and interests. Gradually build up your involvement as you gain confidence and experience.
Be Patient: Finding your purpose and building a fulfilling journey takes time. Be patient with yourself and the process. It’s okay to make mistakes and encounter obstacles along the way; these are all part of the learning and growth process.
Stay Committed: Stay true to your purpose and commitment to giving back. There might be moments of doubt or discouragement, but remember why you started your journey and the impact you aspire to make.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones and achievements will keep you motivated and encouraged to continue on your path.
In conclusion, developing effective time management, building a strong network, and embracing authenticity were pivotal in my purpose-seeking journey. By exploring, seeking guidance, starting small, being patient, and staying committed, early adventurers can develop and improve on these qualities to build a fulfilling and impactful journey of their own.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
1. Take a deep breath and step away. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and step away from whatever is causing you stress. This will help you to calm down and clear your head.
2. Break down big tasks into smaller ones. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a big task, try to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make the task seem less daunting and more achievable.
3. Delegate tasks. If you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This will free up some of your time and energy so that you can focus on the most important things.
4. Take care of yourself. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take care of yourself. This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you to feel better physically and mentally, which will make it easier to cope with stress.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe. Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that might lead to frustration if not achieved.
6. Practice Time Management: Use time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists, setting time limits for tasks, and using productivity tools, to organize your day efficiently.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soleinspiration.org/
- Instagram: @soleinspirationinc
- Facebook: @soleinspirationinc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribethgraham/
- Other: https://zondahome.com
