Welcome to this special episode of the Reed Manga Series. Indiana, who has a passion for exploring profound topics, sits down with Ariana Oluwole a dynamic entrepreneur from Sierra Leone. Passionate about uplifting others, Ariana transforms lives and careers through her lifestyle blog – Ariana Diaries – a media platform that focuses on holistic lifestyle, entrepreneurship, and education for individuals, organizations, and communities striving to lead and live their best lives.
Together, Indiana and Ariana delve into the intersection of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the transformative power of purpose. Their discussion promises to illuminate how these elements can reshape our lives and foster deeper, more meaningful connections.
WHY PURPOSE MATTER?
Indiana: Ariana, why do you think purpose matters so much? I feel like so many people talk about it, but not everyone seems to find theirs.
Ariana: That’s a great question, Indiana. You see, some people go through life without ever figuring out why they’re here, what their true calling is. It’s almost like they’re just going through the motions.
Indiana: Yeah, I’ve seen that too. They seem… lost, like something is missing but they can’t quite put their finger on it.
Ariana: Exactly. And then you have others who feel frustrated, even depressed, because they thought they had it all figured out, only to realize later that they were living an illusion. They weren’t really connected to their true purpose, and it shows how demotivated they become.
Indiana: That sounds heavy. I imagine it’s crushing to think you’ve been heading in the right direction, only to realize you’ve been chasing the wrong thing.
Ariana: It is. But then there are those who actually discover their purpose, and it changes everything. They go on to live and lead their best lives, making an impact, and feeling fulfilled. It’s like a spark gets lit within them, and suddenly everything clicks into place.
Indiana: So you think purpose is the key to real success?
Ariana: In many ways, yes. Discovering your purpose might just be the hidden mystery to success. Without it, you’re navigating life without a map, but with it… everything starts to make sense..
Indiana: That sounds incredibly powerful. It makes me wonder how many people are truly living their purpose and how many are still searching.
Ariana: It’s a journey, but once you find it, there’s no turning back. It transforms everything.
Indiana: Alright, Ariana, we’ve talked about what purpose is but why do we actually need it? What makes it so essential in life and work?
Ariana: Well, Indiana, purpose is like a guiding star. It defines our path, fuels our passion, and gives meaning to everything we do.
Indiana: A guiding star, I like that. So, it’s not just about finding direction, it’s about keeping that fire alive in everything we pursue.
Ariana: Exactly. Especially for leaders and entrepreneurs, purpose isn’t just some motivational buzzword thrown around. It’s a fundamental component of success and fulfillment. Without purpose, you’re just chasing results without any deeper connection to what you’re building.
Indiana: That makes sense. So for people in leadership roles, having a sense of purpose actually shapes the way they run their businesses or lead their teams?
Ariana: Absolutely. A clear sense of purpose helps navigate challenges, inspires the people around you, and ultimately creates a lasting impact. It’s the anchor that keeps you steady when things get tough.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCOVERING PURPOSE
Indiana: I can see how that could make a difference. If the leader knows why they’re doing what they do, that energy can influence the entire team. Ariana, I’m really curious—what happens when someone finally discovers their purpose? What’s the real importance of having that sense of clarity?
Ariana: Indiana, when someone discovers their purpose, everything changes. Take a leader who values sustainability, for example. That focus on purpose could lead them to make decisions that prioritize eco-friendly products or practices, even when cheaper alternatives are available.
Indiana: So they’d be making decisions that align more with their values than with short-term gains?
Ariana: Exactly. The result is a brand that resonates with conscious consumers, and over time, that builds trust. Purpose provides direction and clarity, which makes decision-making easier because it keeps you aligned with your core values.
Indiana: That’s powerful—like having a filter through which you make all your choices. I imagine it also makes it harder to get distracted by things that don’t matter.
Ariana: Right! When leaders and entrepreneurs are anchored in their purpose, they’re less likely to be swayed by distractions or tempted by short-term gains. That kind of clarity leads to consistent actions and decisions, reflecting a deeper commitment to long-term goals.
Indiana: And that kind of consistency must build trust, not just with consumers, but within the team as well.
Ariana: Absolutely. Purpose-driven leadership has a ripple effect. Think about entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx. She faced countless rejections early on, but her purpose—creating comfortable shapewear for women—kept her going. That commitment eventually led to global success.
Indiana: So purpose isn’t just about direction; it’s also what helps people push through the hard times?
Ariana: Yes, purpose builds resilience. When you have a clear ‘why,’ it’s easier to stay motivated and push through setbacks. You’re not just grinding for the sake of it—you understand the larger impact of your efforts.
Indiana: It sounds like it also becomes a way to inspire others. I can imagine a leader sharing their purpose and it is affecting the whole organization.
Ariana: Exactly! A CEO who openly shares their commitment to social impact can inspire employees to actively participate in those initiatives. Work transforms into a platform for broader change. Purpose-driven leaders inspire others to find their own sense of purpose, which boosts morale and brings like-minded people together.
Indiana: So it’s not just about finding your own purpose, but about creating an environment where others can connect with theirs?
Ariana: Exactly. Purpose-driven leadership cultivates loyalty, engagement, and a shared sense of mission. When people feel like they’re part of something bigger than just a paycheck, they show up differently, and that’s when real transformation happens.
Indiana: It sounds like discovering purpose is not just about personal fulfillment, but about creating a ripple effect that influences everything and everyone around you.
Ariana: That’s exactly it, Indiana. Purpose touches every aspect of life and leadership—it’s what turns ordinary actions into something truly meaningful.
HOW CAN YOU START LIVING YOUR PURPOSE?
Indiana: Ariana, I’ve heard so much about discovering your purpose, but how do you actually start living it? Where does someone even begin?
Ariana: It all starts with reflection, Indiana. You need to take a step back and reflect on your core values. These are your non-negotiable principles, the things that define who you are. Ask yourself: What truly matters to me? What kind of impact do I want to have?
Indiana: So, it’s about digging deep and understanding what really drives you at the core. Once you’ve got that, what comes next?
Ariana: Next, you need to define your ‘why.’ This is where you articulate your purpose clearly. It’s important to write it down in a way that resonates deeply with you. It’s not about crafting the perfect statement, but about finding words that spark a sense of commitment and direction.
Indiana: That sounds like a deeply personal process. So once you’ve figured out your ‘why,’ how do you actually live it?
Ariana: That’s where alignment comes in. You have to evaluate whether your daily actions, decisions, and goals reflect your purpose. Are you living in a way that aligns with your core values? If not, then it’s time to make some changes.
Indiana: It sounds like purpose isn’t just about big, life-changing decisions, but also the small, everyday actions.
Ariana: Exactly. Purpose is woven into the everyday. It’s about making sure that everything you do, no matter how small, is aligned with your deeper values. And it’s not just for you—you should share your purpose with the people around you.
Indiana: Why is sharing it so important?
Ariana: When you communicate your purpose with your team, stakeholders, or even your customers, they start to understand what drives you. It helps them connect with your vision, and they’re more likely to support your journey.
Indiana: That makes sense. Purpose becomes something bigger than just a personal mission—it becomes a shared one.
Ariana: Exactly. And remember, purpose isn’t static. As you grow, your purpose can evolve too. That’s why it’s important to embrace continuous reflection. Regularly revisit and refine your purpose to make sure it still aligns with your evolving aspirations and experiences.
Indiana: So it’s not a one-time discovery, but something that grows with you over time?
Ariana: Absolutely. Purpose is a living, breathing part of who you are. And when we align our actions with our purpose, we unlock our fullest potential. That creates a ripple effect of positivity and progress in our businesses, communities, and beyond.
Indiana: I love that. It’s not just about personal fulfillment, but about creating a wider impact that goes far beyond yourself.
Ariana: Exactly, Indiana. Purpose is about more than just you—it’s about the change you inspire in the world around you.
THE ROLE OF CRITICAL THINKING IN LEADING AN EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LIFE
Indiana: Ariana, I’ve been hearing a lot about emotional intelligence lately, especially in leadership. But I’m curious—what role does critical thinking play in leading an emotionally intelligent life?
Ariana: That’s a fantastic question, Indiana. We often focus on emotional intelligence as the key to personal and professional success, especially in today’s fast-paced world. But critical thinking, which is typically tied to problem-solving and decision-making, plays an equally important role in cultivating an emotionally intelligent life.
Indiana: That’s interesting. I always thought of emotional intelligence as more about empathy and understanding emotions. How does critical thinking tie into that?
Ariana: Well, critical thinking allows us to step back and analyze our emotions, rather than just reacting to them. It helps us question why we feel the way we do, and whether our emotional responses are aligned with the situation or if they’re clouded by biases or assumptions.
Indiana: So it’s not just about feeling emotions but understanding and questioning them at a deeper level?
Ariana: Exactly. By engaging in critical thinking, we can reshape how our brain processes emotions. Instead of reacting impulsively, we can evaluate the situation, think about potential outcomes, and make more thoughtful, balanced decisions. This dynamic interplay between critical thinking and emotional intelligence transforms not only our internal responses but also how we handle relationships.
Indiana: I can see how that would make a huge difference in relationships, both personal and professional. Being able to assess emotions critically must improve communication and understanding.
Ariana: It absolutely does. When we apply critical thinking, we’re better equipped to navigate conflicts, empathize with others, and create healthier connections. It’s not about suppressing emotions—it’s about managing them thoughtfully. And this doesn’t just improve relationships; it also boosts productivity.
Indiana: That’s a great point. I hadn’t thought about how critical thinking could actually make someone more emotionally intelligent. Do you think people often overlook this connection?
Ariana: Yes, many people do. We tend to separate emotions from logic, but the two are deeply connected. If we want to lead an emotionally intelligent life, we need to incorporate critical thinking as part of the process. It helps us stay grounded, make better decisions, and ultimately live with more emotional clarity.
Indiana: It sounds like emotional intelligence and critical thinking are really two sides of the same coin. You can’t fully have one without the other.
Ariana: Exactly, Indiana. When we blend the two, we’re not just reacting to life—we’re shaping it. That’s where true emotional intelligence lies.
TIME TO REWIRE THE BRAIN?
Indiana: Ariana, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we respond to emotions and situations. Do you think it’s time to rewire our brains to handle these better?
Ariana: Absolutely, Indiana. Rewiring our brains is not just a metaphor—it’s a real process. Critical thinking is more than just a cognitive process; it’s like a neurological workout. It enhances our brain’s capacity for emotional regulation and resilience.
Indiana: That’s fascinating. So, how does critical thinking actually affect the brain?
Ariana: When we engage in critical thinking, especially regarding our emotions and reactions, we activate the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain is responsible for complex decision-making and impulse control. By activating it, we can step back from emotional triggers and assess situations more objectively, which helps in reducing knee-jerk reactions.
Indiana: So, by thinking critically, we’re essentially training our brains to respond more thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively?
Ariana: Exactly. This deliberate engagement strengthens the neural pathways associated with self-awareness and empathy. Over time, these strengthened connections enable us to respond more measuredly to stress and conflict, promoting a balanced emotional state.
Indiana: That’s really intriguing. It sounds like critical thinking helps make emotional intelligence a more ingrained part of who we are.
Ariana: Yes, it does. The result is a brain that’s better equipped to handle challenges with calmness and clarity. Emotional intelligence becomes not just a learned skill but a biologically ingrained trait. Each time you pause before reacting, you’re giving your brain the permission to rewire itself.
Indiana: So, by incorporating critical thinking into our daily lives, we’re actually rewiring our brains to improve our emotional responses and overall resilience?
Ariana: Exactly, Indiana. It’s a powerful process. Each pause, each moment of reflection, helps set into motion the rewiring of our brain, making emotional intelligence a natural and enduring part of who we are.
Indiana: It sounds like a really practical way to cultivate emotional intelligence. I’ll definitely have to keep that in mind in my own life.
Ariana: Absolutely. It’s all about practicing that pause and reflection, and over time, you’ll find that emotional intelligence becomes more intuitive and deeply rooted. At the heart of every strong relationship lies the ability to understand and manage emotions—our own and those of others. Critical thinking can be a pathway to deeper connections, it serves as a bridge to empathy, allowing us to question assumptions, recognize biases, and appreciate different perspectives. By critically analyzing our interactions, we can navigate conflicts with a focus on solutions rather than blame, fostering trust and cooperation.
In their enlightening conversation, Indiana and Ariana explored the profound impact that purpose and critical thinking have on leading a fulfilling and emotionally intelligent life. Ultimately, their conversation underscored that living a purpose-driven life and incorporating critical thinking are intertwined processes that enrich our experiences, foster resilience, and create a ripple effect of positive change in our lives and communities.
PS: Share your knowledge, insights, and wisdom through interactive storytelling. Have a meaningful conversation with Indiana the host of the Reed Manga Series. DM to become the next Honored Guest.
For a front-row seat and exclusive access to Part 2, join me on Ko-Fi as we embark on a journey filled with words, wonder, and endless possibilities. . For just $5 per month (the price of a cup of Ko-fi/coffee) you can become a Ko-Fi Silver Tiers members. If you would like me to look into a particular subject, write a special piece for you, or become an Honored Guest you can make such a request as a Silver Tier Member. If a subscription is not your kind of thing, just have a look around my online shop, nothing better than retail therapy. So, come join me on Ko-Fi for an epic journey filled with words, wonder, and boundless possibilities as we unravel together the mysteries of Purpose.
The post The Reed Manga Series – Special Episode – Honored Guest – Ariana Oluwole from Sierra Leone appeared first on Author Joanne Reed.