Have you ever been told, ‘You get out what you put in’? It’s a great saying that encourages us to invest our full effort, especially in areas where we may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable. While this mantra is inspiring and it seeks to motivate us to go ‘all in,’ it’s not always the complete truth. Sometimes, we find ourselves putting in way more than we receive in return. Just think of the allure and disappointment of Vegas. Fortunately, this principle can also work in our favor.

The last time I heard that saying was at the beginning of a year-long coaching program. The message from the outset was clear: give your maximum effort because you’ll reap what you sow. However, my experience was not just about putting in a bit of money, some time, and a commitment to the process. I ended up gaining so much more. Eleven months later, I have a published book, a relaunched and rebuilt website, about 100 new blog posts, a long list of completed personal goals, a new podcast, and a community of friends that continually propel me forward through relationships that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to pursuing your purpose, chasing your dreams, and following your calling, you’ll discover that you will get out more than you put in when you have these essential elements in place.

The Right Coach

Having the right coach is like having a GPS for your journey. In the same way that a lighthouse helps ships navigate dangerous waters, the right coach will steer you in the right direction. Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the safety in seeking guidance reminding us that it is “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” The right coach offers wisdom, shares their experience, and provides a unique perspective. They’re not simply sources of answers but also ask the questions that help you explore your purpose more deeply.

Coaches accelerate your growth, help you navigate uncertainties, and provide the support you need to uncover your true calling. With their guidance, you can invest your efforts wisely, learn from your mistakes, and find fulfillment and purpose on your journey.

The Right Tools

When it comes to physical tasks, the right tools for the job provide a mechanical advantage that elevate our results way beyond our physical efforts. As I wrote my book, ‘Magic in the Mug,’ I often found myself wrestling with false starts, unfinished chapters, and writing tangents that seemed to lead nowhere. It was like trying to drive a nail with a screwdriver or cut a board with a hammer – I had great tools and I was putting in considerable effort, but that effort just wasn’t directed to the right places, and so much of my time was wasted on tasks that didn’t push the project forward.

Proverbs 12:11 says, ‘Those who work their land will have an abundant food supply, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.’ This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of working diligently while making sure we’re investing our efforts wisely. It underscores that, much like how the right tools amplify our capabilities, cultivating and practicing wisdom allows us to tap into our full potential. With the right tools and the wisdom to employ them effectively, we can attain remarkable results with less struggle.

The Right Team

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to realize that having the right tools and the right coach, while undeniably critical, doesn’t complete the entire puzzle. Equally vital is a connection to a supportive community. In my community, I have made friends like David, who met me for lunch and responded to a million text messages about self-publishing, Megan, who regularly engaged in discussions and answered countless questions, and Gian, one of my earliest podcast guests who patiently watched me struggle as I began to learn how to interview and carry a conversation. For the last year, they have been more than witnesses to my learning, growth, and development; they’ve been some of the driving forces behind it. The Bible says that ‘iron sharpens iron,’ (Pr. 27:17) and these friends have exemplified this by providing encouragement, constructive feedback, and a sense of belonging that has continually propelled me forward.

These friends are just a few among the awesome community supporting me. So many others have shared their wisdom, cheered us on in our endeavors, and lent a helping hand when we needed it most. This sense of community is like having a dedicated support system, cheering for you and lifting you up during moments of doubt or challenge. Just as scripture teaches in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ‘Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.’ When you have a community that stands by you, offering answers, encouragement, and companionship, you can navigate the ups and downs of your journey with greater resilience and a shared sense of purpose. Your community becomes the wind at your back, propelling you towards your goals and helping you learn and grow in ways you might not have achieved on your own.

Are You Equipped?

In your pursuit of purpose, dreams, and your unique calling, you’ll discover that these essential elements – the right coach, the right tools, and the right team – can help you get out, way more than you think you put in. They can turn your efforts into achievements, your struggles into growth, and your dreams into reality.

So, as you pursue your God-given purpose, I encourage you to consider these elements. Are you working with the right coach or mentor who can guide you on your path? Are you equipped with the right tools and wisdom to amplify your efforts and minimize frustration? And do you have a supportive community that can provide encouragement, share experiences, and lift you up when you need it most?

The question I leave you with is this: How can you align these elements in your own journey to ensure you’re not just putting in effort but making real forward progress? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and let’s continue this discussion as we pursue our purpose together!