When I was young, I wanted to grow up and live the “glamorous life.” And I wanted to do it as an actress. This will date me, but there was a show on VH1 called The Fabulous Life Of… and I recorded every episode. The only thing I concentrated on until I was about to graduate high school was getting to Los Angeles to become an actress. This was my sole purpose for the first two decades of my life.

After getting to L.A., there was a point in time when I was focused on constantly accumulating things—money, trips, clothes, shoes, you name it. But as I got older, I started to question this pattern. This constant need to accumulate wasn’t bringing me as much fulfillment as it initially seemed to. Then, I lost a parent and my priorities shifted. My entire perspective on life and the things in it changed. You can’t take the materials things with you. . .

Have you ever wondered what your purpose on this earth is? Maybe you’ve wanted to make your mark on the world but aren’t sure how or why. You’re not alone. I’ve asked myself these questions numerous times over the years, and I’ve finally nailed down what it is I need to feel happy and fulfilled in this life. I need to make an impact.

In fact, that impact I need to have is more important than any amount of money I could make. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m very much aware of the fact that I (and everyone else) need money to survive. So, I’m not saying that I can’t make money and have an impact. I’m saying that having a positive impact is my priority above the amount of money I make.

As my perspective and desires started to change and I began prioritizing people and memories over money and material things, amazing things came as a result. I realized that shifting my perspective allowed me to make progress towards my financial goals. I wasn’t constantly out buying things—I was saving, I was planning, and I was happier than ever!

I realized that if a shift in my priorities could result in quick and consistent financial progress, then I could help other women do the same. Heck, if I could do it, anyone could do it. I ended up starting what would eventually become my financial coaching company, and I made it my mission to help women see that they can enjoy the things they truly love and take care of their responsibilities. Just like I made it my sole purpose to get to Los Angeles and try my hand at acting so many years ago, I’ve now made it my sole purpose to help as many women as I possibly can.

I’ve come to acknowledge that I truly feel the most joy when I get those words of thanks from people whose lives have changed. It’s the impact for me! I don’t need to make much, but I know I need to have that impact. That’s what my life is about. Now, I run my financial coaching company full-time. Focusing on the impact I want to have has allowed me to design a life I love and make my mark on this world.

In the grand scheme of things, it took losing someone close to me to have the epiphanies I needed in order to recognize impact over income is it for me. It doesn’t have to take that for you to recognize it. I challenge you to tap into your deepest desires and make your mark on the world. What would leave you feeling pure joy each day? Move in that direction and your answers will come to light. Let’s do amazing things, sis!

What impact do you want to have on the world?