Mandela Philip Thomas
We live in a world searching for attention, identity, belonging, approval, and purpose. This raises questions: Who am I? What do I want to do with who I am or with my life? What future do I deserve? The same questions keep surfacing in different ways.
The purpose we seek isn’t just something we find—it’s designed within the identity we already possess, a proof of the greatness inside us. But it also resides in the identity we’ve ignored, in the untapped truths waiting to define ourselves, our societies, and our world. Many wander through life unsure of their path. For some, this is a struggle; for others, a journey of self-discovery.
Even at leadership levels, we distinguish those with a clear identity from those without. Those with identity make the biggest impact, even in small ways. You can see it in how they make decisions, craft policies, and approach global issues. To be defined as individuals or leaders, we must possess a sense of identity—it guides us to represent something meaningful and to excel when entrusted with responsibility, whether in nations, organizations, or families.
The struggle is not “I don’t know what to do with my life” but “Who am I?” before answering that question. Discovering our career path or life’s calling comes with challenges and questions about how we lead in society, organizations, and families. It shapes how we view the world beyond our immediate surroundings and informs the ethics and values we live by.
Change—whether in the world, our lives, societies, or family circumstances—requires precision. We need a clear vision of our destination, even if our steps are uncertain. Along the way, we may change our paths, but we move toward the precise destinations that inspire us at every stage. We are not born independent but interdependent: we need others’ values, and others need our purpose. This is why we come from families, homes, cultures, and traditions that shape our understanding of life and influence our professional actions.
Growing up, figuring out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life was the toughest yet most crucial part of my journey. Watching my parents’ impact on society and the nation inspired me as a child. I grew curious about my own future—a question everyone faces. Some find their meaning early; others spend lifetimes searching. Teaching, in all its forms—consulting, coaching, speaking, counseling—has always been my way of life. It’s who I am, so I’ve built every skill and experience around this gift for teaching and communication.
The greatest question isn’t what we’re positioned to achieve but who we are as we strive for something greater in our daily lives. This is where identity and purpose begin. How do we derive meaning from our lives to address societal challenges?
Identity is not defined by the nations or families we come from. It is the greatness within us, the ability to transform every facet of our lives and positively influence everyone we encounter through our work, steps, and direction.
We truly understand life when surrounded by people defined by meaning—whether through motivational quotes, speeches, parents, or societal figures.
As long as the search for identity continues, there will always be things we dislike because they don’t fulfill us. This breeds burnout and dissatisfaction in ourselves, our societies, and our journeys. Some give up and settle; others break free from the cycle of searching to discover their true identity.
Our lives are built on identity. It defines what inspires, moves, and resonates with us. That identity becomes our dignity and purpose. When we search for validation externally, we misdefine ourselves, following paths that ultimately leave us unfulfilled. This is why many do what they don’t love, trapped in survival mode rather than living with purpose.
Teaching has always been my passion—a way to express wisdom and understanding of life and purpose. I found myself through introspection but understood my calling through my parents’ impact. Something awakened the hidden parts of me, the parts born to change and heal. When we accept who we’re meant to be, we bring healing, new ideas, and direction, creating a way of life for ourselves and others. Our reason for living stems from the impact we love making on the world, society, and organizations, giving us clarity of purpose and inspiring others to fulfill their missions.
We’re not designed to watch life passively but to make an impact, through our careers, organizations, or personal actions. This can only happen when we stop doubting the power of our identity. Doubt limits who we become and obscures self-discovery.
So the next time someone asks who we are or what we want to do with our lives, let’s answer with our greatness, and what that greatness demands of us.
