I was 26 at a dinner party. The host asked of the table, “What is your ‘cause’? How are you supporting your cause?"

I can’t remember how I stumbled through my answer, but the question (compounded with another experience years before) haunted me.

At 26 I was barely able to take care of myself let alone be working towards a ‘cause’. I hardly knew who I was, how would I know my ‘cause’?

Eventually I brought this question to a mentor. One who not only was a successful business leader but also tirelessly championed his cause- adoption.

He said. "You don’t need to find a cause. You need to BE three things."

Be Present - Physically show up, and challenge yourself to show up outside of your bubble. Walk the unfamiliar alleyways of life.

Be Aware - Mentally show up. Really watch what is going on. Take note of the things the others are not seeing.

Be Prepared - When you are Present, and you are Aware, you will see when action is needed. If you are prepared, then you will be able to take that action. It is not selfish to take care of yourself, one does this so you can be able to take care of others.

If you are Present, Aware and Prepared,

you will not need to find a cause,

the cause(s) will find you.

Original Linkedin post: http://bit.ly/2N1B9IR