Motivating the Teen Spirit is changing lives for teens and their parents everywhere. Over 60,000 teen lives have been touched in some way. More than 1,800 suicides have been prevented, nearly 1,000 dropouts have returned to school, and countless teens have been reunited with their parents.
Helping people is a passion that Lisa Nichols has had since she was a teen herself. She recalls many prayers to God during her youth asking for guidance through tough times. If God would show her how to get through, she promised to show others as well. Lisa was normal on the outside - a typical social butterfly - but she was looking for emotional literacy on the inside as many teens do today.
Greatness isn't something you're born with. It doesn't come from some sort of "magic fairy dust." Lisa Nichols believes every great person is a product of whatever life has dealt them. Each experience, whether good or bad, should be a learning one. Each challenge should be considered an opportunity for growth.
In Biblical days, Moses was called upon to speak, but he was so scared that he tried to get his brother Aaron to step in for him. Lisa was similar in her earlier days. She always wanted to be a speaker, but she was afraid. "How can I speak," she thought. "I got a 'D' in speech class." Lisa dwelled on her can't-do attitude for five long years before finally following the path she believed God wanted her to follow.
Many people today struggle with passions as well. It doesn't have to be a passion for speaking. It could be anything. Lisa would often feel as if God were calling her, but she would say, "Can you call back later?" She had a great job making a six-figure income. She had benefits, and she had a small child to consider.
You have to face your fears without letting your security get in the way. Think about how happy you'd be doing what you really want to do. Think what needs to be done to change your life. It doesn't have to happen overnight, but change doesn't happen by itself.
Lisa decided to overcome her fears by studying speech, facilitation, and entrepreneurship. Before her confidence and credibility would allow her to start charging a fee, she worked with teens for free. She's happier than she ever thought possible, and her fears of speaking and security are gone. Get out there and face your fears, too. You'll be happy you did!