As someone whose English teacher considered her one of the worst writers in the world, you may be surprised to know that Lisa Nichols has two book deals going with the super-successful “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. She was also featured in Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret”. Lisa’s true passion lies in speaking and in the company she founded, Motivating the Teen Spirit LLC.

Motivating the Teen Spirit has changed the lives of at least 60,000 teens and their parents. The organization has prevented over 1,800 suicides, and it has encouraged nearly 1,000 high school dropouts to return to school. Teens everywhere have been reunited with their parents.

Lisa Nichols has had a passion for helping people since she was a teen herself. She remembers praying as a child that God would get her through her tough times and show her how to later help others as well. Because Lisa was emotionally illiterate in her teens, she has decided to put most of her focus on teens today. She was an outgoing, social person, but she knew her emotions weren’t what they should be.

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.

Face your fears. Don’t let your security derail your passionate goals. Ask yourself how happy you REALLY are. If there’s something you could change to make your life have more meaning, figure out what’s holding you back. Change doesn’t happen by itself.

Lisa Nichols overcame her fears by studying speech, facilitation, and entrepreneurship. She began working with teens for free. In time, confidence and credibility allowed her to start charging a fee. Now she’s happier than she ever dreamed possible back when her life was “secure”. Overcome your own obstacles and be happy!