Written by Naomi Zee, Convergence Coach & Consultant
Naomi Zee is a powerhouse in personal and corporate transformation, known for her unique and highly effective proprietary coaching style. With over 25 years of experience and multiple published works, Naomi’s depth of character, education, and experience empowers clients to uncover what lies hidden within their own depths.
For years, we've been told a simple formula: "Once you know who you are, your purpose will follow." It sounds reassuring, even logical. But the reality is far more complex, and many have been misled by this incomplete truth.
The fact is, more people struggle with purpose than with imposter syndrome and anxiety disorder combined. While identity is a foundational piece, it does not automatically reveal design or lead to purpose. Instead, people often find themselves stuck, knowing who they are but unsure of what they are meant to do with that knowledge.
We’ve all heard them, those catchy, well-meaning phrases meant to encourage and inspire. They sound profound, even empowering. But what if they’ve actually done more harm than good? What if, instead of guiding people toward success and fulfillment, they’ve led them further into frustration, self-doubt, and endless searching?
Common phrases that you know that mislead more than motivate
"You can do anything you put your mind to." No matter how hard I try, I cannot fly without an aircraft. No amount of mindset, visualization, or self-belief will change the physical reality of certain limitations.
"You create your own destiny." While we make choices that shape our lives, I will never be a professional dancer, surfer, or tennis pro. Some paths are simply not ours to take, no matter how much effort we put in.
"Your past does not define your future." It shouldn’t, but 9.9 times out of 10, it does. The patterns, experiences, and decisions of our past heavily influence where we end up, unless we take intentional steps to break cycles and redirect our course.
"Life’s journey is not about finding yourself, but creating yourself." Although the concept seems sound, it’s actually a direct path to increased confusion and missteps. How can you “create” yourself if you don’t first understand who you are and how you’re wired?
"Step into your purpose, and the path will reveal itself." And, how exactly does one do that? Purpose isn’t something you “step into” without direction. It requires clarity, structure, and intentional discovery.
These phrases, while designed to empower, actually create more uncertainty, unrealistic expectations, and unnecessary struggle. They overlook the deeper process of identity, design, and purpose, three distinct yet interconnected pieces that must be navigated in the right order.
The first struggle: Identity
Before purpose can even be considered, many people first wrestle with identity. Who am I? What defines me? How much of what I believe about myself is shaped by expectation rather than truth?
A fractured or unclear sense of identity makes every step forward unstable. Without a solid foundation, design and purpose remain out of reach. Many try to chase purpose before securing identity, leading to frustration, burnout, and the cycle of reinventing themselves without ever finding real alignment.
The missing step: Design
Even those with a strong sense of identity often struggle with what comes next. They know who they are, but how does that translate into action, fulfillment, or impact? This is where many become stuck, because identity alone does not reveal design.
Design, your unique wiring, is the structure of how you are meant to operate in the world.
While identity is internal, design is how that identity is meant to engage with the world. This is the critical step that so many overlook, yet it is the bridge between knowing yourself and knowing your purpose.
The ultimate question: Purpose
Once identity is secured and design is understood, purpose becomes clear. Purpose is not simply about what you enjoy or what you're good at; it is the intentional alignment of who you are with what you are meant to accomplish.
Some people know where they’re going. Others know what they need to do to get somewhere. And some only know their starting point. To achieve all three is rare, yet entirely possible with the right guidance.
Can you navigate this alone?
You can try to unravel these layers on your own, but the reality is that identity, design, and purpose are deeply intertwined, often in ways we don’t fully recognize in ourselves. There are questions you may not know to ask, blind spots you may not see, and patterns that require careful navigation.
A qualified coach, trained in recognizing your identity, uncovering your design, and aligning you with your purpose, accelerates this process with clarity and precision. Purpose is not guesswork; it is an intentional unfolding of who you were designed to be.
If you've been searching for purpose but feeling stuck, it's time to step beyond the myths and into real discovery. The question remains:
Would you want to know the truth?
If so, your next step is waiting.
Read more from Naomi Zee
Naomi Zee, Convergence Coach & Consultant
"Deep calls to deep." Naomi's vast experiences have cultivated a depth that calls out to those seeking lasting transformation. With 25+ years in business and coaching her signature approach helps clients unveil their full, God-given potential.
Through convergence coaching, Naomi draws out latent abilities and empowers clients to align their beliefs, values, and actions for profound authenticity. Her firsthand experience with human adversity fuels her unwavering commitment to powerful transformation.
Naomi also trains future coaches, equipping them to guide others with similar style and success. Her dedication to unveiling potential and fueling purpose makes her a powerful partner in your path to lasting transformation!
