Emily Kitazawa

Emily found her love of reading and writing at a young age, learning to enjoy these activities thanks to being taught them by her mom—Goodnight Moon will forever be a favorite. As a young adult, Emily graduated with her English degree, specializing in Creative Writing and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), from the University of Central Florida. She later earned her master’s degree in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University. Emily loves reading fiction, especially modern Japanese, historical, crime, and philosophical fiction. Her personal writing is inspired by observations of people and nature.

Understand Your Purpose in Life With This Easy Activity

What are the simplest ways of understanding your purpose in life? How can understanding your purpose improve your life? Simon Sinek argues that finding your Why—or purpose—can help you make better choices in your work and your life that lead to greater fulfillment. That’s what he found in his own life after struggling with depression until he identified his purpose: “To inspire people to do what inspires them so that, together, we can change our world for the better.” Keep reading to learn more about Sinek’s simple exercise for understanding your purpose in life.

Why You Seek Validation From Others & How to Stop

Why do some people always seek validation from others? How can you build self-confidence and stop seeking validation? Author Glennon Doyle observes that the tendency to look to others for validation has diminished women’s ability to trust their own decisions. Learning to explore your intuition through quiet reflection can free you from seeking validation. Keep reading to learn Doyle’s advice for learning to trust your own decisions.

Purpose Discussion: Full Guide for Individuals & Teams

What is the meaning of a purpose discussion? What are the steps for conducting a purpose discussion? A purpose discussion is a process Find Your Why author Simon Sinek created with co-authors David Mead and Peter Docker to identify your purpose. The authors’ step-by-step process can be followed with a partner to create an individual purpose statement, or applied in a group discussion to come up with a team or organization’s purpose. Keep reading for a complete guide to conducting a purpose discussion for both individuals and teams.

Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle: Example for Leadership

What is Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle example? How should leaders use Sinek’s model? Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle example was introduced in his popular 2009 TED Talk. Aside from being a motivational speaker and author, Sinek also helped others find their purpose by working directly with individuals and organizations. Keep reading to learn about purposeful leadership using Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle example.

Stand Up for Your Beliefs: Fight Racism With Anti-Bias

How can you start standing up for your beliefs? What does it mean to really embrace anti-racism? Self-help author Glennon Doyle reexamined her beliefs about race and realized that she had been participating in cultural practices and belief systems that did not reflect what she believed true about herself and the world. Deconstructing old beliefs and practices inherited from your culture gives you a clean slate upon which to stand up for your beliefs, current values, and goals. Read on to learn about deconstructing racist beliefs and why standing up for your beliefs means getting involved.

Finding a Sense of Purpose: 3 Surprising Benefits

What are the most important benefits of finding a sense of purpose? How will life improve once you find your unique purpose? In Find Your Why, Simon Sinek, David Mead, and Peter Docker lay out the steps individuals and organizations can take to discover their purpose and strengths and share them with the world. Discovering your unique purpose—your Why—and strengths helps you find fulfillment at work and in life. Keep reading to discover the three benefits you will enjoy by finding a sense of purpose, according to Simon Sinek.

How to Express Yourself Better: The Happiness Trap

Do you struggle to express your emotions? How can expressing yourself better improve your life? Author Glennon Doyle asserts that you are taught by society not to feel anything, to avoid emotion and pain at all costs. Numbing yourself keeps you in captivity, but you can evolve and challenge the status quo when you break free of this conditioning. Read on to learn more about society’s impact on emotions and how to express yourself better in daily life.

How to Write a Good Purpose Statement: Sinek’s Steps

What are the most important characteristics of a good purpose statement? How do you write a purpose statement? Motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek believes finding your purpose helps you make more persuasive appeals to people. Your energy and commitment to your purpose are contagious, so having clarity on it helps you pitch your ideas in a way that’s more authentic and enticing to others. Read on to learn Sinek’s proven steps for writing a good purpose statement and how to start creating your own.

Tapping Into Intuition: Make Your Dreams a Reality

What are the most effective ways of tapping into intuition? How can using intuition help you make positive changes in life? Embracing your intuition involves being guided by a deep sense of inner truth. According to self-help author Glennon Doyle, when you deeply understand yourself, you can make confident decisions. Keep reading to learn why tapping into intuition is key for changing your dreams into reality.

Simon Sinek’s Purpose Statements: 4 Characteristics

How do you write a purpose statement that actually works? What are Simon Sinek’s tips for creating a purpose statement? A purpose statement is a sentence that declares your Why, or purpose. In the book Find Your Why, Simon Sinek presents a step-by-step process to discover and articulate your purpose, which you can go through with a partner or in a team workshop. Keep reading to discover Simon Sinek’s purpose statement traits, including an example for starting your own.