Erica Lasan: “Why now is the time to double-down on your purpose”

Double-down on your purpose. While I’ve already shared four ways to develop serenity in times of fear and uncertainty, the best thing you can do is what you’ve been born to do. Now is the time to live joyfully in your purpose — whatever that may be. If you’re unsure of what your purpose is, then maybe now is the perfect time to start Vision Casting to discover what your purpose may be! When you’re busy living intentionally in your purpose, there’s no time to waste! You won’t have time to think about the things you’re uncertain about, or afraid of; because all of your energy, attention, and time is being devoted to carrying out the mission of your purpose. You’ll gain serenity and satisfaction just knowing that you’re doing the best you can. Eventually this energy will spill into the lives of those around you! Purpose is the quickest, non-taxing, and most effective ways to start a serenity cycle! It’s the secret sauce! In these times I’ve been super inspired by my purpose. While a lot of the world has fallen victim to the fear and anxiety of COVID-19 Quarantine, I have been finding myself working overtime. It is my job to lead others to joy through purpose. So I’ve been cranking out more content, developing additional programs and events and making myself available to help others through these weird times. I recognize that people are ill and there has been a lot of death, but I also believe that in these times, the spirits and souls of many people will be awakened to their calling. By doubling down on my purpose (of joyful living) I am able to cultivate a space for others to transform their fears into purpose-filled joy as well!

As a part of my series about the things we can do to develop serenity and support each other during anxious times, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erica Lasan.

Faith-Fueled and Purpose-Propelled, Erica Lasan is an Alignment & Empowerment Strategist… but you can simply call her a Vision-Pusher!

As a multi-passionate creative, and stay-at-home mom, Erica’s “Live Rich” motto is a cry for everyone to use their gifts and live within their JOY — doing less of what they “have to do,” and more of what they WANT to do. How? By envisioning the spectrum of possibilities for what a happy, healthy, purpose-filled life could look like; and then strategizing the steps needed to get there! #LiveRich, and Happy Dream Chasing!

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

I have always been inspired by the individual creative process, and people being bold enough to pursue their dreams. After graduating from college during the 2009 recession (with no real job prospects), I found myself settling into a life that I didn’t want for myself. I had just turned 20 and was already willing to sellout my aspirations for a job at my college internship — because they were offering me monetary compensation. Yes, it was a job, but I wasn’t excited or passionate about it at all. I felt like my creativity, ideas, and gifts were not being used; not only this, I couldn’t see how they would grow within the company.

I took extended bathroom breaks just so I could escape my desk. I would sit on the toilet and cry for ten minutes, then I would wash my face, put on lip gloss, and then head back to my workstation. But it didn’t end there. The misery continued! On my lunch break I would take a walk around the office building and call my boyfriend crying and complaining about how undervalued and unhappy I felt. I felt stuck. I wanted to do something different, but I wasn’t sure how.

After a full summer of this routine my boyfriend made a simple statement that changed everything, “well Erica, just do something.”

… and so I did! I went back to the drawing board and considered all the things I enjoyed doing before going to college: Photography, jewelry design, singing/songwriting, and engaging in conversation (to name a few). At one point, this led me to create a YouTube channel and develop a few digital series where I was doing street interviews all over New York City!

In the years since then I’ve worked in a myriad of industries, but my interests and intrigue have always landed back with people. I would have hours of conversation with strangers about their life aspirations, dreams, goals, and giving ideas on how they could arrive there. At some point I realized I’d been working for free! I’d been so busy looking for a job, when all along I’d unintentionally built one for myself… as a consultant! So I made it official and started my company the Live Rich Movement (LRM) in addition to the freelance work I’d been doing through my site EricaLasan.com. The Live Rich Movement has been a culmination of everything I am passionate about: people, faith, purpose, and creative execution; while living each day intentionally, passionately, and in joy!

… Oh, and that wise (and supportive) boyfriend? I married him! :)

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

The most interesting that has happened to me since starting my career is the fact that I’m doing this at all! So much of the journey to make it to this point in my career has been accidental. It was simply a matter of me speaking it into existence, or trying something new that I’ve always wanted to do. I didn’t like the job I had out of college? I quit that to do more colorful things that made me smile instead!

I got bored working in the fashion industry? I got a freelance gig at a national magazine covering New York Fashion Week and celebrity lifestyle. Once that got old, I became a blogger. After doing that I realized I didn’t want to bother with writing and wanted to be an on-air talent instead… which is what I’d always wanted all along, but was too scared to state out loud. Once I finally got over the fear of thinking “who do I think I am?” The blessings just poured! I got different opportunities to collaborate with bigger brands, digital networks, create online shows — but more importantly, as a creative, it allowed me to feel the most fulfilled I ever had!

So really, it has ALL been interesting… but one highlight was my very first freelance gigs working as an Editorial Assistant with Ebony Magazine for NYFW F/W 2010 shows. I was working under Harriette Cole and Elaine Welteroth (who was the magazine’s Beauty/Fashion Editor at the time), and it catapulted me into the creative New York scene, exercising the power to define who I am/who I want to be, and knowing that anything is possible.

What advice would you suggest to your colleagues in your industry to thrive and avoid burnout?

The first piece of advice that I have for colleagues to thrive and avoid burnout is to honor your mind and your body — recognize when you’re doing the best that you can and then surrender the rest. That means setting boundaries… sometimes even with ourselves! As a society, we need to realize that technology has made us too easily accessible to everyone ALL. THE. TIME. At some point we need to draw a line somewhere.

Rather than paying attention to the signs and limits that our bodies instinctively give when we need to rest — we push ourselves. Sometimes this push happens because of feeling pressure to please others, making ourselves available, or just being “nice.” Instead, my suggestion would be to simply honor your mind and body. Take the time to realize that if you’re burnt out, you’re not operating at your highest abilities, and that’s not helpful for anyone!

It’s hard to take a step back and turn our minds off because there are so many ways we allow people into our mind and space. Social media, emails, text messages, online videos, the news, group chats, phone notifications, smartwatches, etc. These methods of communication are constantly pinging and vying for our attention throughout the day, and late into the evening. We have to step back, set boundaries, and then be ready to enforce them. Setting these boundaries can be something as simple as setting a bedtime, as difficult as deleting apps, or going even deeper — blocking toxic people from our circles (both online and offline).

What advice would you give to other leaders about how to create a fantastic work culture?

My advice for creating a fantastic work culture is simple: treat your employees and colleagues the way you would want to be treated. The golden rule. It’s so simple, and yet it’s so easily forgotten. As a leader, would you want to be working 40+ hours away from your family? No. Would you want to be working for hours with little to no recognition? Probably not. Would you like fair monetary compensation for the use of your gifts, talent, and time? Yes! These things are simple to implement and allow individuals within the company’s culture to feel that they’re part of something wonderful. Not only this, but as they treat employees like members of the corporate “family,” the workers are more inclined to take better ownership of their tasks, and want to do their best in contributing to the successful work of the team.

All that said, if there is one piece of advice to highlight (of the things mentioned above), it would be to make each member feel valued. Note that each team member’s presence, gifts, and talents are appreciated, and integral to the work being put out.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

I’ve read a lot of books over the years, and as cliché as it may sound, the Bible is the one that continues to make the most significant impact on me. For me, the Bible is the book of books; it covers anything and everything you can ever imagine! From the creation of humankind, stories of miracles, the telling of time and things that will happen (through prophecy), historical love stories, and more — the bible touches on it all! But what I appreciate most about this book, through its written script, is the message of FAITH.

No matter what we as humans encounter, FAITH is the one thing that we can never deny. Even if you’re not affiliated with a particular religion or spiritual practice, everyone practices faith. How? Because faith is, “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is just believing. Believing in something, even if it is just yourself!

The Bible is FULL of countless examples of faith and how the mindset of believing (that comes with faith) has shifted impossibilities into the realm of reality since the beginning of time. This faith-based mindset shapes how I live my life, and the way I can affect the world (and help others) through my work because I believe that anything is possible!

Everything I mentioned above is why the bible inspires me, but I’ve been most impacted by how it inspires me. The words in the Bible have an uncanny way of speaking to me when I need them most. It’s my life-map. When I have a question, I pose it in prayer, and in a matter of time my mind, eyes, and Spirit are guided to a scripture with the very answer I need. It doesn’t always happen immediately, but sometimes it does. I find the Bible (as a body of work) to be so much more than a book; it is the living word!

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Many people have become anxious just from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. The fears related to the coronavirus pandemic have only heightened a sense of uncertainty, fear, and loneliness. From your experience or research what are five steps that each of us can take to develop serenity during such uncertain times? Can you please share a story or example for each.

1. Ground in Gratitude. I know this is probably easier said than done. The concept seems vague, lofty, and unattainable unless you’re an enlightened guru… especially when you’re in the thick of an arduous time. But ultimately what gratitude boils down to is getting to where you realize that just how much there is to be thankful for. This awakening can start by counting your blessings. Keep in mind that blessings are gifted opportunities that we are fortunate to experience — not because we’ve earned them, but by grace. When you look at it this way, you recognize that every minor thing we experience throughout the day is a gift. Nothing is guaranteed; not even our lives and our bodies! We operate our bodies and live out each beautiful day because of the compassion of a Power higher than us! We may not see this Power, but we feel it, and our lives are a testament to it. The easiest way to get grounded in accessing this gratitude is to get present. How? By taking out a pen/paper (or keeping notes in your phone) so you can write out your blessings throughout the day and count them! At any point of the day focus on the little things that you can see, feel, or think. Say thank you for them (whatever they are) out loud. If you’re reading this, that means your eyes are working and you have the gift of sight. Blessing. If you’re breathing without help, you’re alive and able to take in nature’s sweet air. Blessing. If you’re home at work because you were laid off, you have a home. Blessing. Above all, as long as you have your life and health, it may take some time, but like Marie Forleo says “everything else is figureoutable!”
2. Tap into Faith (look up Spiritual Promises). If you’re a believer of any faith, now is the time to dive into your Spiritual practices, readings, and look to the scriptures of promises. There are plenty of stories about deliverance from uncertain circumstances, and stories where faith transpired against all odds if you look for them. I love reading the ancient parts of the Old Testament (which is the basis for some of our prominent religions) because it’s FULL of God’s promises and prophecies. Some promises and prophecies took over 400 years and many generations to be fulfilled, but they did none-the-less! From God’s promise to Abraham (that he would be a father of the great nation), Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the plagues and miracles, to the Israelites coming into possession of Cannan “the promised land,” and everything after. Ultimately, God promises that “He has plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Now is the time to lean into positivity in all the ways we can. Reading spiritual promises and speaking scriptures out loud (and over your life) can be great for training the mind into manifesting positivity… almost like affirmations! This builds faith, faith develops the ability to surrender, and the act of surrender leads to serenity!
3. Create something. One of the most powerful things you can do in times of fear, uncertainty, or loneliness is try to find the words… and if words fail, try to express your sentiments the best way you can — in all the ways you can. Art is one of our greatest forms of communication; not only because it’s pretty to look at (and debate), but because it is a direct reflection of the human soul. To create, you first need to feel something. Whatever that something is, put pen to paper or music to movement — just let it out. You find that the act of release will give an instant sense of serenity.
4. Pray/Meditate. Once you’ve evaluated and released your feelings (through self-expression and journal writing), you will gain clarity about exactly which parts of your circumstances may be causing the most fear/anxiety. As you identify those isolated and specific things, you can then pray about them or offer them up in mediation. With this, you can counter the overall “bad feelings” about everything and instead deliberately focus on using positive energy (it’s far less draining!) towards manifesting peace and goodness.
5. Double-down on your purpose. While I’ve already shared four ways to develop serenity in times of fear and uncertainty, the best thing you can do is what you’ve been born to do. Now is the time to live joyfully in your purpose — whatever that may be. If you’re unsure of what your purpose is, then maybe now is the perfect time to start Vision Casting to discover what your purpose may be! When you’re busy living intentionally in your purpose, there’s no time to waste! You won’t have time to think about the things you’re uncertain about, or afraid of; because all of your energy, attention, and time is being devoted to carrying out the mission of your purpose. You’ll gain serenity and satisfaction just knowing that you’re doing the best you can. Eventually this energy will spill into the lives of those around you! Purpose is the quickest, non-taxing, and most effective ways to start a serenity cycle! It’s the secret sauce! In these times I’ve been super inspired by my purpose. While a lot of the world has fallen victim to the fear and anxiety of COVID-19 Quarantine, I have been finding myself working overtime. It is my job to lead others to joy through purpose. So I’ve been cranking out more content, developing additional programs and events (like my LRM Virtual Fiestas!), and making myself available to help others through these weird times. I recognize that people are ill and there has been a lot of death, but I also believe that in these times, the spirits and souls of many people will be awakened to their calling. By doubling down on my purpose (of joyful living) I am able to cultivate a space for others to transform their fears into purpose-filled joy as well!

From your experience or research what are five steps that each of us can take to effectively offer support to those around us who are feeling anxious? Can you explain?

Acknowledge how you feel.

It’s so easy to feel as though now isn’t the time to complain given everything that’s happening in the world. While this may be true, suppressing those feelings keeps you from being able to process them. No one is judging you for feeling like the current situation sucks — because it does! But know that as you acknowledge how you feel, you’ll then be able to do the next thing…

Surrender how you feel

The truth of the matter is this, all of this is beyond our control. We can’t blame anyone, we can’t just make it go away, and we can’t magically turn back the hands of time to do anything different. All we have access to is the present. So do what you can with the moments you have, and surrender the heaviness of it all. Leave it to a higher power. Recognize that you are doing the best you can, in the ways you can, and know that it’s enough.

Recognize that you’re not alone

As you surrender how you feel, take the time to realize that you aren’t alone! Everyone has feelings about what is happening, and it’s okay. During this time of quarantine you may be isolated (as far as spatial location), but don’t dig yourself into thinking you are alone in your emotions about what is happening. As you acknowledge how you feel, surrender it, and accept that you’re not alone, the next thing you naturally want to do is…

Engage in conversation

This is where the greatest healing occurs. The conversation piece magically blends into the three points already mentioned. You’ll find that as you openly share your thoughts, you’ll feel free, lighter, more supported, and understood. You may also get great tips, tricks, and resources to deal specifically with what you’re feeling.

Don’t Force it.

The last thing I would suggest (in offering support) is this: Don’t force the matter. If you’re looking to be supportive, don’t push those around you to discuss things before they’re ready. Instead, make them comfortable by introducing alternative ways to help them express themselves. Perhaps they don’t want to engage in a heavy conversation, maybe they just want to go on a walk, or sit in silence. Ultimately, what’s most important is that you’re there. This act of making yourself available (even if it is just being on standby) shows that you’re ready to listen, talk, cry, dance, and support in any way necessary once they’re ready. That alone makes all the difference!

What are the best resources you would suggest to a person who is feeling anxious?

One of the best resources I would suggest to a person who is feeling anxious is The Joy Quest. I developed this quick program to help participants let go of the expectations and anxiety that cripples us into living in fear and under the weight of society, culture, tradition, and the limitations put on us by our surroundings.

Besides this, another great resource is your phone! There are plenty of free apps or low-cost streaming (easily downloadable) resources available to help shift from the feeling of anxiety. One of the easiest things you can do is put on noise-blocking headphones and crank up your favorite playlist as you go on a walk through nature. There are also great apps that can help you mindfully meditate (such as Aaptiv). Another great option is listening to comedy as you go about your stroll! It’s amazing how much immersing yourself in soothing (or laugh-inducing) audible distractions can have a positive effect on anxiety.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?

“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” — Oprah

I love Oprah. She has been an inspiration to me since I was 7 years old. I came across this quote while I was at a Leadership workshop five years ago. We were told to bring quotes from people we are most inspired by, so naturally I looked for one by her. The most beautiful thing about it was the timing in which the quote came to me.

I was going through a life transition in my career, my relationship, and my life where I realized that I was trying to avoid being “annoying,” to get to the “next level.” When really, the truth was this: if I never asked, I could never receive! The concept of being an inconvenience was a story and belief that I’d created for myself because I didn’t feel worthy of being in some spaces where I found myself. Luckily, I came to accept that those thoughts weren’t rooted in fact, and it was freeing.

Less than a year later, I found out I was pregnant and this quote took on a whole new meaning. It was a note-to-self of how I wanted to show up in the world as an example to my young daughter. I would want her to be brave enough, and feel worthy enough, to know she should ask for everything her heart desires. Even in a world that doesn’t always value the lives of young black girls as much as it should, I want her to know that her star is meant to shine. Her thoughts are worth sharing, her desires are worth pursuing, and there is room for her to craft the life she chooses for herself.

Since then, this short simple quote continues to serve as a gentle reminder that I’m in charge of my destiny — bold requests, get bold results. What’s the worst that could happen? I get a no. But if I can get a yes, it puts me in a position to receive God’s promise of “immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Who doesn’t want that?!

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I believe that we’re all people with significant influence. We each have the ability to change, and positively impact lives by showing up in our purpose!

Luckily, God has put me in this position of being led to starting my movement years ago… The Live Rich Movement!

The message and mission behind LRM boils down to that same position of being Faith-Fueled and Purpose-Propelled… Knowing that a lot of times you can Live Rich, and do MORE while having less. You don’t need to be a millionaire to be happy, make a difference, or touch lives — you just need Purpose, Passion, and FAITH! With those three fundamental ingredients (and a dash of creativity) you can change the world!

What is the best way our readers can follow you online?

Site: www.EricaLasan.com

IG: @EricaLasan

Newsletter: http://EricaLasan.com/newsletter-subscribe

Youtube: http://Youtube.com/QuEricaTV

FB: Facebook.com/QuEricaByEricaLasan

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

Thank you so much! :)