Living with Purpose and Integrity

 Introduction:

This week, as I read Chapters 4 through 6 of Launching Leaders and watched videos about ethics, risk, entrepreneurship, and happiness, one phrase stood out to me: "Make a living, but don’t forget to make a life." Too often, we chase success without pausing to ask: “Is this meaningful? Is this who I want to become?” These chapters and videos reminded me that how we live—ethically, courageously, intentionally—matters just as much as what we achieve.

Question: What does it mean to make a living and a life?

Making a living is about survival—jobs, money, security. But making a life is about purpose. It's waking up with a sense of direction, contributing to something bigger, and becoming someone you're proud of. In Launching Leaders, the author talks about values-driven success: building wealth without losing your integrity, faith, or relationships. That hit me hard.

Ken Zolot, the entrepreneur in one of the videos, said that the most successful people he’s mentored weren’t just smart—they were grounded. They understood why they were chasing their goals. They had a purpose, and they stayed true to it. That’s the difference between building a life and simply building a resume.

True Blue, Through and Through: What does it mean to live ethically?

Living ethically means being consistent. It’s who you are when no one’s watching. The video Why Are Ethics Important? taught that ethics are the foundation of trust, both in business and in life. Without them, nothing lasts. Being "True Blue" means your character doesn't shift based on who you're around. You're loyal to your values even when it's hard, even when no one is applauding.

In Chapter 5 of Launching Leaders, the importance of moral clarity really stood out. It’s easy to get swept up in ambition, but ethics are the compass that guides us through storms. They help us make choices we can live with, years down the line.

Risks in Business (and Life):

The video Risks in Business made me rethink how I view risk. Risk isn’t the enemy—it’s part of growth. But there’s a difference between reckless risk and thoughtful risk. Entrepreneurs like James Dyson (from last week’s journal) or Ken Zolot took calculated risks. They failed, learned, pivoted, and kept going.

Chapter 6 emphasized the importance of vision and belief. Without risk, there’s no innovation. But what makes the risk worthwhile is the why behind it. If you're risking for ego or shallow rewards, it won’t sustain you. But if you're risking for something that matters—faith, service, love—it becomes a sacred pursuit.

Top 10 Must-Haves for a Start-Up:

This video offered practical wisdom I didn’t expect. One takeaway: Know your “why.” Everything—your team, your funding, your product—flows from that. A startup isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of your values. Also, surround yourself with people who believe in the mission. Not just the idea, but the mission.

I also liked the point about being coachable. Ego kills dreams faster than failure ever could. Being humble, learning from mentors, and staying curious—that’s how you grow sustainably.

The Formula and Happiness:

This video reframed success for me. The real formula isn’t talent + hustle = happiness. Its purpose + values + service = joy. Money is great, but it won’t matter if your soul is bankrupt. It reminded me that our highest calling is to become people of depth, not just accomplishment.

Conclusion:

This week reminded me that launching a meaningful life is more important than launching a perfect career. Ethics, courage, and clarity matter. Whether I start a business, serve a mission, or write for a living, what matters most is who I become along the way. That’s how you make a life, not just a living.

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