How Your Greatest Passions are Your Gift to the World with Elizabeth Hope Derby

Episode 23 Description

Elizabeth Hope Derby is a business and mindset coach based in Charlottesville, Virginia who partners with women entrepreneurs to help them create more sustainable, profitable and enjoyable businesses. Christine and Elizabeth explore the power of shifting from scarcity to possibility, the power of having a community to support you, and how to create movement by taking it one step at a time. Today on the We Rise Podcast, learn how your passion is your gift to the world. Enjoy!

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Key takeaways

Stepping away from scarcity and toward abundance

What could be possible if we allowed ourselves the gift of taking up space?

Mindset and business coach Elizabeth Hope Derby asserts that most of us live in a scarcity mindset – a fear of “not-enoughness”. We have been conditioned by our culture and often our upbringing to view life this way. The result is overexertion, burnout from service to others, or holding too tightly to what we have for fear of losing it. Additionally, we often have a limited view of the value and impact we are actually having.

Now imagine what life would be like if we gave ourselves permission to witness the fullness of the positive impact we have?

Reflecting on this truth is a powerful way of remembering that what we are doing may not only be enough already, but maybe more than enough. Detoxing a voice of scarcity can lead to a sense of joy, wholeness, and power.

Changing your mindset is a process and does not happen overnight. Elizabeth shares a valuable tool for this. Notice when you feel bad or that your circumstances shouldn’t be so hard.

Hit pause…

When you’re in this place, odds are that your inner critic is running the conversation. This voice may be trying to protect you or keep you safe, but is ultimately holding you back. Hitting pause can help you notice your thinking, shift it, and remind yourself of truth.

Remember, if you wouldn’t say it to a loved one, it’s not something to be said to yourself. This inner critic is different from constructive criticism, and likely indicates a need for self-care, reframing, and nurturing. The more you practice this, the stronger your mindset of possibility will become!

The power of community

Elizabeth grew up with examples of careers in the creative and business worlds. Her mother was a jewelry designer and her father worked on Wall Street. Growing up she had a passion for writing, but also received the message that it wasn’t possible to be successful as an artist.

Post-college, Elizabeth was writing blogs and publishing her work in different places, but shifted to brand development and trend forecasting in the corporate sector. Although she was experiencing success in her role, Elizabeth decided to leave. Deep down, she knew something wasn’t in alignment for her. Her true calling was to start her own business.

Stepping out of her comfort zone she moved to Charlottesville, VA, eventually starting her business. Over the years, Elizabeth found strength and courage through her community. Connecting to Facebook Groups, participating in masterminds, and hiring a personal life coach were meaningful ways to surround herself with the nurturing support she needed to continue growing personally and professionally.

Transforming and pursuing a passion takes courage and bravery, and it is not something meant to be done in isolation. Having a support system to encourage us in the discomfort and remind us we aren’t alone is a key component to staying focused on the vision, especially in the hard times.

Motivation and movement, one step at a time

What keeps you moving forward on the days you struggle?

Elizabeth shares how fully committed she is to her vision, both personally and in her career. This commitment is the drive and motivation she needs to stay focused, even when life becomes difficult.

“It is so important to know what inspires you. What the vision is for what you want to create. It probably is going to come with a side of fear. Just know that just because you’re afraid of it doesn’t mean it isn’t for you. It just means there’s a part of you that’s thinking bigger than your monkey mind that wants to keep you safe.”

Remember too, that the little steps matter! You are having an impact every time you show up. Every time you choose to pursue your passion and take that next step forward. Progress is still progress, no matter how quickly you are moving!

notable quotes from Elizabeth

“I’m very, very committed and passionate about the idea of people pursuing the things that they believe they are meant to do… with courage and conviction and confidence… That pursuit of what feels like personal pleasure and flow and fulfillment is actually in tremendous service to the world around us.” 

“If you connect at all or relate to this feeling I have when I talk about my son, if you could imagine for a moment that you are that precious, and that you are… this little spirit, having this human experience, and people are so glad you are here.”

“Do something that creates a ripple of joy in you. And while you’re at it, give yourself a lot of support, the internal support with the mindset and hard work, but also the external support through community.”

“If ever a time comes that you feel it has to be done a certain way you can work your thoughts, and change your mind and open up a whole vista of creative potential where you can do it your way and succeed.”

“If you, like me, want to be a force for good in the world, and you worry that you don’t give enough. Try on the idea that you give a lot just by showing up and sharing your heart in the ways you already do it. And you may find that, from that place of enoughness, you have more energy and more joy, and you give more naturally.”