In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of living a life dictated by societal norms, family expectations, and the fear of failure. Shereen Thor’s story, as shared on the “Daring to Leap” show, is a powerful reminder that our most authentic and fulfilling path is often hidden beneath layers of external pressures and self-doubt. But how do we begin to peel back those layers and discover our true purpose?

Shereen Thor, a former comedian turned executive coach and keynote speaker, has faced the very challenges many of us encounter when trying to align our lives with our true selves. Despite a promising career that adhered to the traditional markers of success, Shereen found herself deeply unhappy. It was only after a life-altering experience in her early twenties, where she faced workplace harassment and realized the extent to which she had compromised her own values, that she began the journey toward self-discovery and empowerment.

Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

Shereen’s story began with a job she took to meet her family’s expectations. Like many, she followed the “supposed to” path—going to college, getting a “respectable” job, and conforming to what society deemed successful. However, this path led her into a toxic work environment where she experienced sexual harassment, a turning point that forced her to confront the reality of her unhappiness.

The key takeaway from Shereen’s experience is that societal norms and expectations often stifle our true potential. We might choose careers or lifestyles that are “safe” or “acceptable” at the cost of our happiness and fulfillment. Shereen’s journey teaches us that true success comes from aligning our actions with our deepest values and passions, even if it means breaking away from the conventional path.

The Courage to Break the Rules

One of the most compelling aspects of Shereen’s story is her emphasis on the importance of courage and vulnerability in pursuing one’s purpose. It’s not easy to step away from the expectations that have been ingrained in us since childhood. For Shereen, the turning point was attending a seminar that challenged her limiting beliefs and encouraged her to embrace her true self.

Shereen highlights the need to break the rules that keep us confined to roles that don’t serve us. This doesn’t just mean rejecting societal norms—it means rejecting the internalized beliefs that tell us we can’t or shouldn’t pursue what we truly want. Whether it’s the fear of failure, the desire to please others, or the belief that our dreams are unrealistic, these mental barriers are what truly hold us back.

The Consequences of Conformity

The stakes are high when it comes to living a life that isn’t true to who you are. Shereen cites disturbing statistics: in America, 120,000 preventable deaths occur each year due to stress, and those who suppress their emotions are 30% more likely to die prematurely and 70% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer. These figures highlight the physical and emotional toll that conformity can take.

Living inauthentically doesn’t just affect your happiness—it can literally shorten your life. The pressure to conform, to suppress your true self, and to live up to others’ expectations can lead to chronic stress, depression, and even serious health problems. The choice to pursue your purpose, then, is not just about fulfillment; it’s about survival.

Finding Your Purpose: It’s Already Inside You

Shereen emphasizes that your purpose isn’t something external that you need to discover—it’s already within you, waiting to be expressed. The journey to finding your purpose begins with quieting the mind and listening to your heart. What do you truly want? What are the desires you’ve been suppressing because they don’t seem practical or acceptable?

For Shereen, stand-up comedy was the first step in uncovering her purpose. It wasn’t the end goal, but it was the beginning of her journey toward authenticity. By embracing her creative side and stepping away from the conventional career path, she was able to start living a life that was true to who she was. This eventually led her to a career in coaching and motivational speaking, where she now helps others discover and pursue their own authentic paths.