In the scrambling world of entrepreneurship, where vision meets vigor and dreams take flight, lurks an archetype that is as insidious as it is invisible. Her name is Leah Lifeless, the Leechett, a parasitic nuance who clings to the innovative, the ambitious, and the driven, hiding behind a mask of support, encouragement, and companionship. I recently added this character to my portfolio of characters that are symbolic of individuals I've coached or experienced. Be sure to tune into her reoccurring performance on my Youtube channel:
The Masked Mirage
Leah Lifeless personifies a kind of individual that seems helpful and indispensable. Yet, beneath her ever-changing façade lies a hollow core, an emptiness that seeks to fill itself by latching onto the dreams and destinies of entrepreneurs. Here are four characteristics of Leah Lifeless, the destiny robber:
Emptiness - A shell devoid of true identity or purpose, feeding off the life force of others.
Deception - Masters the art of mimicry, mirroring the goals and aspirations of her host.
Manipulation - Quickly integrates herself, becoming an essential part of the entrepreneur's life and business.
Exploitation - Gradually drains the entrepreneur's energy, ideas, and vitality until nothing is left.
Danger to Destiny:
Leah Lifeless is not merely an inconvenience but a destiny robber. Here's why she poses a threat:
Identity Theft: Copies and adopts the entrepreneur's unique vision, style, and innovation.
Emotional Drain: Consumes emotional and creative energy, leading to YOUR burnout.
Vision Hijacking: Alters and influences the entrepreneur's original vision to suit her needs. Let me tell you, this is a big one and creeps in swiftly! This is why you must always be locked in as a visionary, knowing how to vet the ideas of others on your team.
Spiritual Parasite: Feeds off the spiritual essence, leaving the entrepreneur feeling lost and disconnected from their own path. If you are a coach or consultant, beware! Often due to a form of parasocial relationship identified by the person/host.
The Solution: Guarding Your Destiny
The wisdom of the Christian faith offers a path to discernment and protection. You must be grounded in your faith through your relationship with Christ Jesus and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, especially in this hour. Spiritual eyes are the ultimate necessity; the following are means to sharpen them:
1. Prayer & The Word of God - Consistent prayer helps in grounding oneself, seeking guidance and wisdom to recognize Leah Lifeless before she embeds herself in your life. But to strengthen prayer, you MUST read scripture daily and study it regularly.
2. Discernment - Cultivate a discerning heart and mind. Understand the people you invite into your business and personal life. Trust your intuition; it's God's whisper. Basically, trust your gut. If you are spiritually mature, don't question it or even need in-depth reasoning; accept it and move on; everything doesn't need an explanation.
3. Stillness - Embrace moments of stillness and reflection. In silence, falsehood fades away, and the true nature of people is revealed. This, by far, is my favorite strategy because when I distance myself and sit in silence for days, weeks, and even months, the intentions of others are made clear. Learn the art of talking but not saying much while they tell you everything indirectly through words and actions.
4. Boundaries - Create firm boundaries. Know who to trust and how much to share. Your dream, your destiny is sacred; guard it fiercely.
In the exciting journey of entrepreneurship, Leah Lifeless, the Leechett, represents a shadowy presence that many may overlook. Yet, her impact can be devastating. Recognize her for what she is: an entity that can neither stand alone nor create on her own, a warning to all visionaries who aspire to be purposeful merchants. Guard your dreams. Protect your destiny. Let your faith be your shield and discernment your sword. Your vision is a God-given gift; don't let the Leah Lifeless of this world rob you of your rightful path.
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"Your life is your canvas, and you are the masterpiece. There are a million ways to paint your picture. Just don't let anyone else hold the brush."