People often assume that the hardest stories are the ones written in lack, loss, or loneliness. But sometimes, the real struggle isn’t about survival, it’s about purpose.

I didn’t grow up in suffering. I had a good childhood. I had access to quality education. School was fun. I wasn’t trekking for miles or eating once a day. I was chauffeur-driven, had supportive parents, and for the most part, lived a beautiful and stable life.

But here’s what many don’t see, even in comfort, you can still wrestle with deep questions. That purpose can feel heavy, especially when it asks you to do big things with very little in your hands.

The Battle to Stay True to Purpose

For years, I’ve known that I was called to do more than just exist. I’ve always had this inner stirring, this constant nudge that says, “You were made for something bigger.” But knowing your purpose doesn’t make the journey easy; in fact, it complicates everything.

There are days I look at my life and ask, “Who sent me?”

Why write books when people barely read?
Why sing when the songs haven’t yet paid the bills?
Why invest in people and platforms that don’t immediately give a return?

But I keep doing it.

Not because I’m superhuman. Not because I have sponsors pouring in millions. I do it because I can’t ignore the fire inside. I do it because even when no one’s clapping, I know I’m doing what I was born to do.

The Financial Strain of Purpose-Driven Dreams

Let’s talk about what most people won’t say out loud, purpose can leave you broke.

Writing a book is expensive. Producing quality music is even more expensive. Running social projects, hosting speaking programs, mentoring, volunteering, all these things cost money. Real money.

And guess what? I’ve often been in seasons where I was financially bedridden. Not because I’m lazy. Not because I don’t know how to make money. But because I chose to prioritize purpose over profit, at least in the beginning.

There have been months where I poured everything I had into a studio session or book editing, and then had to sit with an account balance that didn’t match my effort. There were nights I wept silently, asking God why passion doesn’t always come with provision.

But I never stopped.

Because to me, this is not just a hustle. It’s a service. It’s legacy.

Serving Without Applause

I don’t write or sing because it’s trending. I do it because someone out there is healing through my words. Because someone is finding light in their dark tunnel because I chose to be consistent with my gift.

You see, legacy is louder than luxury. And I’ve always been more concerned about what I’m building in people than what I’m gathering for myself.

Does it get frustrating? Absolutely.

Do I sometimes want to pause everything and “go make real money”? Yes.

But I remind myself every single day that I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it for the young girl who thinks she has to choose between purpose and a paycheck. I’m doing it for the woman trying to balance calling and career. I’m doing it for those who will one day say, “Because of Nnyema, I kept going.”

So, How Do I Stay Motivated?

1. I remember my “why.”
When the results don’t match the effort, I go back to my “why.” I remember that my life is not just for comfort, but for contribution.

2. I celebrate impact, not income.
A heartfelt message from a reader or listener gives me more joy than any bank alert. Because at that moment, I knew I was doing something eternal.

3. I trust timing.
I’ve learned that not everything grows fast, but what’s planted with purpose will bloom at the right time. I’m not chasing virality. I’m building longevity.

4. I give myself permission to rest, not quit.
There are days I step back, recharge, and cry if I must. But I never abandon the calling. Purpose may be delayed, but never denied.

5. I surround myself with truth-tellers.
People who remind me that my value isn’t based on followers or funds. That my voice matters. That I’m doing better than I think.

To Anyone in the Middle of Purpose and Pressure

If you’re building something that isn’t paying yet…
If you’re pouring out and it feels like nothing is pouring back in…
If you’re passionate but exhausted…

I see you. I feel you. I am you.

And this is your reminder: your labor is not in vain.

Purpose may not pay instantly. But it pays eternally.
So keep showing up.
Keep creating.
Keep planting.
Your harvest is on the way.

And when it comes, it’ll be bigger, louder, and more beautiful than you ever imagined, not just for you, but for the many who are waiting on your obedience.

You were born for this.

And you’re not alone.