Happy Holidays 2024! | Rediscover The Fire Within You (Inspiration from Howard Thurman)

Jump to the SQUARE version of this quote graphic to share here >>

As coaches, we often get caught up in what we think we should do or what we think others expect us to do. So, I chose this quote to inspire you to rediscover the fire within.

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
– Howard Thurman

Howard Thurman (1899–1981) was a significant figure in American (and African-American) history—a theologian, philosopher, civil rights leader, and mystic whose ideas greatly influenced the modern civil rights movement. His life and work centred on spirituality, social justice, and the interconnectedness of all people.

Below I share why I selected this quote, as well as an alternative square graphic version—and some journaling prompts to explore over the holidays based on this quote.

Why I chose this quote for 2024

In a world filled with endless expectations, obligations, and noise, it’s easy to lose touch with what truly lights us up.

Howard Thurman’s words—“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive”—are a powerful reminder that our greatest contribution comes when we connect deeply with what brings us energy, joy, and purpose.

I chose this quote because it speaks to the heart of personal growth and transformation, something coaches and those of us committed to self-development know well. As coaches, leaders, and individuals striving to make an impact, we often get caught up in what we think we should do or how we’re expected to serve others. While those intentions may be good, they leave us depleted or disconnected from our passions. Thurman flips this narrative: instead of asking how we can meet external demands, he urges us to turn inward and rediscover the fire within.

When we pursue what makes us come alive—whether it’s our coaching work, writing, creating, leading, or building something meaningful—we inspire others to do the same. Aliveness is contagious. It ignites possibility, fosters authenticity, and creates ripples of positive change.

As the year draws to a close, this quote is both a reflection and a call to action. What makes you come alive? What dreams, skills, or passions have been waiting patiently for you to embrace them?

The world doesn’t need more people who are simply going through the motions—it needs people who are fully alive, bringing their whole selves to their work, relationships, and lives.

This is your invitation to reconnect with what lights you up. Because when you come alive, you don’t just change your life—you change the world.

Here's a great way to use this quote for inspirational journaling over the holidays

Thurman references what makes you come alive, use the following questions to help you explore your fire within:

• Looking across the last year, what were those moments where you felt alive?
• What are your strengths? Those things that light you up and get great results!
• What do you love doing? In life? In business? Make two lists!
• How can you do more of these?
• How could you express your skills and talents in the world more?
• What would it look like to bring your whole self to your work?
• Imagine you did bring your whole self into your work, what would be different in 12 months?
• What actions will you take towards your dreams?
• How can you share your enthusiasm with others?
• When/how/where will I celebrate my life and my awesome self?

Review your answers to the previous questions:

• What stands out for you?
• What are the key points that you want to remember and bring more to life for 2025?

Use these points to create a new list, or make a vision board, or perhaps build a poster. Do something to help you remember to pay attention to what brings you to life, and will help you to do more of what makes you come alive!

Here's a square version of this year's quote to share

Wishing you and yours a beautiful, peaceful holiday season.
Best wishes,

Dr. Steve Jeffs

PS. If you haven't already, grab your Holiday Thank-you Gift to "Make it Happen" in your Biz in 2025 - in manageable 3 months chunks!

You may also like:

• 21 Powerful Quotes About Coaching: How & Why to Use Them in Your Business and More!
• Everything you need to know about The GROW Coaching Model
• SMART Goals - Complete Guide for Coaches (plus Special Report .PDF)
• The Complete Guide to Life Coaching Tools, Forms and Exercises (with Examples)

Contributing Author:

Dr Steve Jeffs is a Master Certified Coach (MCC), business and organisational psychologist, and leadership transformation expert with over 20 years of global experience. Before becoming a full-time coach, Steve led large-scale leadership assessment and development programs, organisational change initiatives, and cultural transformation projects across the Middle East, working with government bodies, multinationals, and high-growth businesses. His early career as a registered psychologist and management consultant continues to shape his pragmatic, systems-oriented approach to coaching and leadership.

Today, Steve serves as Director of Coaching at The Coaching Tools Company, where he brings together his expertise in psychology, strategy, and personal development to create practical, impactful tools for coaches and leaders alike. He is also the Co-Founder of The Guiding Matrix, a company dedicated to helping coaches grow sustainable businesses while expanding their leadership capacity.

With over 5,000 coaching hours, Steve has worked with executives and teams in more than 20 countries, including in the UK, UAE, KSA, USA, Egypt, South Africa, and the Philippines. His coaching clients include leaders from organisations such as HSBC, Siemens, Roche Diagnostics, STC, Etisalat, Sanofi, and Dubai Holding. As one of the first MCCs in the Middle East, Steve has also trained and mentored over 1,000 coaches globally and continues to supervise coaches through their credentialing journeys.

Steve is a multi-award-winning coach, recognised globally for his work on leadership and innovation—including honours from the World Innovation Congress and CHRO Asia. He is co-author of Stuck No More: Practical Self-Coaching for Everyday Problems and Shift Up: Strength Strategies for Optimal Living, and is the creator of multiple strengths-based assessments and coaching tools, including the StrengthsMultiplier™. With a Doctorate in Leadership and a Master's in Organisational Psychology, Steve blends deep psychological insight with practical coaching to help individuals, teams, and organisations thrive.

Originally from Australia, Steve now lives in the UK having worked in the UAE for over a decade, bringing both global perspective and deep regional understanding to his work. When not coaching or creating tools, you’ll likely find him exploring deep caves or shipwrecks—he’s a certified technical diver and cave explorer who brings the same spirit of curiosity and courage to his coaching and leadership work.

Learn more about Steve & see all their articles here >>