Rik Kuijpers
In recent years, there has been constant change in direction in my work, 30 years as a ‘corporate sales athlete’ (since 1994), and in the communities, I’ve been part of. In those years, I switched jobs and companies many, many times. At times, I felt like a modern day swagmen, a ship without a rudder. I lacked direction and a harbor to look out for. It looked from the outside like a comfortable life, there are so, so many things to be graceful of, but inside, I sometimes felt like something was missing. I lacked vitality and creativity. It felt as though my working life had no meaning. Suddenly, on October 1st, 2024, I was unexpectedly fired, and a thought came to my mind: Life has no meaning at all. I was used to get some punches💥, I had been fired several times in my ‘career’. But this time, I was overwhelmed by a sense of despair so intense that life seemed to stop right then, and the future appeared utterly meaningless.
A week before my resignation, I was part of a sailing regatta in Istanbul, being energized with new people where I got to know Robert very well. Not knowing this was the start of our new chapter in life, together as friends in business..
On the 23rd of January 2025, I found the book ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren in my attic (surely not a coincidence) and started reading it. Because of this, I’ve also started reading the Bible again, which I haven’t done for a long time. In the weeks following, wonderful people and new opportunities have crossed my path. And now I was aware of this. I am trying my best to focus more on God and to be wiser with my time, money, and the people around me. I am striving to value genuine relationships, character, long-term thinking, setting priorities, and eternal life more. And to value fame, wealth, achievements, or entertainment less. But this is so incredibly difficult. I just can’t do it on my own.
A day later, I prayed to God; “Would you please give me the strength to persevere in this journey and to help me see that everything that distracts me from Christ has no value? Please God reveal Your plans for me. That I receive answers to my many questions. That I may leave my old life behind, like an old coat, and begin a new life with God at the center?
A purpose-driven life is what I desire, what I love. But I cannot and do not want to pursue it on my own strength. What are God’s goals for my life? What can I contribute? And how? I pray for hope and that a new life with and through God may be revealed to me. I want to stop floundering, follow God, and become who He created me to be. It’s not about me, but about God.
I prayed for a better relationship with Jesus Christ and for God to become the reference point in my life. That God chooses my goals. Thank you. Amen.”
At the time I’m writing this, three weeks later, so many good things have happened and are constantly happening. I realize this change happened for a reason: to further develop my character and find purpose. I have regained my inspiration in my personal ‘hidden theme’, the people around me and the challenges ahead of starting a business serving other people. Over the past months, I have come across tens of inspiring people on my journey. People I met FTF living in Turkey (Robert, my new business partner), the Netherlands, Andorra, Cyprus, Russia, Ukraine, Montenegro, Israel, and Italy. Also, I’ve been connected with many inspiring key persons of influence online, who gave me tons of insights on how to adapt to ‘the new world’. A new world with techniques and methods to facilitate the needs of starting a lifestyle business to serve others discovering their 'hidden theme'.
What would I ❤️ love to be doing?
❤️ To Thank God for allowing me to be baptized again and start a new life and new business with him and follow Jesus' footsteps in everything I do. All the juice is in the real message, ‘the story behind the story’, this my ‘hidden theme’ unleashed.
❤️ I love connecting people, businesses by starting a new business to empower daring individuals - entrepreneurs, leaders, managers, athletes, corporate athletes, artists, and those overcoming setbacks - to unlock their full potential through the development of tertiary skills. To serve others to discover their ‘hidden theme’. To serve others to unleash their passion and performance.
My work should not be just about making money but about adding value and finding fulfillment in purpose. I love to help others do this. To have a big impact on their lives and businesses.Trying to help them master the most fundamental questions on earth: “Why on earth am I on this planet? Why do I exist?” By helping myself, I can serve others to lead a purposeful life and businesses.
❤️ I love sailing, yachts, regatta’s, anything with boats, boat people, boat equipment, harbors to make connections. It’s in my DNA, as a hobby, but also as a professional. Sailing is my place to get re-energised and to stimulate ideas. My recent sailing trips in Turkey and Cyprus yield me more ideas, connections and perspective than a week of answering emails, catching up on paperwork and attending meetings.
My passion and vitality through God are an asset in the world we are living in.
R
