We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annette Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Annette, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The story behind my mission is recognizing the heart break by many that become a certain age, feeling stuck and believing that they’re not able to accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams. My coaching, speaking, and training sessions include men and women, however, from experience I know firsthand the struggle of women who after the age of 40 become very discouraged. You began to feel stuck in a routine that you don’t know how to get out of. Your life becomes work and family centered and you tend to lose yourself.
I’ve always had a passion to add value to others. It was as an adult life that I realized not only was it my passion but also my purpose. While fulfilling my purpose I failed to continuously add value to myself and years ago, I became very ill. There were things that I felt obligated to do to be accepted by others and in doing so I lost myself. It was during my down (sick) time that I realized, it was impossible to pour from an empty cup.
I share more about that in my book ‘Free to be me’, a transparent journey to breaking the chains imposed by others. Dr. Lawanne’ S. Grant played a huge role in the process of assisting me in choosing my book title. When she mentioned that title, I knew it was the one!
My mission is to help other women (and men) realize the importance of consistent self-care and personal development. You can’t help anyone else before helping yourself. I’m striving to reach others all over the world in person, via social media and zoom to help them reach their full potential. I realize that many times it’s not that you don’t want to but instead, you don’t know how. Although it’s a very important and much needed topic, self-care and personal development is not always taught. The law of intentionality (John Maxwell) teaches us that ‘growth doesn’t just happen’. You must first understand that you need it and second you must be intentional about making it happen.
Taking the necessary steps to grow intentionally has impacted my life and I’m excited to teach others to do the same
Annette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have an amazing husband, kids, and grandkids whom I love dearly. I am a published author and the proud owner of Claim Your Future Now, LLC. I am also a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer, and coach. My clients range from ages 10-adult. We discuss the importance of personal growth, effective communication, leading by example, learning from what you think are your failures, and no matter what…never giving up!
My goal is always to put God first while fulfilling my purpose. As a child of God and a Maxwell leader, I aim to be good at what I do and great at who I am.
Seeing my client’s determination and progress during their growth journey is a very rewarding unexplainable feeling. We learn, grow, and WIN together!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My resilience really showed when I became very ill and during that time, I was prescribed the wrong medicines. It drained me physically, mentally, and emotionally, however, spiritually I was very strong. My body felt as if I was dying slowly but my mind and my faith was strong. I knew I had to fight. I am a witness that the saying that I often heard in church wasn’t just a cliche. ‘God will be a doctor in your sick room’! I also learned through that devastating experience that no matter what you’re told by your doctor…..do your own research!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes! I have always loved reading however my book choices were mainly children’s books, or novels. Years ago, it was through my husband’s encouragement and his love of books by Dr. Myles Monroe that I decided to read ‘Understanding your Potential, discovering the hidden you’. I loved it and that was a game changer for me. That day was the beginning of me reading many more books by Dr. Monroe, Joyce Meyer, and John Maxwell just to name a few.
My husband, Terrance D. Johnson Sr. is also my pastor, and he has had a huge impact in my life. His teachings along with Dr. Monroe’, and Joyce Meyers have been great assets for me on my spiritual journey. I can’t do anything without Gods strength, favor, and grace. He has given me peace during many storms.
John Maxwells books and teachings have really impacted my entrepreneurial journey. Being on the John Maxwell team is in alignment with my passion and purpose in that its faith based, values based and centered around personal growth for myself and others. It was during one of John’s teachings that he said, ‘good intentions are overrated, and good actions are underrated’. Many times, we are proud of our good intentions, however, nothing happens from a good intention. That intention must become a ‘action’ before anything can change. It is my pleasure to not only have good intentions but to also take action speaking, training and coaching to help others all over the world be their best selves.
Thanks so much CanvasRebel for allowing me to share on your platform.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claimyourfuturenow.net
- Facebook: Annette C Johnson
- Others: Tiktok – @claimyourfuturenow1