From Motivation to Kingdom: My Journey After Heart Surgery

When I went through heart surgery, everything stopped.

For years, I sincerely believed that the motivational mindset could coexist with biblical principles. I wasn’t trying to mask the Kingdom or dilute my faith—I truly thought the two were compatible. I quoted Scripture, I leaned on God, and I believed that adding motivational tools to the mix was simply another way of helping people live better lives.

But over time—and especially after my heart surgery—I realized there was a difference between mixing Christian language into motivation and fully living by Kingdom truth. My faith in Christ was always real, but my understanding of the Kingdom was incomplete. I didn’t yet grasp that the Kingdom isn’t about enhancing self, it’s about surrendering self.

The Wake-Up Call

When I went through heart surgery, everything stopped. My life was on the line, and in that moment no motivational principle could sustain me. I wasn’t reaching for affirmations—I was reaching for God. That experience forced me to examine the foundation I had built my life and work upon.

I realized that while my heart for God was genuine, I had been blending two systems: motivation, which centers on self, and Kingdom, which centers on the King. And only one of those can truly carry you when life breaks you down.

Motivation vs. Kingdom

Motivation says: “Push harder. Believe in yourself. You’ve got this.”

The Kingdom says: “Without Me, you can do nothing.”

Motivation says: “Manifest it. Think it. Attract it.”

The Kingdom says: “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you.”

Motivation attempts to strengthen self. The Kingdom requires you to surrender self.

That distinction changed everything for me.

Why This Shift Matters

I now understand why the motivational/self-help movement is so deceptive. It isn’t because it’s all bad—it often comes wrapped in encouragement, positivity, even scripture. But it keeps the focus on you instead of on Him. It gives temporary fuel without eternal transformation.

My heart surgery peeled back the layers. It showed me that real life, real healing, real hope doesn’t come from my mindset—it comes from my Messiah.

A New Lens on Life

Today, I no longer measure success by how many people I can inspire in the moment. I measure it by whether my life points people to the King for eternity. I no longer want to give people soundbites that make them feel good for a day. I want to help them build foundations that stand forever.

And I no longer chase energy or vibes. I pursue His Spirit.

Why Project 713 Exists

This is the heartbeat of Project 713 Inc. It was born from this awakening—that so much of what looks spiritual is really motivational, and that people need more than inspiration. They need transformation. Project 713 exists to “get to the HEART of the matter” (Mark 7:13).

It’s about challenging traditional, self-driven mindsets and pointing people toward true Kingdom living—financially, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s not about being “self-made.” It’s about being servant-made.

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Final Reflection

My heart surgery didn’t just repair my body—it reset my perspective. It helped me see that while my faith had always been real, my framework needed to shift.

And now, I live with a clearer focus: not to motivate, but to reveal the Kingdom. Not to center people on self, but to point them to the King. That’s my testimony. That’s my assignment. That’s why Project 713 is alive. 

It’s about challenging traditional, self-driven mindsets and pointing people toward true Kingdom living—financially, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s not about being “self-made.” It’s about being servant-made.