From Southwest Airlines to Soul Alignment: A Wake-Up Call
As you’ve probably heard by now, Southwest Airlines made some major changes. What was once their entire advertising campaign—Bags Fly Free—is no more. Nor is the open seating policy.
As one article from Fast Company put it:
“From its inception in 1966, Southwest has cultivated a reputation as a quirky, lower-cost carrier with unique perks and an equitable approach to seating that endeared it to a base of loyal fans.”
Whether you enjoyed the challenge of setting your phone alarm 24 hours before departure and celebrating a low B number like you just won Bingo—or not (tell me I’m not the only one who did this?)—everyone knew what Southwest stood for.
Now, as Fast Company says:
“A once-quirky airline joins a sea of corporate sameness.”
They’re trying to be just like Delta or United. (Which—side note—after a recent lovely Delta flight with movie time, I get the appeal. But I digress.) Bottom line: profits and shareholders are driving the decisions now, not the founder or their raving fans.
And per the way my brain works, this got me thinking…
Who—or what—is influencing my business?
As entrepreneurs, we’re bombarded with ideas. Whether it’s a competitor, a well-meaning potential client, a coach declaring this is the way to success, or our own desire to turn a profit quickly… there’s always input. Some ideas are helpful. Others? Just noise.
As someone who LOVES to learn (Learner® is one of my Top 10 CliftonStrengths® themes), and with Maximizer® and Strategic® also in the mix, I’m especially susceptible to chasing shiny new ideas. But when I do that, I risk losing my voice—my quirky identity—and, just like Southwest, slipping into a sea of sameness.
And lately? I realized I’ve been swimming in that sea.
Three things recently helped me find my way back to shore:
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A challenge from my speaking coach:
She asked me to write down 20 challenges I’ve overcome or lessons I’ve learned. At first, my answers were surface-level. But when I lingered with the question, I started unearthing the real stories—the ones that shaped how I live and lead. (I’ll share more on this in a blog soon.) -
A few powerful questions from a mentor:
During a live workshop and later on a training video, she asked, “What are you obsessed with?” and “What problems do your ideal clients have?” Funny enough, I ask similar questions inside DYCA… but sometimes coaches need coaches too. -
And honestly? The most powerful shift came from worship music.
Yesterday morning, I blasted Brandon Lake and heard these lines that brought me to tears:“I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail story to tell hallelujah.”
“Oh, come on my soul, oh, don't you get shy on me / Lift up your song, 'cause you've got a lion inside of those lungs.”
These lyrics reminded me: God’s taken me through some things so I can share them. So I can use my story, my voice, my quirks—to live out my mission. No more hiding. No more blending in. It’s time to align with what’s in my soul.
I don’t know exactly what’s next—but I’m here for it.
And I’m ready to let the lion out.
So if you’ve been swimming in that same sea of sameness—or making changes that don’t align with your soul, your fire, or your story—join me.
You have a story. A mission. A purpose.
Isn’t it time you discovered what yours really is?
—Sheri
Lyric credits:
“I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail story to tell hallelujah” – Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake
“Oh, come on my soul…you’ve got a lion inside of those lungs” – Gratitude by Brandon Lake
