Function vs. Force
How to Stop Chasing and Start Creating with Power
In This Issue
Christian Ray Flores here, in this issue:
• Why your skills may not be your real advantage
• What happened when I turned down a “better” job and chose alignment over prestige
• Upcoming: Free XE Webinar — How to Turn Stress into Creativity and Joy.
• New on the XE Pod: Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor on healing, consciousness, and the brain
Opportunities
Free Webinar for Subscribers
Rocket Fuel: How to Go from Stressed to Focused, High Energy and Creative
Wednesday, July 16th at Noon CST
Still feeling the afterglow of Independence Day? You’ll enjoy reading my Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America. It’s full of crazy stories, deep insights and multimedia illustrations. Get it here.
New XE Pod
How Consciousness Heals the Brain | Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
One of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had—Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, bestselling author of My Stroke of Insight, and was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
Watch it now →
Today’s Deep Dive
Function vs. Force
How to Stop Chasing and Start Creating with Power
This is, of course, the classic dilemma—Luke in his X-wing, closing in on the Death Star. Does he trust his instruments, or surrender to the Force and let something deeper guide his actions?
A job is where your functionality matters more than your vitality.
A calling is where your vitality amplifies your functionality.
Here’s how I learned the difference.
Years ago, I was moving from Europe to the U.S. and had two job offers on the table.
Both were offered based on my resume and skillset. But after interviewing, the difference was clear:
One wanted to fill a role.
The other saw me—and wanted me.
The first was more prestigious and paid more.
The second, almost half the salary, recognized the unique mix of who I am—not just what I do.
I chose the second one.
Why? Because I knew I could bring my full self, grow faster, and be undeniably more valuable in the long run.
I was right.
That one decision led to unique opportunities, collaborations, and relationships I never would’ve found chasing credentials or cash.
It also taught me a core truth:
What gets you noticed isn’t efficiency—it’s essence.
That’s why so many people feel stuck. They’ve optimized for functionality… but neglected the one thing AI can’t replicate—vitality.
Vitality is your edge.
It’s the unique combination of identity, clarity, and presence that makes your work magnetic.
The illusion of limited resources? It’s the biggest lie.
What you need most isn’t out there.
It’s already in motion, inside you.
At the core of Xponential is helping you reveal that vitality in a way that makes you undeniable.
Coming Wednesday (For Paid Subscribers Only):
The Undeniable Creator Strategy
We’ll go deeper into why publishing content becomes effortless when it flows from your vitality—not pressure.
I’ll break down:
• The styles of content creators (and how to find yours)
• How to choose the right platform based on your strengths
• Frequency, consistency, and the rhythm that works in real life
• Why most advice fails and how to build a strategy that fits who you are
This one will give you clarity and action steps.
Ready to unlock the good stuff?
Go paid and get the Wednesday Deep Dive plus the full vault of past brilliance. Your future self will high-five you.
How I Can Help
• Explore Xponential Life Coaching →