What’s Next for You? – How That One Question Sparked the Birth of Force Magazine
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Written by Cindy Witteman, Founder/CEO/Editor-in-Chief
Cindy Witteman is a multi-award-winning author, speaker, and founder dedicated to empowering others through storytelling, action, and impact. She inspires change as the creator of Little Give TV Show, FORCE Magazine, and the Nonprofit Driving Single Parents Inc.
I was at an event when someone asked me a question that, honestly, rubbed me the wrong way. They looked at me with a friendly smile and said, “So… what’s next for you?” On the outside, I smiled and nodded, but inside, I was taken aback. What do you mean, what’s next? Haven’t I done enough?
I’ve founded a nonprofit that gives away cars to single-parent families through our “Driving Single Parents” program. I’ve written or co-written five best-selling books. I created and hosted a TV show called Little Give, where I interview ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help others. On every episode, we shine a light on a nonprofit making a real difference. My plate has been full, and my heart even fuller.
So that question, What’s next for you? felt a little unfair. But that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The question kept following me around, echoing in my mind like it was waiting for an answer. Maybe it was ego at first, maybe it was pride, but I wrote it down on a 3x5 card and stuck it on my nightstand: What’s next for you?
The next night, I wrote it again. And then again the night after that.
And on that third night, I had a dream.
In the dream, I had created a magazine. It was called Force Magazine. I saw it so clearly, pages filled with stories of resilience, inspiration, and impact. People from around the world doing meaningful things to make the world a better place. It felt real, like it had already happened, like I was just remembering something from my future.
I woke up, sat straight up in bed, and laughed out loud. A magazine? Me? I don’t even like to read! I live on audiobooks and podcasts. The idea of launching a publication felt completely outside my comfort zone. Out of my element. Ridiculous, even.
But then I thought, Is it really that ridiculous?
I pulled out that same 3x5 card, looked at the words: What’s next for you? And I asked myself, Can I do this? Not should I, or why me, but can I?
So I called my publicist and said, “Hey, this might sound crazy, but do you think you could help me start a magazine?” And without hesitation, they said, “Yeah, we can do that.”
Less than two months later, Force Magazine was born.
Let me tell you, there is something truly magical about turning an idea from a dream into something real. From the moment we released our first issue, I knew we were building something bigger than me. Force Magazine became a platform to elevate the voices of change-makers, dreamers, helpers, and innovators. People who don’t always get the recognition they deserve but whose work is reshaping the world in powerful, quiet ways.
I named it Force because I believe we each carry within us a force that can change lives. Sometimes it’s bold and loud, and sometimes it’s quiet and steady. But it’s always there, waiting to be used for good.
Every issue of Force Magazine is a celebration of that energy. We tell the stories of people who are building businesses with heart, creating art that sparks change, raising awareness for causes close to their soul, and living with purpose and passion.
What’s wild is that the magazine, which I originally thought was outside my wheelhouse, has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. It’s given me a deeper connection to the global community. It’s reminded me that no matter how much we think we’ve done, there’s always room to grow, to stretch, to evolve. That question I once resented became my catalyst. My push. My what’s next.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that being “done” is a myth. There’s no finish line for impact. And maybe the scariest part isn’t trying something new, it’s believing you’ve already written your whole story. That there’s nothing more left to say, no more pages to fill.
So if someone ever asks you that question, What’s next for you? don’t roll your eyes like I did. Don’t get defensive. Lean into it. You don’t have to know the answer right away. You just have to be open to the possibility that your next chapter might be your most powerful one yet.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge and maybe a dream to remind you that you’re not finished.
Not even close.
If you would like to learn more about Force Magazine or my other ventures, please visit ForceMagazine.com.
Read more from Cindy Witteman
Cindy Witteman, Founder/CEO/Editor-in-Chief
Cindy Witteman is an award-winning author, speaker, and Action Mastery Specialist passionate about helping others create impact and live with purpose. As the founder of Driving Single Parents Inc., creator of the Little Give TV Show, and Editor-in-Chief of FORCE Magazine, she empowers people worldwide to turn challenges into triumphs. Cindy is also a proud mom, Nonna, and advocate for giving back, believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting ripple effect. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to embrace possibilities, take bold action, and write their own success stories.
