How to choose work that makes your heart sing
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” - Rumi
Don’t know and can’t wait to find out? Well let me give you 3 ways to figure it out NOW. Before I give them to you, I want to give you a framework.
First of all, do not get stopped by the “I can’t make money doing that” mantra. Save it for later.
2nd, I’ll let you in on a secret…I still haven’t decided what I am going to be when I grow up and I never will. What I do know is that I plan to do as many things that I can!
3rd, when you think that living in the status quo, in a job you despise, is good to do because you can’t afford to take a risk –think again. What are your risking if you don’t go for the quantum leap of what you truly want? The risk is that you won’t get what you really want out of life.
Here’s step #1:
Get out a piece of paper, journal or computer sheet and make a list of everything you love to do. Be as specific as possible….a not so good example is I love the way the sun feels on my face is not as good as I’d like to spend parts of my day working in the outdoors in a sunny climate.
Step #2
Picutre this. You’ve got 5 lives to live – you get to do it over 5 times and each time explore a different passion to the fullest. (You may need only 3 or you may need 10 – choose what works for you).
What would you do with each one? (Secret – you may be able to do these all in one lifetime.
That information will come later in a teleconference!)
My example: In one, I’d be a famous writer and speaker. In another I’d lead tours of spiritual sites in Europe. In another, I’d be a sex therapist. In one I’d be a hermit and live on an island and read and write.
The best part is, you get to include all your interests in just one of your lives – they are all key parts of your essential self. And even better is, you can change your mind. Your lifeplan five or ten years from now may be quite different as new interests appear and old ones fade.
Step #3:
Look for the themes that keep popping up – highlight them. Brainstorm work you can do that use these things you love to do. You may start with a spin-off of your current occupation – I did that with a grant writing consultant business. You may have found a shortcoming in the products or services of others that you can improve. You may have asked “Why isn’t there…?” You may have seen an observed need. You may be able to teach, write and speak about your interests. The possibilities are endless!
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Ann Ronan, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, and self employment expert. She regularly leads coaching programs, tele-seminars and live retreats, bringing the message to audiences internationally that living a passion-based life will bring prosperity and success. Visit her website http://www.authenticlifeinstitute.com.
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Everyone has natural talents and abilities. If you can find what they are and nurture them they can become exceptional skills.
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Wonderful article!!
Thanks Ann! For opening up my mind and giving me a clear sense of direction…. I have always done what I feel very passionate about…. but everybody feels I’m obsessed with change…. but what the hell! I will if I want to!
Love this post! : )