Time For A Change?

December 18, 2007

Pursuit of Happiness: Work & Play

“So if the college your kids go to isn’t that important, what is the key to helping them be successful in life? I am convinced it is largely one thing: encouraging them to discover their true calling – the one thing that totally engages their interest and passion. If you can help them do that, their natural curiosity, intelligence, and drive will take them the rest of the way.”

Master Copywriter Bob Bly in November 6 2007 “Early to Rise” Newsletter

The only problem I have with Bob Bly’s quote is that this idea doesn’t just apply to college kids. All of us will be more successful in life if we find our true calling and live in alignment with our passions and interests.

I believe that means we live from the authentic self, the center of who we really are. We each have things that energize and excite us, that grab our attention and make us lose track of time. This is based on how we’re made to interact with the world around us, our unique perspectives based on how certain things dance inside us.

It really is possible to find your passions and captivating interests. It really is possible to bring them into your life. In fact, if you ignore them or don’t honor them often, you’re probably feeling miserable, empty, very frustrated, or stuck in a rut.

I’m going out further on a limb. It is not only possible to bring your passions and interests into your life. It is possible to find work that draws on those passions and interests. That is the work you were born to do. When your work comes from your deepest self, it will be your best work, and it will be joyful.

If you’re energized by this idea but aren’t sure what your passions and captivating interests are, or can’t figure out a way to turn them into a career, visit Changing Course. Valerie Young, “Dreamer in Residence” and Solopreneur owner of the business, is a creative career change guru. She helps you define your ideal life and plan a career, a business, or a self-employment opportunity that helps you create and live that ideal life. She has tons of free resources, including downloadable interviews and an excellent bi-monthly newsletter, affordable e-books and workbooks, and audio recordings of many workshops she has led or co-led.

If you’re a little further along and know your passions and interests pretty well but are hesitating in taking the steps to follow your dream, you’re ready for the Fast Track Your Dream Program. Valerie offers a box full of resources to help turn your passions into income. She includes workbooks to help you focus like a laser on your passions and interests so you know what you were born to do. She adds audio recordings of some of her workshops, including presentations by Barbara Winter and Barbara Sher, with dozens of ideas for leaving the j-o-b box and finding your true calling. She includes audio recordings that let you hear how other people are living their dreams.

For me the most important component of Fast Track is an online forum of people in the process of career change who are passionate about helping each other brainstorm new ideas and supporting each other through each step. I’m a member of the Fast Track Tribe and consistently rely on the support and encouragement I get from the group. When you join, send me a shout!

Posted in Pursuit of Happiness: Work & Play, Zine 3: December 2007, Zines in 2007