Lately, I found myself feeling very happy. As I took a moment to reflect, I recognized that this happiness stemmed from the fact that I was doing what I love for work. In other words: my job is something I love to do; it’s my passion and when I am in my lane, I not only excel, but it brings such enthusiasm to my life.
What if we looked at the life like a chessboard? Meaning: every piece on the board has its own purpose; and when they do what they are best at, the game works. In the same way, what if each of us would follow our passion, do what we are best at, and play with purpose?
My hunch is: we would produce better quality work, experience a far greater degree of happiness; and as a result, feel more energy and vitality. Moreover, this creates a cycle of positive momentum which leads to producing even more: more happiness, more energy to reach your goals, and more opportunity to showcase your passion. So if you’re feeling dissatisfied in your work life and experiencing tension, there is a good chance that it won’t go away, until you embrace your gifts and talents and step into your purpose. One reason being: we are hardwired to pursue the desires in our heart, and until we do, a discontentment lingers.
It saddens me when I speak with people who are not happy at their work. It’s not uncommon for me to hear from a senior citizen tell me how short life is, and then in the next breath encourage me to make the most of it. So when I hear people share that they dislike waking up in the morning and going to a job they can’t stand, it makes me wonder why they continue to do something they don’t like to do– year after year after year. Again, that discontentment is often a sign that you’re not in your lane. Because when you are (like being the right chess piece) it won’t be a headache, it will feel natural. Disclaimer: I am not encouraging you to quit your job. I am, however, encouraging you to ask yourself: do I love what I do? Is it in my nature? Do I feel alive?
If you have answered no to any of these, then consider the following:
First, get clear on what you love to do– as this is often a sign of what you are wired to do and also excel at. So let’s give yourself some clarity right now. What do you love to do? If money was not an issue if you couldn’t fail, what would you do? Would you be a chef? A life coach? A DJ? Do you like organizing things? Selling? Painting? And, what do others (whose opinion you trust) say that you’re gifted at? Make a list of what you’re passionate about, and what others say you’re truly good at.
This list can often help bring awareness of your innate talents and gifts and your purpose. Once you discover this, you can begin to take intentional steps in the direction of embracing your purpose and passion on a consistent basis. Yes, as adults, we have bills to pay. Money is a necessity of life. But what I want you to consider is how you can start sowing seeds of creating a new possibility for your work life. That is, by discovering what you love and by starting to do it to your best ability, this can astronomically raise your chances of producing excellent work, give you more opportunities in that area, and as a result, getting paid for doing what you love. Marsha Sinetar put it this way: “Do what you love and the money will follow.”
Second, check your “past success folder”– What project(s) have you done that you were proud of? What was your role in that project? What part of that project excited you the most? By answering these questions, you may find a common thread of what you love to do and what you’re good at. This insight is a key to help navigate your career choices.
For example, if you had success coaching youth basketball, and parents said you were good, this may be a sign that you’re passion and gift is coaching or teaching. So explore more opportunities to coach and stay in your lane: do a camp, give a workshop, coach another team. If you do not have anything in your “past success folder” or can’t think of anything that you’ve done that has made you light up, it probably means you haven’t found your passion yet. So start trying new things that spark your interest.
For instance, if you’ve had a desire to be a fashion stylist, take a class, serve an internship at a fashion related company, go do a fashion styling. The point is: try so you can triumph. Do what excites you today. And if you are at least willing to try, it will give you a far better chance of finding your passion and natural talents; and once you discover these, then go in that direction with all your heart. You will be much happier for it and others will receive the benefits of your gift.
I wish everyone to be healthy, happy and to Do What You Love.
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