“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
Blog
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Finding the Vehicle for the Work You Most Want to Do
Last month, I wrote about finding your purpose. This month we are going to explore how to express your purpose
and the work you most want to do in the world.The surprising thing for most people when they become clear on the impact they want to make is how many choices (vehicles) there are for expressing their work in the world.
If your gift and passion is in creating bridges between cultures, for example, you might do that through diplomatic leadership, international ministry, community organizing, diversity training in corporations or a myriad of other ways. It’s not been surprising after so many years to see people more overwhelmed once they’ve gained clarity than they were when they were stuck and clueless on how to proceed!
How to narrow the choices and find the right kind of work for you? The tried and true process of elimination seems to work best for our career transition coaching clients. We ask our Now What? participants to narrow their list of possibilities to three or four that appeal to them. It does not have to seem feasible or possible just yet, only appealing. Their next step is to do the research by speaking to at least three people in each possible field. It’s not that hard to find people once you have the specifics and start asking around.
What undoubtedly starts to happen is that traction starts to take place in one of the areas that are being researched. Doors keep opening, connections keep being made, and often, offers of support or even jobs get made. It is amazing how quickly some people go from what they think is an impossible leap to something new, to being on their way.
Surprisingly, some people get frightened when things happen so quickly or they somehow feel they are not as ready to commit to a change so they put the brakes on. However, in almost every case where that has happened, I eventually hear from the person that they did make the transition to what they discovered they wanted to do. It’s been three years or five at the longest, but once the truth is out, it’s very hard to take it back. Eventually the purpose and the vehicle wait out your fear and are poised and ready when you are.
The world needs what you have to offer. Choose the vehicle that can take you to prosperity and satisfaction. It is possible and it is time.
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Today’s Quote-Discovery
“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Today’s Quote-Motivation
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” Zig Ziglar
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Job Hunting Resources and Advice from Veteran Career Guide, Dick Bolles
You are most likely familiar with the classic career handbook, What Color Is Your Parachute?, written by author, Dick Bolles. Updated every year, its insights and exercises are as relevant as ever. The companion website, JobHuntersBible.com, is full of excellent resources for conducting research, creating resumes and cover letters, and effectively using the Internet. We encourage you to check it out. In the following interview with Bolles, he shares his thoughts on how to find meaningful work, also known as “Right Livelihood”. Espousing the belief that “any career can be a conscious career”, Dick emphasizes taking the time to understand your innate gifts and that your ideal occupation might come in a form that varies from your original dream. There are several other good tips here, including always preparing to have alternatives because this puts you in a position of power.
