“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”
-Hal Borland
I’ll be the first to admit: I have a very hard time self-motivating. It’s been one of the toughest obstacles I’ve faced so far on my journey into a new career.
I decided last year that I didn’t want to work for someone else anymore. I worked as a store manager for a fast-growing, fun-loving retail company for a few years, and I loved that job. I loved interacting with my customers, training, growing, and learning from my staff, and merchandising my store for optimal visual appeal. What I didn’t love was that I couldn’t do it all my way. I threw my heart and soul into that job, and it was very hard to give it up…but I realized I want more. I want a life’s work.
So I entered graduate school for Mental Health Counseling, and while I earn my degree I’m learning what it means (and what it takes) to work for yourself. Turns out it takes a LOT of self-discipline, because if you work for you, then no one else is there to hold you accountable.
If you can relate to this, and if you’re interested in turning your passions into income and creating an authentic life’s work for yourself, then here are two simple tips I’ve discovered that may help you get started:
1. Schedule time for your “work.”
What is it you want to pursue? Do you love to play music, learn new languages, or write short stories? Do you love gardening, exploring medicinal uses for herbs, or studying ancient cultures around the globe? It does not matter the least bit what it is; if you feel intuitively that this is the thing you love to do, then you should be doing it.
If you don’t do this already, then begin to take your passions seriously. “Ordinary” people live extraordinary lives all the time, and you can, too — but only if you’re serious about it. Right now you can decide to make time for activities that energize you. If you like writing music and you also have a job, then you can decide that writing music is your second job — you don’t have to get paid for it in order to decide this. All you have to do is say, “I work at X, and I also write music.” And BOOM! You’re on your way.
Now you have to treat that activity like a job as opposed to a hobby. Where is your job on your priority list? Most likely it’s below family (and spirituality, if you’re a spiritual person) and above things like social time and cleaning your apartment (if you’re like me, at least.) Now your passion will fall in the same place on your priority list as your job. For example, if you worked at your job all week and had no time to write music, and some friends ask you to hang out on Saturday, then you may tell them you’ll be there as soon as you get some work done. You may wake up, make some coffee, and sit down to write for an hour or two before going out. And you will do this once you’ve consciously decided that the thing you’re passionate about is your work, and it deserves your time. Changing your mindset about your passion is the first step toward living your dream.
2. Identify your resources and utilize them.
What other things in your life encourage you to devote time to the things you love? Do you feel more inclined to paint when you listen to a certain Red Hot Chili Peppers album? Have you noticed you have more energy for working on your projects when you work out or eat healthy foods? Does a certain friend or family member support your vision or share an interest in the thing you love? These are great resources, and giving them your attention will help you along your path.
You may want to spend a week or two observing and noting the things around you that inspire you. Music, food, and people we encounter are all great areas to look for inspiration, because we don’t have to seek these things out too much — if you’re going to be in your car listening to music anyway, then choose the music that will motivate you. If you’re going to eat a meal or hang out with a friend, then start eating more meals that make you feel good, and visiting with more friends who encourage your progress. These small steps can make a huge impact on your sense of direction.
The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t happen overnight. We live in an instant gratification culture where everything is automatic: you can get your food through a window right now; you can text, call, Tweet, or Facebook your friends, family, and coworkers and receive a response at the click of a button; and chances are, if you need some extra money you can go out there and get a second crappy job with relative ease. But the things we have to wait for and vest ourselves in are always worth the effort: the home-cooked meal, the face-to-face visit with family and friends, and the fulfilling career path we chose to work for. If you can enjoy the vast array of learning experiences (successes, failures, open doors, and roadblocks) that come with the territory of building an authentic life, then one day you will thank yourself for having the courage to take those first steps.
Taurus Teachings 