Follow Your Bliss

Have you ever dreamed about having a job that you really love?  One that inspires you to jump out of bed on a Monday morning with enthusiasm to start your work week?  Something that is not just a job that pays the bills, but is your true calling and purpose in life.  Sadly, this is not a reality for many people.  Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report states that only 30% of Americans are engaged and inspired at work.  I have been on a journey for several years of discovering my own passion and calling in life and have recently left my corporate job to fully devote myself to being a facilitator and coach for Awake At Work Institute.  People often express to me that they don’t know what their passion is or how to even begin discovering it, so I would like to offer a few tips on how to get started with this exciting journey of self-discovery.

1. Look inwards.  It is very important to get to know yourself better to discover what your talents and passions are.  Some ways to do inner work are through meditation, journaling and self-reflection.  A good question to start reflecting on is what makes you come alive.  Start bringing awareness to your work day and notice what activities or interactions bring you the most energy and joy. 

2. Stay open to possibilities.  As you develop more clarity through your inner work, you will be able to set clear intentions on your end goal.  However, it is very important to stay open to opportunities that you might not have expected or predicted that will help you on your journey.  As you become more aligned to your truth through your inner work, things will begin to unfold in your life that direct you on your unique path.

3. Develop a network.  Start to develop a diverse network that includes people who are doing similar work that you are interested in.  Look for opportunities to cultivate your existing relationships and make new connections.  You can also ask people to share their stories about how they ended up in their current position.

4. Find a mentor or coach.  As you develop your network, some of these people may become formal or informal mentors that can provide encouragement and practical advice.  You can also work with a coach on specific growth areas or general personal development. 

5. Be willing to take risks.  When we are creating change in our lives it is crucial to find the courage to actually take the step into the new role, project or assignment.  This can often feel like we are stepping into the unknown.  It can feel uncomfortable and bring up fear or anxiety, which can cause us to remain stuck in our current situation.  However, once you’ve done your inner work, become aware of the opportunity in front of you and have developed a network of support, taking the risk of moving into the new area won’t feel as huge and scary and you will find more confidence in allowing your path to unfold.