How many times have you asked yourself: “What would you do if money were no object; if you could do anything, what would it be?” February is the “month of the heart” and it just might be time to listen to yours, not just in your personal life but in everything you do.
Consider this; are you passionate about your work or simply enduring your work life? Successful people invest their time, energy and resources into their core strengths because that’s where they get their highest return and most of us have to make a living. Albert Schweitzer said, “Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing you will be successful.” Success is directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do.
Recently a local television station reported on a man who decided to change his life and spend more time outdoors being active so he made changes to his work life to allow him to take the time. On one of his first outings he kayaked a distance out into the ocean and encountered a whale that spent several long minutes checking him out. He said it was the best experience of his life and came about because he chose to follow his heart.
The example of San Diego television personality Loren Nancarrow who was diagnosed with brain cancer about a year ago is of someone forced to change his life. He dedicated his time to his family and spent every minute he could with them. While he was at home in Encinitas, he took lots of walks on the beach, focused on his beloved garden and helping others. He passed away after Christmas but he lived his life to the fullest until it was gone.
We should not wait to receive a diagnosis of a terminal illness or hope to win the lottery before pursuing our dreams. The best career advice you will ever receive is to discover your God-given passion and follow it. When asked that question – “what would you do if you could do anything?” some people are ready with an immediate answer. The majority of us would probably need to take some time to really imagine what it might be. I’d venture to say many of us are reluctant to even think about it but it’s an important exercise. It might just be attainable but you will never know if you don’t allow yourself to dream.