The ideal job is one that doesn't feel like work.
What is your first reaction after reading this statement? Cynicism? Doubt? Or is there a part of you that resoundingly affirms "YES!" to this statement?
We live in a world that is deeply cynical about the possibility of having meaningful, soul-satisfying work. Most of us have been raised with beliefs such as 'you can't have your cake and eat it too' or 'at some point, you need to grow up and deal with the real world.'
Attachment to beliefs such as these is the deepest cause of illness in our modern society. If we succumb to resignation or choose a job out of fear or the need for security, then we can rest assured that we are doing so at a grave sacrifice. After years of practicing acupuncture, it has always been fascinating to me how there is such a direct relationship between the joy one experiences in their work and their level of physical and emotional health. Overwhelmingly, the people that enjoy the greatest health are the ones who describe their job as:
Something they love doing something they would want to do even if they didn't get paid inseparable from their overall life- there is no dichotomy between the pain of work and the relief of the weekend something that provides them with a sense of fulfillment and meaningful contribution Now, this may seem like a far off ideal, but it is absolutely possible to create a livelihood that reflects all these wonderful, life-affirming qualities. The operative word here is 'create.' Typically, most people who find this level of joy in their work either created their own role to fulfill through entrepreneurship or they proactively created the most positive job description that they would want to fulfill as an employee.
The point I make on several occasions in my book The Purpose Principle is that you must create a form for your purpose that is life-affirming, inspiring, and meaningful. If you do, then your life will flourish. If you don't, every single aspect of your life will suffer. That is how important this topic is. We also need to clarify that we are not just talking about a career in this context. We are referring to the primary role you have to fulfill, the main way that you make a contribution to and serve the planet. So, what we are talking about here applies to every one of us, all of the time. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a retired banker, or you work at a gas station- bringing the right form to your life's purpose is always the highest priority.
I have actually coached quite a few clients to make healthy career or life role transitions. This is a passion of mine, for I clearly see the staggering consequences of staying stuck in a substandard or mediocre role year after year. The truth is that many highly intelligent, ambitious, and externally successful people are stuck in jobs that they either hate or that are a poor reflection of their deepest values, gifts, and aspirations.
I believe that the only way things can ever change on a global scale is by individually choosing to create work that is meaningful to the planet. It all starts on an individual level. You are not here to remain stuck in a job for the sole purpose of getting that paycheck. Your life deserves so much more than that. If you need help transitioning into more soul-satisfying work, first read The Purpose Principle and then, if necessary, get in touch with me to see if coaching is a good fit.
Kevin Doherty is a licensed acupuncturist, life and business coach, and the author of The Purpose Principle: 11 Strategies to Help You Experience Ultimate Freedom in Your Health, Wealth, and Love Life. To get a free copy of Kevin's Purpose Principle ezine and to learn more about the book, go to http://www.PurposePrinciple.com
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