“You only live once!” Whilst the average ‘three score years and ten’ has been pushed a bit further now, the fact remains – eventually we will be gone. And what will remain?
In knowing people who are absolutely passionate about what they do and why they do it, there is an awareness of how they are absorbed in ‘flow’, happy and fulfilled by their focus. When ‘work’ (i.e. economic activity) and ‘play' (that which gives joy) are one and the same, very often the previous quest for 'balance’ recedes and is seen for what it might be: nothing more than a desire to retain the illusion of sanity by ensuring that what has to be endured in association with the process of earning money does not threaten everything else which matters most!
Limiting the extent to which we work at something we do not truly love so that we have time for the other aspects of our lives might be a tactic but it is not really a sensible lifelong strategy! Recognising this, often in mid career, leads many to reflect deeply on the fundamental purpose of their existence. On one level as a lawyer, banker or whatever the usual trappings of success are there and yet, however much they deliver economically, it fails to satisfy.
Being encouraged or pushed into a field of study at university and then entering a profession in order to play out the wishes of a parent or other authority figure is still not uncommon. And even the right career can feel wrong when conducted in an industry sector with which one has no affinity or in an organisation where the culture and values are at odds with one's own. Why carry on if you hate work, hate your boss, are unfulfilled, frustrated and not passionate about what you do?
Living a life of purpose through which a rich legacy of achievement and a tangible contribution to society remains in perpetuity may well sound like a flight of fancy and pretty far fetched for the 'common man'. However, earning a living in a way which maximises meaning and enjoyment in life is actually within the grasp of anyone with real desire to discover their true passion and the determination to strive and reach their goals.
If you have a nagging, uncomfortable level of dissatisfaction - whether borne for days, weeks or months or are experiencing a sudden crisis in response to a very specific catalyst take it seriously and act on it.
Mary Cope is a Position Ignition Guide, a modern day careers advisory firm for professionals offering help around careers, transition and personal & professional development. Her work for a wide variety of companies across several sectors also gives her a depth of knowledge that is indispensable when it comes to guiding Position Ignition clients from an array of backgrounds and professions. In addition to all this, Mary is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD), holds an MBA and is an accredited career consultant.
Website: www.positionignition.com
Blog: www.positionignition.com/blog
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