I was listening to a tape by Wayne Dyer this week. On the tape Wayne talks about the importance of doing “our own work”. It made such sense to me that I wanted to share my thoughts about it with you here.
What is Your Own Work?
Someone else’s work is any work that is not truly aligned with you. When we are doing our own work, we are absorbed, it’s natural, exciting… it just fits. When we are doing someone else’s work, it doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy it. I have had plenty of jobs I have thoroughly enjoyed, however at the same time I know deep down even whilst doing them that they were not what I could call “my own work”. Often when we don’t know yet what our own work is, we do know what it is not and that’s a great start.
How do we find our own work?
There is no hard and fast rule about how to find our own work. Some of us are lucky to be born knowing what we want to do or with an innate talent that makes this question. For most of us however this is a process of discovery. The one biggest thing that I would say has made a difference to me is being willing to search for my own work and try new things.
There is no magic answer, but from what I have observed, the people that don’t find their own work or the ones that give up, that throw in the towel and settle for something else. The ones that are willing to keep going, make mistakes, try different things and stay open to new experiences are generally the ones that find their own work.
Don’t Give Up
I used to drive myself mad asking myself the question “what do I really want to do?” I sometimes wished I wasn’t wired the way I am and that I would be happier with what I had, like other people around me seemed to be. However, as I’ve got older I’ve begun to appreciate this trait. I am not willing to settle by doing work that doesn’t truly light me up. The willingness to keep going and keep searching has meant that I have started to do my own work.
Get Started!
At present my own work is mentoring and coaching. Through trial and error and undertaking many different jobs and training courses I have come to realise my strengths lie in this area. I love the one to one dynamic and opportunity to help other people live their best lives.
I consolidated years of training within coaching by getting accredited a couple of years ago. I had spent a few years pondering what I wanted to do next and realised one day that all that was left to do was take action. It was useful to enquire and ponder for a while, but at some point all that was going to make the difference was taking action. It was not long after finishing my course that I started working as a paid mentor and coach. My dream to do work that really lit me up started to become a reality. The most important thing I learnt was to start. I had lots of fears and doubts. I wondered how I would find work and if I’d be good enough but I put these aside and started. A year after finishing the course I am in the process of transitioning from administration work to mentoring as my main job.
Be Open
At the beginning of the last paragraph I mentioned that coaching and mentoring is my own work currently. I imagine I will be doing this work for a long time but I have also realised it is good to be open to your own work evolving. For example, with blogging I found another outlet for my own work. Like many bloggers, I spend hours each week creating articles for my own and other sites. The reason I do this is because I have found a way to express myself and hopefully make a difference at the same time. Your work can take many different forms and may be voluntary rather than paid to start with.
Forget About Money
I know, I know. Easier said than done right? However if you want to know you can make money doing something before you try it, its going to limit you. For some people, their own work is something they do outside of their day job and this gives them enough satisfaction and happiness. You may need to do work for free or volunteer to build up your skills. I would say the key thing is to do whatever it is that lights you up. Don’t wait for money or anything else. Conversely you are more likely to achieve success and even money in the area you have chosen if you get started.
Don’t Take It Too Seriously
I recently read Henri say that a mistake many people make is to take the finding your passion thing too seriously. I think this is such a good point. Yes pursue it, but don’t get hung up and get too serious about it. Try new things, take up a new hobby, experience life. As I mentioned, this can and probably will evolve anyway. Nothing stays the same forever. Have some fun with it! You can always try something else if your current idea doesn’t work out.
Are you doing your own work? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Hey Jen,
I'm very happy to be able to say that I do my own work. It's not all milk and honey, but I wouldn't trade the sense of fulfillment I get for anything. I don't really think I'm capable of doing work which is not aligned with me anymore. I've lost it
Eduard @ People Skills Decoded´s last blog ..Are you a pain-in-the-ass person?
Hey Eduard
Great to hear you have found yours too.
Ha! I know what you mean, I feel like I'm gradually losing the ability to do anything else other than my own work ... it's great isn't it?
Jen
Hey Jen,
Another great post. I like your suggestions for finding your own true work, and relate to all of it. I'd add to the list self-honesty - goes along with try new things and be willing - you have to get honest with yourself - not settle for a job that pays the bills just because you are scared to step out. That goes along with risk-taking, willingness to change. Those are all difficult traits/concepts for humans so happy with habit. We do love our habits and they keep us safe and comfortable. To find your work and what you love and what "lights you up" (great phrase), you have to be open, be vulnerable, be rigorously honest, willing to change, willing to be uncomfortable, willing to step out of your routine. I can't say I'm a huge risk-taker, but I am a cautious one - I will take small risks incrementally, and I have found it pays off.
Best,
Linda
Linda Wolf (Insanely Serene)´s last blog ..When Serenity Wears Thin: Reacting versus Responding
Hi Linda
Great point - self honesty is really important and taking risks even if it is step by step, gradually moves us towards our goals. I think it can take something to move on fro our habits and the more we do it the easier it becomes.
Jen
Nice post Jen, I like how you say that finding our work is a process of discovery. I can relate to this because when I first started blogging, I had no idea what I was going to write about or what I wanted to do so I kept changing and finding out. Even right now, I'm still trying out new things and seeing where it's going to go. There are times I want to give up, but I also have faith that even when things aren't going well, I will find the answer in the future. Thanks again for another inspiring post Jen.
Hulbert Lee´s last blog ..Angela Artemis – Financial Salesperson, Spiritual Medium, and Blogger of Mystic Musings (Interview)
Thanks for sharing your experience Hulbert. I feel similar about blogging. As you say by keep moving forward we gradually find the answers and what we really want to do. Though there are courses and advice that other bloggers can give, it is a personal journey. Great to hear you're working out how you want to do it.
Jen
Don't ever settle for work that doesn't truly light you up! Life is too short.
Claire - Gratitude Connection´s last blog ..Today I'm grateful for...
Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by Claire.
Jen
I like the phrase 'doing your own work'. The world is sadly a long way off everyone being able to support themselves doing their own work and by thinking of work divided into our own and that which we do to pay the bills, it some how feels [to me] to sit better. To make the journey towards doing more of our own work as something which is achievable, possible. That even though we find ourself working at something for only a monetary reward it is part of the big plan, enabling 'our own work' to continue so that eventually the balance will tip and we will be able to do enough of our own work to pay those bills
B @ logos coaching´s last blog ..HOW TO FULFIL AN EXPECTATION
Thanks Beverley! You raise a really good point - it is a gradual process for a lot of people I think (I know it has been for me and I am not completely there yet though I should be by the end of the year). I think starting something, even if it's in your spare time (that's what I did) gets the momentum going.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh, yes.
There was a really insightful post left on our Way Below Status Quo site about this, by a reader. (www.waybelowstatusquo.com) He talked about not succumbing to everyone else's desires for your life, and instead, choosing your own path, be it a career or anything else.
I, too, remember having these same questions--what do I really want to do? And there seems to be this intense pressure to narrow it down to just one thing. We think we have to just BE one thing. Later in life, I realized that we can do many things, career-wise. We don't have to narrow ourselves to one. That's a silly rule that no one ever questions, but in reality, we're human beings. And as such, we have varied interests. Why marginalize any which one of them if we don't have to?
Ash´s last blog ..How to Start a Revolution (Or 3 Ways to Change the World)
Heya Ash!
I will check that out. I think it's so great when we can switch off external expectations and just do what feels right.
I completely agree - why do we have to narrow our choices down to one thing? I am starting to do a couple of things work wise and I really think it keeps things interesting.
Jen, powerful story - and while I think of it as following my passion and realizing my dream, saying it as "doing my life's work" or my work makes it sound more important, more of a duty, and it excites me even more. I am still searching, still playing and exploring and testing new things but I have found so much along the way too. Thank you thank !!!!
Hi Farnoosh!
I really like what you said here - I hadn't quite thought of it like that... but I agree, naming it our own work creates a different context. Great to hear you are searching, exploring, playing ... i think that really is key to finding what we enjoy.
Jen
Hi Jen,
I've always done my own work. I've only spent a few years working for someone else. I've worn many hats and will find many more in the future as well. Thanks for the inspiration.
That's great to hear Tess! As you say, it's an ongoing process!
Jen
Here's how I see it: The only real way to find out what you love is to do things and see if you like them. Once you find it, keep doing it. Then find a way to make money doing it.
I think people love complicating things in life because there's so much information overload simply because of complication.
Great article btw!
Eric´s last blog ..Get To Know Me Better: Ask Me Any 2 Questions You Want
Good points Jen.
I have noticed in my life that the biggest obstacle between me and true happiness was money.
When you always think about money first, it's impossible to find out what you really enjoy doing the most, and if you are doing what you are passionate about (your own work), it's quite difficult to become really good in it (and make money).
Quite a paradox.
I had to give up, stop focusing on material things, and just start doing the things that I love the most daily to get on the right track in my life.
Getting started seems to be the hardest thing for most people, but after that it will all be easier - the momentum can be amazing after the biggest obstacle is removed.
Petteri´s last blog ..How to Save Money to Do Something Fun Later
Hi Petteri
I think you really hit the nail on the head here - it can be a real catch 22 as afterall we do need money to survive but as you said when we focus on doing what we love, things do fall into place.
Jen
Jen,
Glad you are enjoying Wayne Dyer: he is fabulous.
I have read most of Dyer's works. Life-changing stuff.
Dyer lives in Maui, Hawaii with his brood of children: he has a beautiful family life.
Despite suffering a heart attack, Dyer keeps on moving forward. The story of his life is an inspiring one too.
Dyer had to recover from all sorts of addictions and abuse before he finally found his one and only calling.
It took Dyer years to get his PhD. That enabled him to enter the academic world, but he only enjoyed the teaching role.
Unfortunately, there are so many things in the academy besides teaching, such as administration, attending meetings, working on committees, etc.
So, Dyer was bored with his job and chucked it in his 30s and decided to become a writer. Went out on a limb.
Getting his books published and writing articles also enabled Dyer to get his name out there.
And pretty soon, Dyer found himself teaching, consulting and getting on the lecture circuit and that's what he does for a living now.
Hope this helps, because I am truly inspired by Dyer's life. You can read about his life in other segments.
Like Henri says all the time, trust your gut and let your feelings guide you. Dyer refused to settle for less and that's why he is a multi-millionaire and living in an island paradise with his family. Cheers!
Hi Archan!
How's life? Thank you so much for taking the time to share about Wayne's life - he is a true inspiration and a really interesting story. You are right - following our gut and refusing to settle for less is so important.
Jen
You should always care about your success. But not that much as they say. It takes of the pressure and alleviate the stress.
So matter what your doing. Care about the end result, but not that much. Just be confident, you'll achene your goals.
Great point Jon - it really is a fine balance between caring and not caring too much isn't it?
Jen
Jen,
Another thing I remember about Wayne Dyer....hope memory serves....because I read his works several years ago.
Dyer came from a not-so-privileged background...broken home?....was raised in foster homes...had to move around...disruptive childhood...tough life.
Lived near Detroit, Michigan in the U.S. and worked dead end jobs to make ends meet. Still, money was an issue for a long time.
Finally, became the manager of a store due to hard work. Alcoholic, drugs?
Was in relationships, but cheated on his lovers.
Found his true calling--writing and teaching and authorship--rather later in life. Most probably was a late bloomer. Trapped in the rat race until he finally decided to take a risk and take a stand.
This is why I find Dyer's life an inspiration, Jen.
Cheerio!
Thanks Archan. I knew some of Dyer's history but great to hear more. He really is an inspiration and someone who is walking the talk.
Hi Jen,
At my regular day job I do someone else's work. In other words, I do what I have to do to keep my job. I have also found that with blogging I get a chance to be creative and express myself through my writing. I have also been able to start freelance writing for blogs that pay me. That has been the most satisfying thing for me because it actually is proof that someone else values my writing and is willing to pay me for it. I have always loved writing and now it is supplementing my regular income. They also don't tell me what to write so I have a chance to do my own thing. It is a really nice gig because I have a chance to test the waters a bit before I start writing more when I retire and have more time.
Best,
Bob
Bob Bessette´s last blog ..5 Hiking Safety Tips
Hi Bob
It is so great what you are doing - it has been great watching your blog grow and as you said seeing you earn money from your writing too. I am still doing some of 'other peoples' work but like you when I write and create my own work it is so satisfying.
Jen