When you finally discover your Inner Compass and bravely face the root of your Ecstatic Joy, you may feel like “this is it”, and everything’s going to be smooth and fun. However, you will soon find out that that’s where the battle begins. And it’s not any old battle: it’s the battle for your soul.
You see, knowing and dreaming is one thing. But when it comes to taking action, the power of our doubts and fears can be overwhelming. So many people have fabulous dreams and great ideas (which are totally doable), but when push comes to shove, they curl up in a ball, hide in bed for a week pretending they have a flu, and then they meekly return to their old life, job or business. They may hate it, but at least they know what to expect, and ulcers seem to be a small price to pay compared to the velvet cage of their comfort zone.
However, the voice of your Inner Gremlin can never shout down the voice of your Inner Compass, and Fear can never be stronger than Ecstatic Joy, when you have your Security Cushion: The power of your Why.
Your Why has two very important parts. As you set out to follow your calling, you need to know Why you hate where you are, and Why you desire the source of your Ecstatic Joy. And no, saying “I hate my job” and “I love to write” is not enough. It must be detailed, it must be honest, and it must be written down in several copies to make sure you can always re-read it, no matter where you are.
My lists are quite long, but they boil down to this (in no particular order):
WHY Hate List:
* Schedules
* Deadlines
* Long hours
* Zero free time
* Lack of creativity
* Back pain
* Stiff neck
* Lack of respect
* Auto-immune issues
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Late payments
* Bureaucracy and paperwork
* Pressure
* Anxiety
WHY Love List:
* Ecstatic Joy
* Freedom
* Creativity
* Lots of time for fun
* Choosing when I want to wake up
* Zero pressure and anxiety
* Working with fabulous people
* More time for those I love
* Improved health and fitness
* Peaceful sleep
* Respect
* Independence
* More time to study and learn what excites me
* Unlimited vacation time
* No need to plan my life around my work
* No difference between work and fun
Knowing your Why and re-reading your lists several times a day, especially when things get tough (and they will), can be your first powerful step toward your dream. I’m going to continue sharing more tools with you, but please take time today to write your lists. I encourage your to be brave and share them with me!
Discover the book
Discover the Book
Discover the Book
Wow! TImely post for me and love the whole Why? core element. Love your last entry: “no difference between work and fun,” as well as the Respect entry and the other “more time to study and learn what excites me.” Those three go on my list as well. Thanks again for your wonderful posts, but this one hit home today.
I’m so glad to hear that this post has resonated with you, Denise! “Why” is such a simple yet powerful tool, I use it very often, and I review it every couple of weeks to make changes if necessary. It’s a little thing but sometimes when I feel like giving up, re-reading it always helps me find a different and much better perspective. We, courageous creative souls, need all the help and support we can get!