This is not a race.
You don't have to run toward your passion.
Your 'dream life,' your purpose, and passion, are not vanishing in front of you... not any time soon.
These days, there is a certain fury around the terms: 'passion' and 'purpose.'
We are all pursuing our passion.
And we are running toward it. In a mad rush.
We are rushing to get out of boring corporate jobs,
jumping into the open field of the unknown,
while new age marketers promise visions of wealth and fame on the other side.
Strangers on Facebook ads tell us to quit our jobs, because we can make a million dollars, while sitting in a Bali beach-side resort.
These people are not making the grass look greener on the other side.
They are making it look like a gold mine.
And we are rushing for the treasure.
Quitting your job to go chase your dream: It's the new Holy Grail.
It's great.
But remember that Rome wasn't built in a day.
Your dream, career, and life, are no exception to the rule.
So before you quit your job,
before you jump into the nebulous cloud of a dream life in Bali, or the vision of saving the world with a wink of the eye, please consider this:
Success builds slowly,
behind the scenes,
specially when nobody is watching.
Over the past two years, I have interviewed almost one hundred people who walked conscientiously, not jumped, toward their dream life. These people have successfully created careers, and lives. that today are wildly successful and meaningful. I have interviewed people from all walks of life, all ages, and industries. From these conversations, and from my personal experiences, I have learned a few things about living on purpose. So before you quit your job, please consider this:
You are not a victim.
Consider that you are not a victim of your environment or circumstances. Stop complaining about your angry boss, or gossiping co-workers. They might not be perfect, but they can probably teach you something about yourself, and make you stronger in the process. Find your power, wherever you are.
Get clear, right now.
Find out what matters to you: your values, passions, interests, and preferences. You don't have to quit your job to discover yourself.
If you want to 'find your purpose,' take action.
Clarity comes through action. Even if you have a full time job, there is time left in the day to explore your interests and passions. Make time to try things out. Think less, do more (of what matters.)
Take a pause.
Instead of waking up on zombie mode, and driving to work on automatic every day, create bubbles of time outside the routine. Make space for meditation, contemplation, and re-connection every day. You don't have to be a buddha or monk in a cave to introspect.
Ask for what you want.
Your boss won't let you leave at a decent time? Start setting boundaries. Ask for what you want. Don't go making excuses that you don't have enough time, if you have not yet asked for that extra time at work.
Create space for purpose.
You might work really long hours and complain that there is no time at all. But reconsider how you use your time. Every single moment matters, and it can be squeezed intentionally or not. Use the time before, between, and after work wisely. Instead of watching TV before going to sleep, journal, work on your passion project. Whatever works for you. Just turn off the remote control & create space for your purpose every day.
Purpose is a process, not a destination.
You might as well enjoy the ride, because there is not a pot of gold at the end of the ride. The pots of gold are everywhere, in the crevice of every moment, if only you make time to feel and experience them.
If you still want to quit your job, after reading this, here are some practical considerations:
Save
Save your money. Create a savings account that will give you ample space and time, once you decide to take the leap.
Strategize your purpose.
Brainstorm a variety of different options. Your purpose is not singular. There are many avenues. Some of them work better than others in the world. Be practical. How can you make your purpose real in the world? Where does your purpose converge with the realities of the world?
Monetize your dream
Explore different options to support yourself financially. Your dream doesn't have to be the sole source of financial support in your life. Explore the freelancing, contractor, side gig universe. You can make outside your passion. Recently, I spoke with a well known radio host. He makes a living selling socks online. His passion is radio hosting.
Find Mentors
Find the people who have taken the leap before you, the ones who have jumped similar mountains. They will give you the scoop. Listen closely to their story, trials, tribulations, and success.
Find Community
Before you quit and step out on your own, find community. Find like-minded people who are willing to support you in making real the strange and radical vision you have for yourself. If you don't have support networks, create them. Find like-minded people and gather them for coffee, dinner, or dance parties. Build your dream hub.
Master your skills.
Practice the skills you want to build. According to Malcolm Gladwell, "10,000 hours of deliberate practice are needed to become world-class in any field." Start practicing the skills you want to master.
Finally.
Dedicate yourself to what matters, day and night.
After work, when nobody is watching, build the projects that you care most about. If you have a voice or vision about becoming an author: start writing blog posts after work. If you dream of opening your bakery, start baking for friends, then neighbors... During off hours. If you want to 'help' people, start helping them now. Don't wait until you have quit your job, to start doing all the things that you dream of doing.
Do what you love. Right now.
Everything else will follow.
For more tools, events, and experiments, visit: www.experimentonpurpose.com