Follow your bliss - do what you really love, otherwise what’s the point?

If the aspiration is to follow your bliss, the inference of course is that you actually know what ‘your bliss’ is. So let’s imagine that you do have an idea about what you’d really like to do with your life, and that it’s not what you’re doing now.

So the obvious question is ‘why are you still doing what you do?

The following phrase, famously coined by mythologist Joseph Campbell, paints the picture:

“If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living…”

There are lots of great stories and articles out there about people who’ve successfully navigated themselves away from the daily grind and onto the path of something they’re passionate about. However, if a complete change of tack (and the thought of giving up the position you’ve worked so hard for) is a little frightening, check out the latest advice from marketing strategist and author of ‘Reinventing You’, Dorie Clark. This week, Harvard Business Review features Dorie's tips on how to go about changing your career without necessarily having to start from scratch. And think about it… wouldn’t you rather be using your skills and experience to do something you love and are excited about, rather than continue to exist in that role that isn’t really you?

Inevitably, there will be several reasons as to why you’re stalling on making a move. As with any change, taking small steps is key. And each time you’re likely to come face to face with one of your fears. And that’s ok. Because overcoming those is what it’ll take to get you where you want to be. No one said this would be easy.

Promise me, however, that you’ll keep one thing front of mind? And that is, that it’s never too late. Find a strategy that will help you transform your ideas into actions and you can create the next chapter in your book, the way you want it to turn out. Stop being the person you think you’re supposed to be… because let’s face it, not only will you be happier, the best part of following your bliss is that it’ll be something you’re great at! Don’t you owe it to yourself to at least give it a go?

As Joseph Campbell went on to say: “…follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”

If you need further advice about how to take the first step, get in touch with Tania at tania@twcreativecoaching.com

What are you waiting for?

Posted on Thu, June 02, 2016 in Coaching General Leadership Personal Development
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