One of the mega trends of the 90s is home based small
businesses. Millions are finding new levels of independence and
freedom from being their own boss. Unfortunately, many new
business owners also are finding that working for themselves
isn't always as rewarding or fulfilling as it could be. Here's
one proven technique for bringing more fun, focus and
fulfillment to your work. By the way, it also works if you're
employed by someone else.
Have your values and vision shape your business. All too often,
entrepreneurs are pulled into a new business venture because of
the promise or opportunity of large profits. Now, don't get me
wrong. There's nothing wrong with making money from your
business. After all, most businesses are known as "for profit
enterprises." I'm only suggesting that many people find having
profit be the primary force shaping their business isn't as fun
or fulfilling as having their values and vision shape their
enterprise.
I realize this isn't new. It's been said dozens of different
ways, including, "Do what you love and the money will follow."
It dates back at least to the time of Confucius who said,
"Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your
life." But, it's worth repeating. As the new minister replied
when his congregation asked why he was repeating the same sermon
over and over, "Well, as soon as you start living this first
message, we'll go on to the next one." Many people are still
allowing the "almighty dollar" to shape their businesses, and
then wondering why they aren't happy or satisfied with their
work.
The secret to creating a business or career that is both
nurturing to the soul as well as to the pocket book is, as
theologian Frederick Buechner said, to find where "your deep
gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." There you will find
a job, a career, a business, and a life worth living.
How do you go about finding that place? Start with a little
reflection. The following simple process will get you started in
"Priming the Passion Pump:"
1. What do you love to do? Look at times in your life when you
were most alive, excited, in love with life. What were you doing
during those moments? Who were you with? Ask people who know you
when they've noticed you most alive and enthusiastic.
2. What kind of people do you love to be with? Answer this both
specifically (as in the specific people you love to be with) and
in general (as in the types of people you enjoy). What are some
of the things you could do in your life that would give you the
opportunity to spend more time with these people?
3. If money, time, energy and talent were unlimited, what would
you do with your life and who would you be? (Notice if it's
difficult to imagine any particular one of these being
unlimited. If this happens, see if you can let go of that
judgment).
4. What values are most important to you? It's important to
distinguish between the values that you think you should feel
are important, and the ones you choose of your own free will.
This will get you started on finding the "deep gladness" inside
you that will bring much more fun, focus and fulfillment to any
venture you take on, business or otherwise.
© Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. This article can
be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and
this resource box are included.
About the author:
Dr. Brad Swift founded Life On Purpose Institute in 1996 with
the vision of creating a World On Purpose by assisting people
like yourself to clarify their life purpose & live true to it.
Determine how on or off purpose your life is with the fun &
insightful Self Test at:
http://lifeonpurpose.com/_forms/self-test.php?source=ezart
Inspire yourself with a fr.ee subscription to Purposeful
Pondering Ezine:
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