Geraldine Cox is an inspirational woman, the subject of my second blog, and guest on the 7pm Project this evening. If you didn't get a chance to watch, take a few minutes to do it now.
Read my latest game entry
hereI have wanted to write this piece for a long time, but haven't had a clue where to get started. Everything I have ever read covering self-development and self-fulfillment has kicked off with one key ingredient - finding your passion.
Every time I have tried to tackle this daunting pre-requisite, I would come up blank, feeling deflated and passion-less. With a recent move to a new country during a more difficult economic climate, finding passion made way for much simpler objectives like finding a home and finding a job.
During a long ride home on the train after a truly emotional start to a new job, I had a mini-revelation. I had taken a risk to try a job that I did not think was right for me, and had been faced with possibly the most difficult day of my life to date. I was overcome with emotion and mentally drained. But all of a sudden I was clearly identifying things that I did and did not enjoy. The projects in my life that I had been half-heartedly pursing suddenly took on an all new appeal, and I began feverishly jotting down notes. By putting myself in a new and, at times, uncomfortably challenging situation, I could see much more clearly where my true strengths lay.
On the journey so far, there are a few points I would share for those also setting out on their own quest for a fulfilled life:
Take stock of what you already have. Friends, family, children, love, laughter, memories, opportunities. These things can be easy to overlook on your quest to fulfill your dreams. They may also make up a large percentage of what you really need to feel fulfilled. Be thankful and appreciative - you never know when you might find yourself in need.
Be patient with yourself. Trying to sit down for an hour and come up with all the answers is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Give yourself time to identify what you truly want, and be realistic about achieving it. Reward yourself for a job well done, not matter how big or small the task at hand.
Try something new. We can plan all we want to get things done, but getting out and taking some risks is when we really see inside ourselves. Try to challenge yourself every day - and then identify how you respond to the challenge. Was it exhilarating? Or truly scary? Would you do it again? Did you find qualities or strengths you never knew you had?
Be constantly learning. As the old adage goes - you can lose, just don't lose the lesson. There is always room for improvement. Find current and varied learning channels - books, newspapers, online, people. Keeping an active mind is just as important as an active body.
Small steps lead to giant leaps. Goal setting is so important to achieving your dreams. Dream big - but remember to break it down into small, obtainable goals that will lead up to the big objective. And remember to pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
