Easy to Talk, Harder to Walk  

You work hard, believe that what you are doing everyday is making a difference in others lives and evolving you  to a new level of awareness and learning. You develop, a vision, and mission statement supported by goals and manage your tasks to reach those goals through proper time management skills and above all you provide steady consistent results. Then one day it hits you...you have been and are making a difference.  

This is my story. It really never hit me that I was making as big a difference as I thought though. Yes, everyday working with clients, speaking to groups, and seeing the results are thrilling and will always be. But you do not really take stock of the wake you are leaving. The cumulative effect of your conscious decision to live on purpose. This is what happened to me recently.  

Earlier this month I was awarded the New Business of The Year from the Salem area Chamber of Commerce. Someone nominated me and the process is very secretive. Needless to say I had no idea I was going to win and it showed to all 300+ people in attendance.  I do not remember walking to the stage, or what music was playing. I felt humbled and even a bit awkward. After the applause died down I said a few words and floated off the stage, someone took some photos, handshakes, and pats on the back from colleagues and friends, tears of happiness and pride from my wife and mother and me still in a state of shock.

The award is nice, but something even better came from this event. I noticed it only when I look back at the description of the recipient, read by past president Jane Berg. I realized, the community as a whole confirmed to me I was living my life's purpose. You can see the video here: Award Video  It is validating to know all the planning, sweating the small stuff, getting through the down times, and working hard to do what I love to do is serving others and serving me. I have gone on and on about Holistic Happiness in this newsletter and other writings and speeches. I know, for this moment, I have found that for my life and business. I also know that I am living the very thing I help my clients with and I am passionate as ever to help them achieve the feeling that comes from being in balance and living in joy everyday. It is an ever evolving process so you have to start from where you are.  

Here are some suggestions to begin to get your business or career and/or life in alignment with your passion.

1. Listen to your inner voice. In quiet moments it is speaking to you and it is all about putting you on the path to success in finding your passion.
2. Create a plan. Talk to a coach about your desires and see how fast a plan can come together. I have a coach and she keeps me on task for me. We generally help others with their needs and put ourselves last. By having an advocate for you and your life/business/career plan you make greater progress with better results. You can have a sample session, no cost, with me Coach me! or if you decide to try someone else, make sure they are a member of the International Coaches Association and the coach you choose has hired a coach of their own.  
3. Take action. Sweeping changes may not be feasible, but action of any size means progress toward a goal. Build momentum first, and the changes you need to make will happen for you when they are supposed to. By taking action it helps you be ready to take advantage of those momentous moments. 

We all need validation. I thought my validation was coming from my inner knowing and much of it was. When you get validation from those you respect, it simply comfirms you were right to take time to listen to your inner knowing of what was right for your life. So do not just think of it, get out there and live it!  

  To Your Success~