1.  There isn’t a job or career out there that I would really love.
The truth is that, while in any situation there are challenges–since that’s one of the ways we grow and understand ourselves–you CAN create a job or career that you love.
It is completely possible to find work that utilizes your talents and abilities and has meaning for you, rather than doing something that is boring or stressful just to collect a paycheck.  You may have stepping stones along your journey, but you can get there.

We know that what we focus our attention on gets stronger. When you get a clear vision of what truly lights you up, make the picture as vivid as you can, including all the juicy details and feelings you associate with it, spend time delighting in it, and begin to take action toward it, you will be surprised at what will open up for you. You don’t have to necessarily know what the exact job is–just what skills and talents you want to be involved in doing, who or what you’d like to impact, what kind of people (if any) you‘d like to work with, and what kind of lifestyle you want to have. Then watch what shows up! I had no idea there was such a thing as life coaching when I first started my own journey, but when I discovered it, I knew it was the fit I had been looking for!

2.  I can’t make a living doing what I love

Think about how you feel when you are engaged in doing something you enjoy, like a hobby. Don’t you put your best into it? Doesn’t time fly by? When you are engaged in work you love, you will put your best into it. Let me ask you a question: Who would you rather do business with—someone who is doing it just because it’s a job, or someone who is enthusiastic about what they do? I know a landscaper who talks about how working outside making beautiful spaces is “the fire within” for him. He’s extremely successful! He’s on a mission and so are you!

If you have family responsibilities, take it slow. You don’t have to quit what’s paying the bills right now, but get started in the direction of your dreams while still at your current job.

3.  I have to work hard and pay my dues to be successful.

We are simply not meant to struggle. That’s a lie you’ve been told by society. Just because others have bought into it doesn’t mean you have to. You love what you love because it speaks to your innate talents. It seems natural to you and is easy to learn. You’re good at it! You may need to go back to school, juggle responsibilities with family members, or make other changes, but you can do it! You are worth it. Struggling does not make you any more worthy, noble or successful. When you make your most important task about feeling good, you are in alignment with your dreams and in the flow. You are here with a purpose and when you do what you love, you are at your best, and the world benefits from your presence in it!  Again, challenges may come up and you may put in extra hours when first getting started.  But when you are doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like “hard work.”

4.  Living my passions means I’ll have to be self-employed—and that’s not for me.

So often I hear the idea that in order to live your dream life you have to work for yourself rather than for someone else. I believe you can create exactly what you want in any environment, so long as you are clear about what you want. In fact, I had a client who was self-employed and unhappy due to the flux in her income and having to always be marketing her services. She was a single mother who desired more stability. So, living your dreams doesn’t always mean you have to be self-employed, engage in extreme adventures or anyone else’s idea of what a dream “should” look like. It’s about getting clarity on what is important to YOU. What do you value?

While it’s true some jobs may be limiting, that is just an indicator that it’s not the right one for you. My client got clear on her vision of what tasks she wanted to do that used her talents and abilities, the kind of people she wanted to work with on her team, the values of the company, the management style and the income she wanted. She got into alignment with that vision, never doubting it could happen and guess what? She got it all and more! Now she enjoys having a stable income, not having to market herself anymore and still has the time she wants with her children. Oh–and she remarried too!  When you are in the flow regarding any subject, everything else you want can show up too.

What is your exact dream? Go for it with the belief you can have it and do have it! If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, great! If not, be true to your own vision.

5.  I’m too old to start now.
I love this one! If you are still breathing, you’re not too old! Many people are starting second careers in their 60‘s and up after they “retire” from their jobs. I was 56 when I started my coach training. Some students in my class were 60. If not now, when? Do you really want to get to the end of your life never having done what you really wanted to do? We are living longer than ever before and those who are engaged in meaningful work actually live longer, healthier and happier lives.

I’d love to help you tune in to what lights you up and identify the steps to getting there.  Sign up for your free Life Purpose Discovery Session and begin moving toward your purposeful life!