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Why are so many of us stuck in work we hate...or jobs that bore us...or businesses that make us unhappy? After all, the concept of doing work you love is hardly new. Whether it's called following your bliss, right livelihood, or working with passion -- some people do it, but most of us don't.
Myth #1: You won't make enough money!
This is the number one obstacle. Top executives and minimum-wage workers alike fear they will not attain or maintain their desired lifestyle. Unquestionably, you can't ignore your responsibilities.
The truth is, pursuing your dream work never requires irresponsibility. Evidence exists that the money you truly intend for yourself is what you will achieve. It takes time for some, for others (especially those who are under-valuing themselves) an increased income is immediate. Often, the speed with which you reach your financial goals depends on specific lifestyle decisions. The less you need, the more freely you can follow creative expression. So you may want to explore options like voluntary simplicity. Beware, this choice often leads to another deal-breaking myth...
Myth #2: Your whole life will have to change!
Depending on the individual, drastic changes may not be a good idea. Even hair stylists recommend that women cut their long hair in stages to allow time to adjust. But some are happy to cut it off in one sitting. It's a matter of style. You can transition to work you love overnight or in stages.
It's also important to realize that the amount of change required depends on how far you've strayed off the path. Chances are you're closer to your ideal than you think. Which brings us to the next myth.
Myth #3: All your work to date has been a waste of time!
Your dream job and the work you've done may seem to be too different. Actually, you unconsciously make decisions that are aligned with your right livelihood. You also gather skills throughout your work life. What you may not do is consider whether they are transferable to the work you love. The unique combination of your experiences allows you to do a job differently, and better, than anyone else could.
Often, though, it's a challenge to see your own potential, which is the origin of another myth.
Myth #4: You have to figure it out by yourself!
Nobody knows you like you do. Although you have all the answers you need inside, you may be too blocked to figure things out. In Wishcraft, Barbara Sher says that isolation is the real dream killer. So she created Success Teams to gather dreamers to support each other's quests. You don't have to do it alone -- just look for support at bookstores, networking groups, job centers, or from a career consultant.
With help, you can achieve anything. But that creates it's own myth.
Myth #5: You might become too successful!
In any endeavor, you run the risk of success or failure. Usually the results are subject to only your own interpretation.
The truth is, how you handle success has much to do with the strength of your personal foundation. When you are balanced in different aspects of your life such as family, money and love, you create enough security to enjoy the rewards of doing work you love.
Inspired to pursue your ideal work? You may want to consider individual coaching or joining a career team.
Is there something you long to do, but haven't pursued for some reason? Take heart -- you may be the victim of one of several misconceptions about doing work you love. You can move forward, but first you'll have to shatter some of the myths.
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