Search
Recommended Products
Related Links


 
 

 

 

Informative Articles

A Matter Of The End Being Nigh?
A Matter Of The End Being Nigh? For years, decades even, we have been assailed by "prophets", conference speakers, writers and similar to the effect that "the end is nigh". In other words, that we are living in the end times, that is, the end...
Christmas Gifts For Dolphin Lovers
Choosing a dolphin lover gift may not be as easy as it is for a pet lover, but that is not to say it is not possible. In fact, you will find quite a range of dolphin related gifts around the internet, although in your local store it may be hit and...
I Knew Her For An Eternity
As my horse galloped ever faster along the beach I pulled back on the reigns to slow him down. But it seemed as if something unforseen was quiding the horse. As I pulled the reigns back even harder my horse bolted into the air throwing me to the...
Of Sundogs and Other Old-Time Weather Signs
The old-timers back in the hills had their alternative to the evening TV weather forecast. "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning." Many view old-time weather lore as folk tales or fables. But we've...
Put Down That pencil
You’re surrounded, commanded the booming metallic voice from outside. Give yourself up! The occupant inside the barricaded room defiantly replies, I’m not giving up! Moments later a squad a black uniformed men in combat boots burst into the...
Semper Fidelis
The air was crisp that bright autumn day, not unlike the uniforms of the hundreds of Marines who had gathered to mark the passage of a sacred occasion. A sea of faces filled the outdoor stadium under the blue Carolina sky as Marines and their...
Seven Valentine’s Day Tips for Spouses in “Less-Than-Perfect” Marriages
Valentine’s Day can be a depressing day when you’re in an unhappy or shaky marriage. In every store or advertisement you see romantic cards, heart-shaped boxes of candy, or select jewelry for the special lover’s day. Restaurants publish their...
Take The First Step--Action Is The Cure
There are times I have easily become overwhelmed. My intentions and goals tend to lean toward the dreamer side and may, to some, seem completely unrealistic. I have found that if I contemplate for too long on the final outcome of my dreams,...
The Mayfly Adult
In our last article titled Mayfly Nymph. We covered the basics of the nymph stage of this crucial insect in the world of the freshwater game fish and fly fisherman. We now will cover the adult phases of the mayfly. Although most of its life...
Volvo Ocean Race, It's beginnings
Since its inception when it was originally sponsored by Whitebread, the Volvo Ocean Race has become the worlds premier sailing event. When deep-ocean sailors gather to down a few pints, the conversation inevitably turns to tales of passages made,...
 
 
 
Examine What Your Heart Desires

The point here is not necessarily to ignore skills you may have developed but to set them aside for the moment and try to recognize where your heart wants to lead you.
How do you decide what career choice you will make? Centuries ago, one apprenticed at an early age to learn from a master craftsman experienced in a particular field. It took years, often decades before one was considered even moderately skilled. Michelangelo was apprenticed at age 13. But what if he had hated drawing and learned it only because it was his duty, his job?

Each of us is capable of learning a skill given enough time, one which we can repeat as needed. But does the work tempt you, lure you to return in the small hours of the night? Are you drawn to it like a moth to the flame, enticed by what could be? Michelangelo surely was, for to infuse paint with the raw power to inspire and awe mankind for centuries to come did not come because he learned the basic skills of wielding a paintbrush.

The point here is not necessarily to ignore skills you may have developed but to set them aside for the moment and try to recognize where your heart wants to lead you. Don't change jobs simply because you're good at some skill. Skills are what the past has created. They are merely ways to get from point A to point B. I've seen that skills by themselves won't make you happy.

Actually, it's the one thing that can keep a person blocked from what they love

 


because skills protect you from knowing what you would want and love to do. When you find that work which you truly love, you will discover the gifts hidden within you.

My recommendation here is to take some time to examine what your heart desires. If you suddenly lost the ability to perform the skills you currently perform or take pride in, what else would you do? Whether that is sailing, raising dogs, creating a new recipe or painting a picture, listen for the tiny whispered messages that your heart reveals. This is where your soul resides. Anne Frank said, "Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"

Christopher Reeve went from playing Superman to being one. He has become a driving force for research in spinal cord injuries since his life-changing accident. If you were suddenly transported to a life in which everything you take for granted was gone, what would you do? Where does your heart lead you?

About the Author

Copyright 2003, Joel Garfinkle, All Rights Reserved
Joel Garfinkle provides a step-by-step Dream Job process that has guided thousands of clients to find the perfect job and reach career fulfillment. For Career Coaching Services: http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching.shtml