“If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.”~Joseph Campbell
Recently a client was discussing her upcoming choice between two new jobs. The discussion seemed like a cost-benefit analysis – all head and very little heart. “I should do this,” she said. “This makes the most sense. I really love that idea, but it’s probably not smart.” Now while the more “sensible” option may be the right one for her to pursue, it struck me how quickly we follow what seems “right” rather than what seems wonderful.
Too often we are ruled by our head – by what we “should” do or what others expect of us. How wonderful it feels when we follow our bliss. When we take the action or pursue the idea that truly brings us joy – deep down joy from the bottom of our souls and the soles of our feet. As children, we seek out those things that bring us bliss, and yet we have learned not to trust that inner instinct. In life and in business it is often the blissful choice that leaves us inspired, effective, and propelled forward. And by pursuing our dreams or trusting our instinct we often find that things go more smoothly, work better, and yield greater results.
What truly brings you bliss? How can you follow it more fully? Make a decision to commit to bliss this week – identify one thing you could do that will bring you bliss, and do it.
How can you follow your bliss?
Please leave a comment to share.
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This is one of the few times I’ve disagreed with what you have to say. Many have followed their bliss, in some cases straight to the poor house. While it is admirable, even advisable, to do work you have a passion for, too often that decision is made purely emotionally. Does that mean you should sell your soul for a job? Not at all. But what it does mean is that the calculus between job satisfaction, financial obligations (yes, including student loans) and long term goals has to be performed. How much of a dream is a dream job when it doesn’t help you put a dent in your living expenses and you’re lamenting that you can’t afford to live where you want to live and have the life you want? I sometimes think that people don’t understand how capitalism works (and we can debate as long as you’d like about the perniciousness of it as practiced in this country) but how much you make is often directly proportional to how much you’re making for someone else. Bliss aside, that’s a reality we are all confronted with eventually.
Thanks for your comment, Marc! I agree that many of us need the foundation of financial security, a roof over our head, and other needs to feel free to “follow our bliss.” That’s not true for everyone and the good thing is they are not mutually exclusive.
The reality is most people are not finding bliss at work. There’s lots of research out there about employee happiness – one of which says that, while 65% of workers are satisfied with their job, only 20% are passionate about their work. So, if my job doesn’t bring me joy (and I’m unable to create more bliss in my work), then I have to ask myself: “Where am I finding joy now and how can I bring more bliss into my life?”