When we are young, our parents and others endeavor to teach us principles they believe will help us become successful and happy in life. Many of these principles are universal—treat others with kindness and respect, give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, etc.
Unfortunately, we are sometimes taught principles regarding success and happiness that are not universal—though some would have us believe they are. For example, how many young people who do well in school are told, “You’re so smart, you ought to become a __________or a __________.”? (I was told “doctor [MD]” or “lawyer.” For the record, I would have made a miserable doctor or lawyer!) I’m sure that many who offer us such advice believe they have our best interests at heart—but do they really?
I believe that we humans are spiritual beings (souls, light beings, etc.) having a human experience. I believe we came to this planet to learn various lessons, accomplish certain things, and evolve. I also believe that each human being is unique in all of creation and is born with their “life’s work”—and the latent talents and skills necessary to do that work.
Some people are incredibly fortunate to discover their work early in life. In second grade, our teacher told us to draw something. My friend, Paul, drew a scientist in a lab coat holding a flask standing in front of a telescope. It looked like an artist had drawn it (one had!). I remember our teacher’s amazement when she saw his drawing. She heaped on the praise and showed the drawing to all the teachers. During our school years, Paul spent his free time creating art. Today, he is still a good friend and an internationally-respected artist. I treasure the drawings he gave me from our high school days.
Other people, like me, take more time to find their life’s work. I turned down an art scholarship, changed majors three times at university, and engaged in two careers before my life’s work found me. A man who heard me speak recruited me into the professional-development business.
In my work as a career/life coach, I have been privileged to work with thousands of people over the years. Many of those “successful” people confided in me that they still didn’t know what they really wanted to do with their lives. They would often ask me to help them find their unique “work.” I would provide that help with assessments, exercises, and advice.
The best advice I can give any person who is trying to find their life’s work—or navigate any of life’s challenges—is this: Go within and listen to your heart—meditate. Your soul knows why you are here and what you came to do. Your heart is a faithful counselor, and no person on Earth knows more about you—your eternal self—than you! The great polymath Galileo Galilee knowingly said, “You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself.”
So, if you want to find your unique formula for a successful and happy life, go within and listen to your heart—it works!