The lead-in question on the information requested when I coach someone personally is this: “Briefly describe your current work situation.” Here is a recent response: “Antithetical to my personal and professional expectations. Unfulfilling on multiple levels: Lack of meaning and purpose; a myopic pursuit of the almighty dollar; a parasitic and never ending voyage into the shallow waters of avarice.” 
Wow – what a powerful and eloquent statement of being off track. And of the understanding that money is never enough compensation for investing one’s time and energy. The dictionary defines “avarice” as extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
This young man continued: “Because of the necessity and immediacy of my situation…I took the path of least resistance which has led me down a perilous pike of disappointment and despair. As a direct result of our financial obligations, I absolved myself of the freedom to easily pursue my dreams for the oppressive restraints of debt.” Feeling trapped by the realities of life, he felt blocked from any attempts at following his true passions. Incidentally, he had joined a very successful family business where he was well-liked and expected to move up quickly.
Fortunately, new possibilities are possible. We mapped out a process for getting an additional degree and an immediate plan for expression of his unique writing skills. He can hike, run a marathon, study fossils with his kids and get involved in a book club. Life does not have to be put on hold. There are always ways to make deposits of success in areas deemed important. There are few obstacles beyond those existing in our minds, if we are creative in looking for solutions. And remember to enjoy the journey, starting with today. Success is not a future event – it is the “progressive realization of worthwhile goals.” Thus, either you are successful today or you are not.
Look for opportunities to rise above the “shallow waters of avarice.” Do something noble today!
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If you are a coach and want to develop your skills in walking people through these exciting transitions, join us for our next Coaching with Excellence – April 24-15th – right here at the Sanctuary in Franklin, TN. The thrill of seeing people move into more fulfilling work never ends.
Man, what a powerful statement of discontentment. He exactly identified the struggle we have all faced at one point or another: take the path of less resistance, be traditional, do what is expected and lucrative…or break away, risk disappointing others, and also risk finding a crazy amount of success and freedom! When my husband and I found out he was laid off from his lucrative job of 6 years with no severance, we were so incredibly grateful that we had put into practice the principles from 48 Days to the Work You Love and had a side business we could fall back on. We knew he couldn’t stay in the rat race forever, so we took steps, made a plan, and when we were forced out of the traditional path everyone expected, it turned out to be the best blessing we had ever experienced. Thanks for the reminder of the struggle – I’m so grateful to be on the other side!
Wow…what a story. “Feeling trapped by the realities of life, he felt blocked from any attempts at following his true passions.’ How sad. Pursuing your passion and finding work you love is such a blessing.