A friend just sent me a link to the trailer for Lemonade, an upcoming movie that takes a look at what happens when people who got paid to be creative in advertising lose their jobs and then became creative in their own lives. It’s just too perfect!
Coming from the advertising industry myself, I know several people (no, I won’t name any names!) who would insist that this movie was made specifically for them. They didn’t want to lose their jobs—and went through all of the nerve-wracking anxiety the movie depicts—but then had one of those “that was the best thing that ever happened to me” moments. They soon realize it’s a blessing in disguise and move on to something that taps into their truest potential—whatever that may be (artist, yoga instructor, nude copywriter, you name it). Soon they’re doing something that fires them up, more accurately expresses who they are and is integrated in their lives. They’re happier than before. As one of the characters says in his final comments: “I got laid off and I’m finally doing something that I think matters.”
The opportunity to follow your Professional Destiny can initially seem like you’ve just been tossed a big, sour lemon. But go out there, like these people, and make some sweet lemonade out of it!
One of the things I’m most excited about doing with this blog is sharing stories of people who have made the leap from an unfulfilling job into their life’s work. Work that makes them feel alive and makes a difference. Whatever jobs these people held, or what careers they discovered, there are valuable and inspirational lessons for all of us in how they came to discover their own gifts and make the move to a career that was deeply rewarding.
Caroline Boudreaux (left) in front of an orphanage she is building
In my book, I include people such as Mark Misage (an aspiring engineer who felt ambivalent about his major and bucks tradition to become a nationally recognized high school physics teacher), Caroline Boudreaux (a successful TV account executive, who at 29 had everything except happiness, and then found herself transforming the lives of thousands of Indian orphans by starting the Miracle Foundation), and Trevor Romain (who fought the odds of dyslexia and being told he had no writing and drawing talent as a child, to become a bestselling author, speaker and illustrator of children’s books). Those who make bold moves like these are Professional Destiny Heroes.
Inspirational stories like this are all around us, so let’s expand the conversation and share the stories of others who have made this journey. If you know someone, please nominate them today. It could be you, any “everyday” person or someone famous. Just leave a brief comment in this blog explaining what your Professional Destiny Hero has done. Please include contact information. I will be writing a blog post featuring these heroes every week or so, along with my other topics, and I’d love to include the most inspirational stories.
Think about how you’d answer the following questions (for you or another person you’re nominating) and include as much colorful detail as you can:
Do you consider yourself to be doing your life’s work? How is it different from a “job?” (See earlier blog post about the differences between a job and life’s work).
Why did you choose this profession? Did it require a change?
What obstacles (doubts, fears, setbacks) did you have to overcome?
What signs/encouragement did you get to show you were on the right path?
Do you feel that you are making a difference?
What have you learned and what advice do you have for others?
That’s it. I hope this will be a fun, rich experience that will help to inspire and motivate others. I look forward to hearing from you!
Professional Destiny® is about finding the career you were born for. I've created this site to help you in your pursuit. Here, you'll find excerpts from my book, as well as new ideas and stories to help you make the most of your natural gifts. We're a community, so please join the conversation!
