Photo Credit: anieto2k via Compfight cc
Have you ever felt like the guy in the above photo? You have dreams and aspirations and work constantly to achieve those dreams. So much so that you find yourself exhausted most days and can’t remember why you started in the first place. Life just seems to happen and you just can’t find peace or contentment in your life. It affects everyone around you and bitterness starts to set in.
This may describe more than you have experienced yourself, but it happens to most people who want a change in life. Contentment with the present is taken over by hopes of the future. Happiness needs to be found in the present, so you can find your passion again.
So, here are three steps that I can recommend to you in getting back to being as passionate as when you started:
1. Really Remember Your Dream.
Sit down, shut off distractions and go back to the beginning. What was your original dream? I’m betting that it wasn’t to do “normal”.
If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
2. Do What Matters Most.
This deals with your daily priorities. Want to get more done in your day? Do the most important things first. When your energy is at it’s highest and at the time of the day when your focus is at it’s greatest. You will put more into your work, greatness will be achieved at a faster pace and you will be able to move on to the next task with more satisfaction. More satisfaction equals less mental clutter. You will be able to move on to the next big thing and feel completely finished with the previous completed project. This is one of the most important things you will find as you create more.
Creation needs more singular focus put into it. When you can’t put everything in, you will end up with a half-completed, mediocre project that you will have to fix later. Do it right the first time and increase productivity.
3. Think About Outsourcing The Things That Don’t Matter to You.
What are the things that matter most to you? That is a great first question to ask yourself while you are pursuing your dreams. You can even make a list of these things. Then you can outsource these projects to others when possible. After all, it is a huge blessing when you are able to give others projects that they are passionate about, too. The key to this step is to not only know your own dreams, but get to know the dreams of those around you.
Remember your dream, do what matters most and know your passions and the passions of those around you.
So, what is stopping you from reaching your biggest dreams? You can leave your comment below.
I think #3 is so spot on. Outsourcing things that don’t matter to us can be incredibly valuable. I know it is for me. I have this tendency to say yes to things without first considering how it aligns with my visions and goals. So I end up with all this work I enjoy and then even more that I do not! Learning to say no was step one, but even the projects where I say yes I have to remember that I will be far better off outsourcing work that doesn’t matter to me instead of trying to slug through it.
Yep, Daniel. Learning to say “no” is a valuable lesson to learn for sure. It can save a lot of headaches.
No! Whew… it feels good to get that out.
I have such a hard time telling someone ‘no’ because ultimately I want to help solve a problem or be part of a solution.
Number 2 is what I’ve been focusing on getting better at lately. I am most energetic right after waking up, but instead of getting to work I tend to do some other brainless tasks that don’t require an iota of attention at that time.
I hear you on saying “No” Leo. It’s sometimes tough to do this. Maybe because I am a people pleaser. (Not always a good thing.) Working on that one…
I think #3 is so spot on. Outsourcing things that don’t matter to us can be incredibly valuable. I know it is for me. I have this tendency to say yes to things without first considering how it aligns with my visions and goals. So I end up with all this work I enjoy and then even more that I do not! Learning to say no was step one, but even the projects where I say yes I have to remember that I will be far better off outsourcing work that doesn’t matter to me instead of trying to slug through it.
Yep, Daniel. Learning to say “no” is a valuable lesson to learn for sure. It can save a lot of headaches.
No! Whew… it feels good to get that out.
I have such a hard time telling someone ‘no’ because ultimately I want to help solve a problem or be part of a solution.
Number 2 is what I’ve been focusing on getting better at lately. I am most energetic right after waking up, but instead of getting to work I tend to do some other brainless tasks that don’t require an iota of attention at that time.
I hear you on saying “No” Leo. It’s sometimes tough to do this. Maybe because I am a people pleaser. (Not always a good thing.) Working on that one…
I loved this. Sometimes I get so stressed out and worried about failing that I forget why I was going after my dream in the first place. It’s so important to stay focused and get back at it!
Absolutely, Sarah. Fear is the one thing that has always stopped me, too. Mainly fear of failure. Thanks for reading, Sarah.
I am with you Sarah. I get so stressed with everything that needs to get done that i kick myself for even starting this whole thing. Usually at those times, I take a mini break to clear my head and remember why I am doing this in the first place.
I loved this. Sometimes I get so stressed out and worried about failing that I forget why I was going after my dream in the first place. It’s so important to stay focused and get back at it!
Absolutely, Sarah. Fear is the one thing that has always stopped me, too. Mainly fear of failure. Thanks for reading, Sarah.
I am with you Sarah. I get so stressed with everything that needs to get done that i kick myself for even starting this whole thing. Usually at those times, I take a mini break to clear my head and remember why I am doing this in the first place.
Outsourcing can be a big one for me. There are things I know others could do but getting over that barrier of finding someone to do it can be difficult.
Have you tried a virtual assistant. They work well
No, I haven’t. Since I’m a missionary on a pretty limited budget it would probably difficult and I’d have to find one that’s fluent in Russian too. For now my wife is the best!
Absolutely! Maybe your main priority is time management then. I don’t know your schedule, but maybe that’s your best bet. I hear you about a budget. I just recently became able to use a VA due to a budget.
Outsourcing can be a big one for me. There are things I know others could do but getting over that barrier of finding someone to do it can be difficult.
Have you tried a virtual assistant. They work well
No, I haven’t. Since I’m a missionary on a pretty limited budget it would probably difficult and I’d have to find one that’s fluent in Russian too. For now my wife is the best!
Absolutely! Maybe your main priority is time management then. I don’t know your schedule, but maybe that’s your best bet. I hear you about a budget. I just recently became able to use a VA due to a budget.
I would LOVE to outsource the unimportant tasks but my next question is “to whom?”
If you are an employee on a project, to whom do you outsource the unimportant tasks and will they accept the work?
If you are an entrepreneur on a tight budget (code word for NO budget) do you outsource to a hired virtual assistant? Another entrepreneur whose expertise is in that area that is unimportant to you?
Hmm
That’s a great question. Virtual assistants have worked well for me if I am pressed for time.
I would LOVE to outsource the unimportant tasks but my next question is “to whom?”
If you are an employee on a project, to whom do you outsource the unimportant tasks and will they accept the work?
If you are an entrepreneur on a tight budget (code word for NO budget) do you outsource to a hired virtual assistant? Another entrepreneur whose expertise is in that area that is unimportant to you?
Hmm
That’s a great question. Virtual assistants have worked well for me if I am pressed for time.
Great and timely post Adam! I have really been trying to work on #2 lately, and see the need of doing #3. I’ve always been kind of a do-it-myself type, but I am learning the benefits outsourcing and working with others can have for all involved. Thanks for sharing this today!
It’s a learning experience if you are a hands on type person. It took me awhil to trust others with certain things, but the benefits outweigh the negative things. What it does is free you up to create better things more often.
Thx Adam, that is encouraging!
No prob man. Looks like you have been doing just that… Creating greatness more often with your writing.
Great and timely post Adam! I have really been trying to work on #2 lately, and see the need of doing #3. I’ve always been kind of a do-it-myself type, but I am learning the benefits outsourcing and working with others can have for all involved. Thanks for sharing this today!
It’s a learning experience if you are a hands on type person. It took me awhil to trust others with certain things, but the benefits outweigh the negative things. What it does is free you up to create better things more often.
Thx Adam, that is encouraging!
No prob man. Looks like you have been doing just that… Creating greatness more often with your writing.
I have to admit that distractions is one of my weakness. I tend to catch myself doing something that does not benefit my dream and is really just me procrastinating. I think sometimes this all ties in to fear but this is something that I am definitely getting better at. Just by really remembering what my dream is really does the trick for me. It at least puts it into perspective if what I am working on is beneficial to my dream. If its not, then I shouldn’t be doing it.
Hey man. It’s a top of mind, constant battle for me too, Carlos. I have found that writing these things down and looking at it at least once a week (preferably every morning) keeps me on track. It repurposes my daily activities to meet my goals. I like the last point you make, “If its not, then I shouldn’t be doing it.”
Thanks for reading Carlos.
I have to admit that distractions is one of my weakness. I tend to catch myself doing something that does not benefit my dream and is really just me procrastinating. I think sometimes this all ties in to fear but this is something that I am definitely getting better at. Just by really remembering what my dream is really does the trick for me. It at least puts it into perspective if what I am working on is beneficial to my dream. If its not, then I shouldn’t be doing it.
Hey man. It’s a top of mind, constant battle for me too, Carlos. I have found that writing these things down and looking at it at least once a week (preferably every morning) keeps me on track. It repurposes my daily activities to meet my goals. I like the last point you make, “If its not, then I shouldn’t be doing it.”
Thanks for reading Carlos.
Whenever I’m feeling frustrated or discouraged about life or where I’m at, I refocus on my purpose, passions, and dreams. Those areas really recharge and get me motivated to keep persevering. Great post Adam!
Good points Dan. All we need are reminders sometimes. A great tool that I use is http://www.tommynewberry.com/digital-store/portable-coach-weekly-coach/. It helps remind me why I do what I do. The Book that goes with it is http://www.tommynewberry.com/books/success-is-not-an-accident/.
Thank you for sharing this tool!
Whenever I’m feeling frustrated or discouraged about life or where I’m at, I refocus on my purpose, passions, and dreams. Those areas really recharge and get me motivated to keep persevering. Great post Adam!
Good points Dan. All we need are reminders sometimes. A great tool that I use is http://www.tommynewberry.com/digital-store/portable-coach-weekly-coach/. It helps remind me why I do what I do. The Book that goes with it is http://www.tommynewberry.com/books/success-is-not-an-accident/.
Thank you for sharing this tool!