Posted by Dave Lorenzo - Business Coach

Some would say it’s not easy to pursue your dreams, that it’s better to be sensible and stay where you are, where things are secure and stable, than to assume the risks that accompany change. They’re right that it’s not easy, but their opinions on risk are merely their own. Everyone has his own risk tolerance, and he must use that as his guide in decision making. You should never settle for less than you want out of your career and life, and here’s why:

Passion breeds success. Throughout my own life, and in the lives of my friends and clients, I have seen time and again that the people who are pursuing what matters most to them are the ones who thrive, astound others with their productivity, and make amazing things happen. Obviously, the more excited you are about something, the more motivation you’re going to have to push through and succeed. Don’t shortchange yourself by investing your time and energy in work that doesn’t mean anything to you. You may think that the benefits your current job offer you, such as money or perks, outweigh the happiness you would feel in a career that truly fulfills you. I have observed that most people who are truly happy find that their attachment to the material diminishes as their enthusiasm for life increases.

Security is an illusion. The guy with the 9-to-5 job at the conservative company that he’s been with for ten years in reality has no more security than the risk taker who leaves behind his “stable” job to found his own company. In today’s hire-and-fire world, anyone can be let go for any arbitrary reason at any time, regardless of length of service or performance. An Entrepreneur has many clients, so if he loses one, he will most likely be able to recover from the setback quickly. He creates and seeks out his own opportunity, so his future is in his hands. His friends and colleagues are drawn to his proactive spirit and want to help make good things happen for him. His security lies in his unwavering commitment to happiness and excellence.

You owe it to yourself. We are meant to thrive and achieve our potential, not to skate by doing the minimum possible. Wouldn’t you like to see the best version of yourself come to life? Of course you would! A person who is fulfilled in his work enjoys all the other facets of life more. His health, attitude, and entire worldview are more promising and positive. Life is a gift—make the most of it.

You can do more good. Friends or relatives may think they know what’s best for you. If you follow their path, they may believe you will be more available to them, or you can help them out in some way. However, only you know how to navigate your true path to happiness. When you are fulfilled, you have so much more time, energy, and shared experiences to offer everyone in your life. Your achievements radiate out beyond yourself into the world, and you enrich and inspire all the lives you touch simply by being happy and successful.

Life is for living. We are not here merely to get by. We are here to enjoy the bounty of experiences that life offers. Why waste your time doing things you don’t want to do? Follow your passion and embrace what life has to offer you. Doing so will make every day richer and better.

Filed under: Career Intensity Challenge
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