I’ve found delightful work to be an illusive experience for many folks. Often it’s more effective to approach the discovery of delightful work in multiple and varied ways. Sometimes we need to sneak up on our own minds to extract the wisdom within. Other times we can set an intention and go for a full frontal exploration. And sometimes it works well to release long-held beliefs in order to consider what might reveal itself.
First let’s look at some distinctions and definitions. A calling or vocation is generally considered to be more spiritually meaningful or purposeful than a career. Builders of careers tend to be more focused on advancement from one level to the next. I coined the term delightful work because none of the existing terms, including right livelihood and vocation, seemed to carry the exact meaning I was looking for. Delightful work is work that has all the elements of deep delight:, freedom, deeply fulfilling gladness and financial prosperity.
In my very first post, 362 days ago, I said that delightful work is: amusing, attractive, captivating, clever, engaging, enjoyable, fascinating, gratifying, luscious and thrilling.
It’s that level of delight that I wish to encourage and inspire in all, simply because it’s possible for all. Yet it’s only possible for you if you think it is.
So, in this post, I’m asking you to use your imagination to consider some new beliefs around what you think is possible in your work life. I’m asking you to expand your thoughts beyond the realms of your existing beliefs. Are you willing to do so?
Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn’t have it in the beginning. Mahatma Ghandi
You could debate me on this one, but I think that all of our beliefs tend to be limited in some way. I’ve even met folks who believe we’re better off without any beliefs. Yet even that’s a belief, isn’t it?
Each of our beliefs at one time was only a single thought based on something that we observed or thought we observed. We often didn’t question these thoughts or even consciously look at them. We simply accepted them and they became true for us over time, as one thought built on another. Thoughts and beliefs tend to attract and collect matching thoughts that build credibility and create the beliefs we have today.
So what are your beliefs regarding fulfillment in your work? I invite you to take out pen and paper (or keyboard and fingers) and try answering some or all of the following questions.
What earning limits do you see as possible for yourself?
How about freedom, is it likely that you’ll be completely autonomous in your work someday soon?
How delighted are you to face each new day?
How often is your work captivating and thrilling?
What’s the most delightful expression of delightful work that you can imagine enjoying?
Vocation is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need. Frederick Buechner
To increase the probability of even more delightful work, it’s necessary to set the highest of standards because without those we often settle for something less.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing more about this sweet spot between the world’s deep need and your deep gladness. In the meantime, consider the possibilities.
What beliefs regarding work are you willing to replace or expand?
Which beliefs no longer serve you well?
Money, who needs it, right?
Ok, maybe we need some and a lot can be nice, but we just want to be happy and that is the thing that most people miss (you and your readers are excused from that sweeping statement ;-)) and that saddens me.
Having said that, I agree somewhat with Ari, a lot of very bright people that I speak to simply don’t know what they want to do.
I get lots of clients that want something different, but not so many that know what that difference is. Weird, but then again I didn’t know until I was almost 40, so maybe either I’m weird too or it aint so after all!
Tim Brownsons last blog post..The Nightmare Scenario
Well Tom, personally a belief I’ve thrown out the window is that my success will be measured by some financial value. When I first went off to college I thought I’d quickly be on my way to a six figure salary and that happiness and delightful work would follow. Let’s say things didn’t quite work out that way BUT I’m glad they didn’t!
My experiences have helped me realize that you must believe in yourself and put yourself in the situations you want to be in. I love the Ghandi quote you used and have a personal motto (that I believe we’ve discussed?) of Just Doing It. If you want something to happen, make it happen! For instance, I smoked for six years and for the last 1-2 years really, really wanted to quit. Well one day this past January I said enough is enough and just quit. Plain and simple and here I am nicotine free to this day!
Hi Tom. I was drawn to this topic by what you said in the first sentence. I am one of those folks to whom delightful work is illusive. In the American Heritage Dictionary there are two separate definitions for vocation. One pertains to occupation. The other pertains to a calling. For me they may not ever merge. It seems to me that the world’s deepest need is the need for right leadership. In this country, neither the Democrat nor Republican nominee for president fits the bill for this. I won’t get into politics here, but my deep gladness has been stirred up by another, more appropriate candidate. I could write about him and campaign for him, but as far as making it a vocation, I don’t see it happening.
Adam yes it’s important to understand why we work and to really know what we want from our work. Each individual will have a different perspective on these three elements. For me freedom is my overriding driver. If I’m not calling the shots and I do mean all of them – then I’m not happy. For others something else comes first.
Simply deciding, committing and taking action is a powerful combination!
Clare it’s always good to hear form an old friend on this blog for the first time. It’s my hope that this post has stimulated you to examine your beliefs around calling and occupation. Our beliefs are often at the root of the actions we allow ourselves to take. That’s very cute Clare. 🙂 You say you won’t get into politics after making a highly political statement. I felt the way you do now, the last presidential election. This time around I like my options better. But I won’t be political either. 🙂
Tom, what I meant was that I didn’t want to use this blog as a political forum. I could go into great detail on what’s wrong with the candidates, who I would prefer, and why. You haven’t heard any highly political statements from me yet, believe me. Yes, this post did stimulate me to examine my beliefs around calling and occupation. I agree, our beliefs often are at the root of the actions we allow ourselves to take. I’ll have to go to work on getting rid of some self-created barriers. As soon as I can take some time away from the Revolution, that is!
I find it common among more thought-oriented people to have less clue about what it is that they love to do. My brother and father are highly logical men with superior intellects, but they can’t begin to tell what they consider their calling. No clue!
All of us fall somewhere in the spectrum of thought- or feeling-orientedness, but there must be a way for thought-oriented people to find their sweet spot. But I guess the only way is to use introspection and examine one’s feeling? (which we all have)
I look forward to reading your thoughts on finding the sweet spot! There are a lot of people who can use coaching on this issue.
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..Setbacks: Growth Is Not a Linear Curve
Congratulations about making it to almost a year. I haven’t read your first post. I didn’t know about your blog when you first started. So it is nice that you highlighted the message your site is meant to convey, from Day 1. From my end, my thoughts about your site have always been: educational, heartfelt, motivating, encouraging, amusing and well thought out.
So thanks!! Hope to see your blog around still in another year’s time.
Clare I knew what you meant I was only having some fun with you.
🙂 I’m happy that the post stimulated your thinking. Perhaps the revolution is your calling.
Ari the thinkers need to trick themselves into finding it because their conscious minds are such strong gatekeepers and protectors of what is. But the first step for them is willingness. Stay tuned – very good stuff coming on this.
Tim at least we are fully in the game my friend ad as long as we keep tooting the happy horn more folks will question their sanity. At 40 you beat me by 7 years. It’s never too late to smell the roses. Charge!
I let go of the thought that I am “just” a teacher and the only way I could earn a living was prostituting myself to the public school district. I also let go of the idea that living life in a way where you looked at your passion and lived from there was what other people did. I realized I had more control on designing my life. It will take me a while to get there but I am on my way. (BTW we are getting quite a few calls and are starting to book some presentations! I’m pumped!)
Hi there Tom – I love the concept you have built your blog around – and I think it can really make a difference to people to be immersed in this kind of thinking.
I like the way you include “thriling” as one of your adjectives for work, too. I try to see my life’s work as being exciting, as well as things like “satisfying” or “enjoyable”. As far as making all this happen goes, I’m getting there.
Robins last blog post..Feelings Are There To Be Felt
Great post – I am happy to boast that I actually (finally, it took years) have ‘delightful’ work that I love, working from home, doing my thang. Sometimes I have this funny feeling in my belly and I realise it’s excitement! Excited by all the possibilities my new found freedom allows!
Seamus Anthonys last blog post..Drugs Don’t Work? Try A Cosmic High…
I was playing, too. I guess it didn’t come across that way.
Tom: I agree that it’s very important to examine your beliefs to identify which ones might be holding you back or somehow limiting what you’re truly capable of achieving. I think that in the area of work in particular people tend to have a lot of left over beliefs from their childhood that keep them from their “delightful work”. That’s one of the reasons that I love seeing little kids who are enterprising and start “little businesses” (lemonade stand, selling pencils or gum to their classmates, and so on). I think those are the ones who get to adulthood with the beliefs they need to live their lives according to their own terms.
Marelisas last blog post..30 Tips for Getting Along With Others
Evelyn I truly appreciate your kind words. To encourage is one of my dearest core values so It’s pleasing to see that it’s shining through. Thank you.
Laurie thanks for sharing your great news. Pumped is so much better than being pissed! 🙂 Letting go of limited identity beliefs like you’ve done is extremely powerful.
Robin I’m grateful for your endorsement. It means a lot to me. I know what you mean about getting there. Even the delightful work guy is not always thrilled with everything. But knowing that it’s possible is a beautiful thing.
Seamus congratulations man on your freedom and on doing your own thing. That’s a wonderful observation. Our bodies do tell us when we are in our right place. There’s more good feelings to come, enjoy.
Clare no worries. All comments are welcome here. I have never had one that I needed to edit or delete. Speak your mind it’s a freedom I endorse.
362 days? Wow. Congrats.
What do you think about the assertion that our current generation is wrong to aspire to happiness? That life is not about happiness and that we’re selfish and delusional to want to be in a constant state of delight?
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Almost-Wordless Wednesday: Correct Your Nose Without Operation!
Thanks Tom. I could not agree with you more.
I found a knarling belief lodged in my right back molar about a year ago, and found it to be a pocket of DECAY in my life….
I felt guilty that I loved working from home.
HONESTLY, I felt guilty for loving what I love. I watched all the lovely folk making their way to their cars in the am…looking stressed and hurried and I assumed I was “sneaking behind the scenes” and that if my mother, or teachers, or WHOEVER really knew how much I love working until 3 – getting up at 8 – drinking my coffee slow, and having a lot of silence in my life…I would be whipped.
Well, the short of it….I took a mansgement job for about 8 or 9 months. YEAH…ah, loving it at home, and not caring what anyone has to say…including my guiltometer. 🙂 Thanks for helping us think about this…
Harmonys last blog post..10 Top Reasons You CAN Afford to Think Creative
Vered you asked.
Honestly I haven’t heard this at all. Who is asserting it? They must be awfully small thinkers. Certainly they aren’t self-employed folks who tend to be possibility thinkers. They must be employees who have resigned themselves to a life of just getting by, without joy and hope.
As far as selfishness – that’s a good trait. I’ve said it here before. When we are selfish we make the right decisions for us. By putting ourselves first we become, happier, stronger and wealthier. That puts us in a better position to be more generous with others. Look at Bill Gates. Not matter what you think of Microsoft products now or his ruthless business building tactics, his selfishness has put him in position to help millions. And he is through his foundation.
Marelisa absolutely you are spot on. As a kid I picked berries and sold them along the road. I had my share of lemonade stands as well. I bet you did that too. As a teenager I sold illegal fireworks and other unmentionables from the trunk of my car. It’s a marvelous indication of what’s too come. I have three siblings. Two of them never did any of that and they are employees now. My brother Brad was entrepreneurial and he is self-employed now. That’s an excellent observation.
Harmony you bring up a very real syndrome of a less than powerful self-employment belief system that we all need to work through. The guilt can be heavy but we can move through it by celebrating our freedom even more. I can remember 20 years ago I used to get stopped in retail stores all the time because I had a tie on and it was midday, so they naturally assumed I was the manager. I wasn’t, I was self-employed guy out shopping in between sales calls because I could. So I used to take those opportunities to flaunt my freedom. I got over the guilt very quickly. I’m happy you’re beyond that now.
I’m curious what would you say is your greatest self-employment challenge now?
I’m delighted to face each new day because of the projects that i create for myself, not the projects my job creates for me. I hope to be switching careers soon, hoping to build on my website’s knowledge, helping me grow my dream career. That excites me.
It all comes down to passion and persistence. A person can have all the talent in the world, but without energy and a willingness to go a step farther than the rest, it’s just noise.
Hi Tom,
I find delight in my work almost daily. Even though this is a tough economic time and we are self employed, I like to make a game out of parts of my job. I’ll take the cell phone bill, for instance, carefully read what I’m being charged for, call the company, and with their help figure out ways I can save. Just yesterday, I was able to save another $7.00 a month. It doesn’t sound like much but over a five year period of time, it adds up to $420.00. That’s money that goes straight to the bottom line. (Six months ago, I knocked off $40 a month by switching plans with the same provider) I’m happy! 🙂
Attitude has SO much to do with finding delight in our lives. All the more reason to nix those negative thoughts/feelings.
Karl I appreciate how you continue to update us on your progress. It’s no doubt that you believe in yourself and you are in the midst of making your dream business a reality. You keep taking the steps and getting stronger all the while. I’m proud of you.
Barbara thnaks for providing a very practical example. Making a game of it is one of my favorite techniques. I play at my work as well. The good thing about games is they have a beginning and and end and we can definitely see what it takes to win. Indeed playing at work is delightful!
Hi Tom – well over the last few months, I’ve kicked out the belief that it’s ok to run a business you don’t enjoy much, just because you’re going to sell it a few years down the line.
I don’t have a maximum earnings belief anymore. I used to, but the trouble was, when I managed to hit yearly targets, I started asking myself why I was limiting myself to those.
Two and a half years ago, I dropped the belief that everything had to be measured by financial targets. It’s exciting to reach those targets initially but you soon begin to realise that there’s more important measures of success.
Tom,
I’ve been faithfully reading along here since we found each other a while back, and I love this one, because I am in the midst of a revelation for myself, I think.
I’ve got this crazy dream that is just so crazy I believe it will work. I’d put together about 90 percent of it already a while back, and the other day had my eureka moment.
I want to do it because it’s something I really want to do – there is potential for some serious money if I do it the right way – but I’ll be honest, I’d do it for what I make right now at my current job. But, why can’t I have both, right?
So I’m pulling together a proposal today and over the next few days, and then I’m going to go forward with it and see what happens. I’ve nothing to lose.
If we’re going to dream, we have to dream big. I am where I am because of decisions I’ve made, and those decisions were shaped by the beliefs I had up to this point – beliefs that I was going to be an engineer working in an office, I guess.
I believe I can go *much* further. And I will.
Thanks for the words,
Brett
Thanks Tom – I will be back in the coming weeks and months. As I have inspired you, so you have done the same for me. It continues to snowball, day by day, and pretty soon will be unstoppable…
-Brett
Brett Legrees last blog post..eyes.
Cath you have done wonderful work of letting go of the beliefs that do not serve you well. As you’ve discovered we always can find more limiting beliefs and just when we think we’re almost done we see another.
Brett that nothing to lose attitude is a wonderful one to ride. Damn right you can have both your current income and more. You are the one who gets to decide what you can handle. Do it your way, man.
Thanks for the inspiration. Seeing yourself as more than you once were is powerfully moving. Please come back and finish the story.
Tom,
One of the main things I was “taught” that I had to release was the “Pick One Thing and Stick to Only That” career path.
My work, my talent, and my “career” are not a single thing; that Thing is a synthesis of a variety of roles and skills and labels, many of which intersect in only one way — Me.
Slade
Slade that’s cool, in fact I am a variety lover as well. I always have more than one stream of income going at the same time as well as many new projects. I like moving from interest to interest like a bee flits from flower to flower sucking the nectar, so I definitely understand the intersection of opportunity and me.
However haven’t you found your deep gladness by being a Renaissance man and by meeting a variety of needs?
Tom,
Absolutely!
I credit one of my most life-changing epiphanies with Barbara Sher’s work on the “scanner” creativity/personality type.
I highly recommend her book
Refuse to Choose : a program for doing everything that you love.
Slade
I very much enjoyed your article, Tom.
My apologies for not getting around to notifying you that you were featured in my carnival, CelebraZine, but it has been a very hectic week and I got behind on my administrative followup.
many blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG
CG Walterss last blog post..CelebraZine: 04 Oct 08
Slade – sorry I missed your response. I should have credited her for that Scanner analogy when I first wrote it. I love her book as well.
CG – thanks man, I’m honored truly. That’s one of the common challenges of blogging getting it all done and visiting who you want to visit. Let’s just agree that our intentions are pure and we will get to it when we get to it.
Tom,
I just discovered this wonderfully well written post! Been rather overwhelmed of late with large projects and my husband recovering from an accident so I have not kept up online very well.
But your writing struck such a chord with me. Here I am, an artist, in an economic environment where art is frequently the first thing omitted when people tighten up.
Yet our business is doing better than last year while the other galleries in town are saying nothing is happening.
Part of the secret is I have been doing a variety of new projects that work in different ways, so new business has come. It has taken a lot of elbow grease, but also fun.
I feel buoyant and joyful with no particular external reason to justify it, but a great enthusiasm for the new projects birthing. I think it is going to be even more fun yet!
Hi Lexi – I’m delighted to hear that you have set up a different pattern of beliefs for your gallery and that the multiple and varied actions are paying off for you. You are a fine example of being thrilled to apply your creative talents.