I Need to Love It

Formula for making a living doing what you love:

Your strengths/gifts + Your passions/preferences + a desired product/service* =

A job that is fulfilling, rewarding ($$)  and provide long term vocational satisfaction

In my coaching practice, I often am asked, “How do I know what I those things are?”   Here are a few questions you can answer that will point you in the right direction:

When people say “thank you” you to you – what do they thank you for?  Is it for helping, solving a problem, being compassionate, your creativity . . . ?  This is your is what you are naturally good at – your strengths/gifts.

What things do I naturally do first and what things do I put off?   Do you get energy from talking with people, doing organizational stuff, research, reading/learning, planning, working on that volunteer or service project . . . ?  What you like to do first is what you are naturally drawn to, comfortable doing and/or are passionate about.  In here lies what you love.

What products and services that are similar in the market, and how many providers are there?   If there are very few similar other products/businesses that offer what you love then it probably isn’t a viable business strategy.  There aren’t that many original ideas out there  – but plenty of original ways to  specialize it and make it your own – so if it isn’t thriving already somewhere, it probably wont be.  If it, or something similar, is being sold –  chances are if you are good at it and love it – you’ll be successful at it.

Here is a link to someone who has taken her passion and not only has made it into a thriving business, but is bringing joy into people’s lives every day!  Kathy Shires, Director of Animal Assisted Therapy at the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, Arizona trains Collies to help children who are visually impaired and who are in rehabilitation therapy.  In less than one minute and thirty seconds, you can watch an amazing story featuring her Collies at work.  Her passion and her dogs are making the world a better place, one lick at a time.  Click on this link http://teamk9therapy.com/  go to “interesting videos” – and watch the first one!  Hats off to you, Kathy for sharing your gifts in such a special way.  If you are interested in donating or being a sponsor – contact Kathy through their website. 

• Video Courtesy of KPNX TV Channel 12 Phoenix, Arizona April 27, 2010

*definition of desired product/service – something a customer is willing to pay for!

 To your passion!

Lori