Good Day,

The power went out. Again!

I looked out the window and knew exactly why. I could hear the sounds throughout the morning. This crew of 4 men and 3 bucket trucks repairing power lines my neighborhood the past few weeks.

Often during this time, I would be working on my laptop watching this professional team work in total synchronicity.
What was of the most interest to me was the foreman of this crew. A middle-aged fellow who always uttered his commands, some very loudly as his underlings were often thirty-five feet in the air, with a warm authority.

You could tell his crew had a great respect for him. Although this was far from your typical ‘lean on your shovel’ squad, they still joked while working at a well-managed pace. This foreman could certainly see his job as a no hands-on, no physical labor approach, yet he was always doing something to speed things along. In fact, he was always doing something to make it easier for his boys. They in return had a great pride and reverence for him. . .it showed in every small motion and act they performed. The little morning scene served to make me think that here was a man who loved what he does, made a positive impact on those around him and earned the sincere respect of those under, and, above him.

Why do I tell this story? Simple. It’s a simple story of real success! No, this small power crew is not famous. Probably never will be. Nor or they rich, or any of those things that people usually associate with the term ‘success.’ If this man won the lottery today I’d bet my salary he’d be planting poles and stringing wire and having fun with his crew the very next week. By my own estimate I was looking at a simple man who possessed one of the true keys of success: He loves what he does!

Let me ask you this. Are you doing what you love? Are you having fun with your ‘job’? Do you feel a real sense of purpose and genuine passion for what you are offering people, be it your labor, your customers or your employees? Do you bring those people around you the great value that they deserve and that you are capable of giving? Are you respected by those around you for what you do? Are you, well, happy?

Make sure your work is personally meaningful. If it’s not – change what you’re doing! Figure out what your purpose is. I’m not talking about a purpose for you to shellac to a piece of wood and put on the wall, or a purpose like a check box on your business plan. But a purpose like “what are you here on earth for?” That kind of purpose!

I was once told to always be aware of the thief on the street that’s after your belongings. But also be aware of the thief in your mind that’s after your promise. Don’t let that thief steal your promise and keep from the world everything that you have to offer. You CAN do what you love and you CAN start right now.

There are only 3 simple words to remember as the number one rule of life – “Follow Your Bliss”.

Isn’t it about time that you followed yours?

Peace and Love, Jim