On the Right Path

A beauty of nature is that it does what it's supposed to do. Winds blow, waves crash, birds fly, mountains rise. Why, then, is it so difficult for so many of us to find work that effortlessly emanates from our authentic selves? Why do we often find ourselves at odds with our own natural rhythms, our own ebbs and flows? In not finding the work that expresses who we are and what we're supposed to be, it can be said that we are disrupting the flow of nature, the order of the universe. The result is a misalignment of the natural order of things.

And, we can feel it, can't we? When we're in flow, it feels like our senses are heightened, our curiosity is piqued, our horizons are unlimited.


Being in Flow
It's rather easy to know when you're in flow. Think back to a time when you were working on something and time just flew by. You were engaged in work that was so absorbing, so energizing that you just didn't notice the time. Perhaps you looked up after a period of time and you were stunned to see how much time had passed. This is an example of being in flow and is an indication of work that energizes, excites and emanates from you.

This happened to me yesterday for a long stretch of time. Collaborating with colleagues and developing instructional materials for my career management workshops, the time just flew by! I was disappointed when the activity ended, and it was time to move on to something else. I woke up this morning energized by the prospect of another opportunity to collaborate, develop, write, design…wait! These are activities that I need to infuse into my day on a regular basis. They flow naturally from me, they are a part of who I am and they are an important addition to my world.

Pay attention to the "what" that keeps your attention for a sustained period of time. This is an important key to discovering "who" you are and "how" you will find the authentic gift you give to the world.

Next time I'll discuss how your own personal power can drive you in the direction of your dreams and your satisfying career.