Over my 20+ year career I have observed how many folks settle for jobs or careers rather than intentionally move towards a career that is rewarding and fulfilling. My goal is to help more and more people in our world love Mondays! I want them to love what they do.
Table of contents
A few years ago, I had a job as a Finance Executive. I enjoyed my 20-year career but was at a point where I had plateaued. I no longer loved what I did and knew it was time for a change. I was enrolled in a training course and my initial instinct was that this was just another training course. Little did I know that this training course would change my life.
The training course was focused on helping individuals uncover their true purpose. It sounds woo-woo and I may have had that initial reaction, but it changed the course of my life. I had a light bulb moment where I realized I was a TEACHER. I was a teacher in finance clothing.
I set off on a path to get as much teaching experience as I could. I taught at local colleges and universities. I spoke at webinars where I didn’t get paid. Every chance I got, I jumped in.
Once I build the competence and confidence, I resigned my job and started my own business. I was going to change the world teaching storytelling and communication for Finance. I had some initial success, but I quickly realized that I needed some new skills. I had no idea how to SELL! This was kind of an important skill for an entrepreneur. I couldn’t pay the bills as they rolled in, and I started getting nervous. Should I jump back into the corporate world? Luckily, I hired a coach, and he was able to help me cross the bridge. The bridge from a corporate role to entrepreneurship one step at a time. This was my bridge, but it could be a bridge within an organization or perhaps moving to a different company.
Three years later and I now run a business that is successful, and I am loving Mondays. I want to share my process with the world to help others believe it is possible to love what they do and start to take steps towards this new life.
Here is the 4-step process that I have developed:
Step 1: Find your purpose To Learn to Love Mondays
I believe we all have a purpose in life. There is a beautiful Japanese concept called ‘Ikigai’ that can be used to help anyone find purpose. Roughly translated, Ikigai means ‘reason for waking up.’ Here are the four questions to ask:
- What do you love to do?
- What are you good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can you get paid for?
If you find something that checks all four of these boxes you have found your Ikigai. Note that our Ikigai may evolve as we evolve so this is an iterative process.
Step 2: Build your bridge
The next step is to start building your bridge towards your Ikigai. For me, it was gaining teaching experience to help myself build confidence and competence. At this point I didn’t believe it was possible, so it was important for me to have a coach as well as other folks who helped me believe it was possible.
Step 3: Burn the Boats
This is the point where you have developed enough confidence to go ALL-IN. There are some stories of leaders during times of battle who burned their boats when they arrive in enemy territory. This was a sign to the troops that there is no going back. For me, it was resigning from my corporate role and going full steam ahead. I had no choice at this point, and it helped me develop a laser like focus as I built my business.
Step 4: Flex your muscles
Life is always evolving so this is an important step to be open to change as the world changes. For example, during COVID trainers and speakers like me had to pivot to online or virtual training. If I look from a glass half full perspective, my market went from the Toronto region to the whole world.
I believe that everyone can take steps to love what they do and learn to love Mondays! To find their Ikigai and take steps towards a path that they absolutely LOVE!
