When you choose to step away from the path most trodden and (instead) do work you truly love, there are plenty of supplies you’ll need in your theoretical knapsack. Most important of all is Faith.
Faith in yourself, your vision, your instincts. Faith in the people you choose as partners. Faith in your way of working with people. Your ‘bedside manner’ in cultivating relationships, delivering service.
When you tell people you’re going your own way, many will applaud you. Some assume you’ve lost your mind. A few will pray for your demise.
If you lack Faith, the naysayers just might rattle you.
I work in a field cram-packed with colorful personalities and their subjective reactions to creative work. And we live in social media-filled age where everyone has an opinion, and many feel quite confident touting said opinions (with or without first gathering the relevant background details).
At times, I’ve truly wondered what folks were thinking when they made decisions about me… about my work. I might have felt a little hurt or confused. I’ve sought understanding, though at times we simply just can’t understand. We have to simply accept.
Some folks will encourage us. Send referrals. Share kind words about us. It’s important to notice these gifts as they materialize along the way. They fuel us, propel us forward.
Yesterday, in my push for perfection, I (accidentally) grazed a tender nerve. In a blink, I began to question my vision. But ultimately I trusted my gut. Continued forward with unwavering faith in myself and in others.
Thank you, Faith!
Sometimes the bar we raise for others brings out their utmost brilliance. I adore people who aren’t afraid to dig down deep to accomplish great things. (Maybe this is why I married an Ironman.)
This morning in my inbox… Incredible work.
Which prompted an ecstatic and insightful client reply, ending with:
Not only do you Do Work You Love…you do Lovely Work!
Wow.
When the day comes to a close, Faith remains of the utmost importance.
We have to trust in ourselves and in others if we’re to do our very best work. This is true in life, in sport, and in our jobs.
I’m forever grateful to have chosen work I love.
Merry Lynne
/ January 13, 2012i have chosen to do work that I love for 35 years. Your words are true now and will be still, in your next 35 years. You’re the BEST!