The CHASE. There’s just something about it, isn’t there? The adrenaline rush of digging in and making things happen. Of going after what you really, really want, critics be damned! Its the most addicting feeling, and we ALL want it. We crave it.
So, why doesn’t everyone get the chance to feel it? Because change is hard, complacency is easy. Thinking different is hard. Believing in yourself can even be hard. Maybe you don’t even know what you would want, given the freedom.
A few months ago I had the privilege to attend a conference by Danielle LaPorte, called “The Fire Starter Sessions,” which she describes as “a soulful + practical guide to creating success on your own terms.” Let me tell you, Danielle is one clever, genuine, smart and sassy chick. I LOVE her!
We piled into this big conference room at the new Adobe building in SLC, buzzing with energy and excitement, as we bottled up all our questions, roadblocks and hurdles, and waited to hear how we could become exactly who we wanted. It was electric.
Her book, The Fire Starter Sessions, was a gift that came along with her presentation, but you can purchase it for yourself here.
Danielle was this fabulously intense and playful woman who was just so REAL. She made you feel like she was talking directly to YOU. She told her story, gave fabulous tips and gave us the gift of BELIEVING IN US. Here, I’ll share a quick video of her. I dare you NOT to feel inspired:
Here’s a quote from her book: “As people with the creative spirit, we’re obsessed with possibility. We live for the rush of turing a thought- an abstract idea- into something real, tangible, touchable, readable, effectual, profitable. We feel empowered, generous even, in the making of our art. We have a practical indignation for mediocrity. We love to get things done.”
For me, what this meant was FINISH YOUR BOOK and GET PUBLISHED. So, that’s what I’m working on. Taking something I see clearly and passionately in my head, and being brave enough to put it out there for everyone, to hopefully enjoy as much as I do.
One thing Danielle talks about is figuring out what you’re going to give up to get what you want. Nothing amazing ever just shows up. For years I have loved this picture:
I feel like it is a completely accurate portrayal of success, unless you have some crazy luck on your side, a la OUTLIERS. But the kind of success that you want is the kind that is earned. That’s when the magic happens.
I hope that you can find your own way to chase whatever it is that makes you ignite. What do you LOVE to have someone ask you about? What do you wish your job could be like? What do you wake up thinking about on the weekend? And conversely, what makes you feel boxed in? What do you loath?
If you can figure those two things out, you’re on your way. Like Danielle said in that video, just do a little more of what you love every day, and a little less of what you don’t. That’s how the road to happiness is paved. Once you’re on that road, you’ll find something that will resonate for YOU. What can you contribute to this world, that only YOU can do?
My parting advice before the weekend also comes from Danielle’s book, but is a quote by David Whyte, a poet:
anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend. If you need me, I’ll be typing all weekend, til my fingers bleed, chasing the dream that is my own.
Brooke