If I were to ask you to tell me “What Does a Great Day Look Like for you?”

Could you tell me?  With some thought, I know you could.

Now, these are the guidelines………

  • Think about the kinds of activities you would be doing that would make this a great day.
  • If you were able to spend the bulk of your day doing these activities, you would feel great.
  • These aren’t regular activities that make up your daily routine, they are fun things.

Think about the activities in your life……………

  • That you lose track of time while doing them.
  • That get you excited just by thinking about them.
  • Where you feel energized when you do them.
  • That you might frequently dream about.
  • Where you find yourself performing beyond your usual ability when you are doing them.
  • Where your enthusiasm for them is high for a long period of time.
  • And that you seek out other people who share this interest.

There is no right or wrong answer here.  And each person is very different in what gives them fulfillment

Fulfillment in our lives – plain and simple – happens when our talents are honored in the activities we are doing.  It’s really that simple!

Let me share The Rabbit Story

We want Mr. Bunny Rabbit to be a well-rounded animal.  To be well-rounded, he will need to be skilled at running, swimming, and tree climbing.  So we decide to measure his performance.

First up: running.  Here, Mr. Rabbit shines.  He ran to the top of the hill and back and scampered all- about.  When asked about how he felt about his performance, Mr. Rabbit said he felt great!  “I can’t believe it,” he said.  “I get to do what I do best.”  Mr. Rabbit’s boss acknowledges the fact that Mr. Rabbit has a talent for running.

Next, Mr. Rabbit’s skill at climbing tress is measured.  A tree trunk is placed at a 30-degree angle so he has a change to succeed.  Mr. Rabbit tries really hard, so hard his legs hurt.  He only makes it a short distance up the trunk.  Mr. Rabbit’s boss makes note of Mr. Rabbit’s failed attempt.  “We’ll have to work on that piece of your performance,” says the boss.  The comment discourages Mr. Rabbit.

Next, Mr. Rabbit’s performance is measure in swimming.  Mr. Rabbit approaches the test with a great deal of fear.  He couldn’t recall any rabbits ever having to swim.  He expresses his concern to his boss.  “Wait!” he says.  “I don’t like to swim!”  Mr. Rabbits boss responds, “Well, you may not like it now, but in time down the road you’ll come to realize what a good thing it is for you.”  With that, Mr. Rabbit’s boss throws the tiny bunny into the water.  In seconds, the bunny goes down.  The only thing that comes to the surface is a few bubbles.  Mr. Rabbit’s boss sees this and pulls the soaked bunny out.  The rabbit feels humiliated, but is glad that it is over.

Mr. Rabbit’s boss contemplates the situation for a few moments before coming to a conclusion.  “Mr. Rabbit,” says the boss, “You’re just fine at running, and for that reason, I think you need to spend less time on that skill and more time on the other two.  When Mr. Rabbit hears this, he throws up!

“Soar with Your Strengths” written by Donald Clifton and Paula Nelson, 1955

 

My guest this week, Michele Moore, shares her passage, transitioning from a job which she had developed her skills of 12 years in administration and as an effective leader in higher education.  Using those skills, she turned to building a  consulting business.  Only to find, the thrill was not there.  Now what?

She started thinking about those activities in her personal life that gave her fulfillment.  This was an interest she had for a long time – human and animal interactions.  She wanted to integrate this union into a business.

Click on the podcast link above and find out how she did it!