Now, here's a cool idea! Ways to Meet Needs in Your Community

If you're looking for work or considering what's next in your career, it can be depressing looking online at what's available, especially if the job doesn't really interest or inspire you.

So, take some time to consider what's needed in your community.  What problems need to be solved? How could you use your gifts and skills to make a difference?

For example, here's a guy who came up with the idea of a tool share program that's starting in Boulder. Read his story in the Daily Camera newspaper.

A few weeks ago I was part of a panel with Ryan Ferrero, who was disillusioned by the auto industry he grew up in. Yet, he found a niche based on what's missing and created Green Garage. Ryan said their business model is based on education, so consumers can make personal choices based on values, cost, etc. Also, their goal is to help a lot of people a little, rather than relying on unnecessary sales. (e.g. Oil change guidelines of every 3 months or 3,000 miles is based on marketing, not science!) Elephant Journal did an article and review on Green Garage here.

While we're on the subject of cars, here's someone who started a "do it yourself" auto garage for people who like working on cars but don't have the space or tools at home. http://www.doityourselfgarage.net/

What I notice about these ideas is that they're empowering people to help themselves, instead of outsourcing everything to specialists. They also help people save money, develop skills, and build community. Now, that's a cool idea!

If you see other cool ideas, please comment or email me. Do you have a cool idea? Where can your gifts and talents meet the needs of your community? Need help? Contact me & let's find your niche for satisfying, sustainable, work.

Forget the "right" way. Create YOUR way.

What would it be like if you could be free from fear? If you could let go of what no longer serves your best interest and be open to possibilities?

How could your gifts and talents be most helpful to your community because of who you are now?

What would it be like if you really let your light shine in the world and followed your heart?

These are the questions I ponder for myself and invite you to consider.

I don't want to teach you a "right" way to thrive at work, find a job, switch careers, etc. There is no correct way, despite all the books, articles, and other well-meaning advice.

When you try to do it a "right" way, you lose touch with your own intuition and creativity. It's harder to be inspired and take action when you're doing something somebody else said you "should" do.

But, if you get your mind out of the way and imagine being the thing you wish for, deep down, the next step appears. Take that step in faith, even though you don't know what will happen.

It reminds me of the scene near the end of the movie, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," where Indiana Jones is at the doorway that opens into the massive walled canyon. As he takes the step in faith, the hidden bridge appears. Whew!

Did you realize you're on an adventure? You're the hero in your life, and no one, including you, knows what's going to happen next or how it's going to turn out. It can be scary--- but also inspiring.

Your answers to the questions above can free up energy and help you focus on what you really want. That's your destination. Then, trust yourself and take a small step and see what happens.

Want some support? Contact me & let's talk about what you need to create satisfying, sustainable work-- naturally.

Everyday Practice to Create What You Want

A cool thing happened a week ago. I've been expanding my garden. As I was writing a note to my sister that read, "I want some wood chips to make pathways . . . ", I paused because I heard a chainsaw. Turns out, workers were chopping down a tree 2 doors down (hate to see that happen). But, they had a truck load of wood chips and said I could have them. They left the WHOLE LOAD in our driveway! Jackpot! :) I was thrilled, and that feeling translated into confidence and skill in creating what I want next.

If you want to create work that inspires you, let go of following all the "right" things to do. It doesn't work that way. The key is to focus on what your heart wants and pay attention to synchronicities and/or small steps you can take to move you closer to that. 

Use every day situations to develop your focus and skill. What do you want today? 

Gifts like the wood chips come along all the time if we are open to possibilities and take appropriate action.