Lessons from the Man with the Golden Voice

Did you see the story about Ted Williams, the homeless man with a golden voice whose life changed within hours because of a news dispatcher?

I thought I'd share it to inspire you to stay true to yourself and what your heart wants. If you want to create a satisfying livelihood, it can be frustrating and discouraging if things don't go as planned. You may have a dream or passion and be taking steps towards what you want, but the results you want haven't happened. You may be wondering, "What am I doing wrong?"

Maybe nothing. Because everyone and everything is interconnected, there's a timing of when and how your gifts and skills are needed to solve a problem or make a difference. Think of a basketball player who finally gets the ball in the last few seconds and makes the winning goal. Just like her, it doesn't mean you just sit around and do nothing while you're waiting for the moment. You've got to be alert and ready.

How? Here are a few reminders from Ted's story:

Be conscious. Are there any habits, actions or behaviors that interfere with your ability to be present, notice what's going on, and act with clarity?  Hopefully, you don't have an alcohol or drug problem to deal with; however, eating, shopping, watching TV, surfing the web, or doing tasks mindlessly are examples of ways to "check out" or escape what's going on, but the risk is missing opportunities.

Notice what you can do. Ted said when he was standing on street corners, he used his voice to imitate local radio stations and wish drivers a good day. He noticed they'd smile and come back to hear him again. Small steps, perhaps, but see how ready Ted was when the cameraman asked him to say something? He'd been practicing!

Patience. Because there is a timing to things coming together, you don't want to force something to happen that's out of sync. How you get what you want is just as important as what you achieve. So, just focus on what your heart wants and ask to be shown the next step.

Let go of expectations and outcomes. Do you think Ted imagined what would happen, that companies and basketball teams would be making him employment offers within days of seeing the video of him? Be open to possibilities about how your dream shows up, big or small.

Be grateful. When you appreciate what you've got and feel it from the heart, you attract more to you.

What reminders did you get from Ted's story?

P.S. The latest news about Ted and how he's handling his overnight success are not flattering, which provides another reminder. While you may think it would be great for your dreams to come true overnight, slower progress may be better for you. You learn how to handle success in small doses and stay grounded.

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.