What is Your Right Livelihood?

These are questions that you may be asking yourself. Everything is moving so fast, and there is so much information. We are inundated with messages about how and what we should eat, think, and be. You may ask yourself, "What is my truth?" And even when you get the answer . . . can you trust it?

Many years ago I started to notice that the people who seemed to be happy, not only in their work, but happy in general, were people who remained curious about everything. They don't seem to judge others. They were open to new ideas and ways of thinking. This quickly became a key in my own success. Now I absolutely believe that the curious mind is a healthy mind and imperative to your overall success in life.

Another thing I noticed about happy people is that they seek help and advice often. They want to know your thoughts. They are careful about who they ask. They are innately present and seem to know who the right person is to talk to, how to approach them, and when to ask a question.

When I started my practice as a Career and Life coach ten years ago, I employed these skills. I hired a Personal Coach, and empowered her to guide me through the maze of information which can be, at times, overwhelming. I remained open and curious. We know in our hearts what we need to do, whether it be to get out there and do research, informational interviews, networking, join a club, or whether it's time to make a decision and move forward. It is my belief, however, that most of the time we need help. In addition there's something so powerful about a co-creative process. This is what happens in coaching. Your Coach becomes your partner in creating you work and your life. And the adventure can be wonderful.

One of my clients, Karen, would come into the sessions with me and hold out her hand in a motion that indicated that there was something "out there." She kept saying, "I know that the right job for me is 'out there somewhere' but I don't know how to get to it." She was very frustrated and impatient. She held a prestigious job at a consulting firm, but hated her work. I asked her to "stay open and trust." One of the things I have learned about myself is that I hold the space for someone to trust, even when they can't. And I believe in them more than they believe in themselves. There's a lot of power in that. And it's a very special gift I give to my clients. But ultimately it is you that makes the choice, the right choice for your life and your career. We are meant to love our work. I believe that. And that is why I do what I do.

What happened to Karen? A happy ending. She became a director of a personal growth company with a strong spiritual emphasis. She is helping other people every day find their truth. There were many paths that she looked at, but this was that job "out there."

So, when you think about the questions listed above, ask yourself . . .What am I willing to do to find my right livelihood? Who do I need to be? Who do I want to be? There are many paths that beacon to you and the choice can be difficult. But the point is to get started. Make a list of the favorite jobs you've had, or the favorite tasks. Also, make a list of your accomplishments. Watch for signs. Are you paying attention?

What we focus on, we create. If you focus on finding your right livelihood, you will! Give it time. Be gentle with yourself. Find that quiet place within yourself and listen, really listen.

Joy Broughton, Right Livelihood Consultant & Business Coach, has been coaching people for over ten years. With over 20 years experience in sales, advertising and personnel, she's a bridge from the business world to the spiritual world. In a gentle and powerful manner, Joy will help you discover your passion and live with purpose.

This article was published in the #34;ALTERNATIVES" Fall & Winter 1999 edition, by the Reunion Center in Pleasant Hill CA.

 

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