do it yourself FREEDOM

Impacts: Mind, Work, Money, Community

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.” – Henry David Thoreau

I was first introduced to Joseph Campbell in my teens and like many people the whole concept of following your bliss seems like a good idea. As an idealistic teenager these words really took root and I’ve pretty much lived with that concept floating around my brain ever since.

But since I rarely accept anything at face value, even words so wise, I found myself altering the philosophy to fit my needs. I found a follow my nose philosophy seemed to work better for me. Bliss was often a bit elusive and it seemed more logical to simply follow my nose, (curiosity, interest, ideals), and keep my bliss in sight on the horizon as I took steps in that general direction. This approach just seemed more practical and actionable. I also took comfort in that by following my nose I would eventually be lead to my bliss.

The other side effect of following my nose was that it gave me permission to screw up and even get a little lost from time to time. I don’t think that’s a bad thing since we tend to learn the most from our mistakes and that everything we do in life, good and bad, builds the person we are becoming. To regret your mistakes is like regretting who you’ve become and regretting taking the risk to find your bliss. By trusting your nose and accepting your mistakes you immediately empower yourself to continue moving forward no matter how bad things get.

So far this approach has served me well, taking me through several good and bad jobs and situations but at each step my goals have gotten closer. Looking back I can’t honestly say I regret any step or decision because they have all added up to landing me where I am today. I have made mistakes that I’m terribly sorry I made but I also know that I’m a better person today because of them. This knowledge also gives me the strength to let go and continue forward.

The main reason I’m suggesting that this personal philosophy will increase your personal freedom is because it will always move you closer and closer to your goals. You’ll never feel stagnant; you’ll be constantly looking for the next thing, and open to taking calculated risk. The only big disadvantage I’ve run into is that over time I conditioned myself to expect new challenges to present themselves regularly, which can lead to boredom and disinterest in work. Buy you could also look at this as an advantage since it acts as a catalyst to propel you to the next challenge or find new ways to innovate in your current job.

If you adopt following your nose or following your bliss as a personal philosophy you’ll find yourself becoming more proactive in your career and life. You’ll find yourself begin to move forward and put an end to stagnation. You’ll find yourself more optimistic and happier. Just be prepared to stick it out for the long haul because like most real things in life instant gratification doesn’t happen for anything of real value.

Take Action

• Try to calculate risk better. Make pros and cons lists and really think through decisions before making them.
• Watch the PBS special “Power of Myth” with Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell.

Exercise

• Goal: Point your nose in the right direction.
• On a piece of paper make a list of things you like doing.
• On a separate sheet of paper brainstorm jobs that let you do that stuff. When brainstorming let yourself be free to write anything down.
• No search for some of these jobs online. Don’t limit your search to your location, you’re just trying to open your eyes to opportunities. Remember you’re looking for a dream job not one you’d be qualified to do today.
• Once you find one look at the qualifications. Start a third list of things these hiring managers are looking for in candidates. Continue to look at more jobs and begin to rank the job qualifications with hash marks. This will give you an idea of the most important things.
• Now look at your list of job qualifications. Point your nose in that direction. This is a list of requirements you can choose to place on yourself. You can also think of them as goals. At the very least they are steps to take on the road toward a job or life you will enjoy.