Every year, I talk with many women about their career hopes and dreams. And the one thing I hear them say most often is: “I just want to make a difference.”
And the truth is that they are already making a difference, because everything we do has an impact in the world in some way. The problem is that they are not making the difference that matters to them.
The hours that you spend working will dictate whether or not you find it easy to be a happy person. The hours that you work will have an impact on:
- Your health
- Your emotional being
- Your relationships
- Your finances
- Who you become in this world.
What difference do you want to make in the world? How happy would it make you to impact the world in a way that matters to you?
When you finally understand the difference you want to make in the world it will make all the difference in your happiness.
We all want to have a rich, full and joyful life filled with family, friends and fun activities. Work is just one piece of the picture. We’re just not willing to sacrifice the other important aspects of our lives in the name of making money.
Don’t get me wrong. Making money is important and being able to meet all of your responsibilities is crucial. But it’s not the only thing that matters in life. Work/life balance is extremely important. Unfortunately, there isn’t just one magic formula that will give you the perfect life balance that you seek. Which means it’s often very hard to achieve.
Which leads to discomfort and pain. So often I see:
- Stress-related illnesses
- Physical pain
- Emotional turmoil
- Chronic fatigue
- Failed marriages
- Strained parent-child relationships
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Financial difficulties
- Addictions
- Legal difficulties.
If you are experiencing any of these problems or pain, there’s hope. Your pain holds the key. It is the most direct way to get to the love, connection, joy, peace, freedom and success that you are seeking.
Your pain will help you find a way to stand out and shine. Your pain will help you determine your best talents and how to use them to live your personal values. Your pain is the gateway to help you stop doubting yourself and act as if you are not special. You can find a life that really works for you by embracing your pain and listening carefully to the message it is sending you.
Pain is your friend, your ally. Sit with it, without judgment. Listen to its message. What is your pain saying to you? What will you create on the other side of your pain?