How to Spend Less Time Struggling (and Make More Time for Joy)

March 4, 2015

How to Stop Struggling & Make More Time“We find what we are searching for – or, if we don’t find it, we become it.” – Jessamyn West

 

Have you ever wondered if there’s something you “should” be doing with your life? Perhaps the job you’ve been in for years isn’t really what you want to be doing.

 

The career you were once so excited about is now going nowhere. The passion you once felt for your business has burned out and now you’re reluctant to try something new.

 

Some people have always known what they wanted to do. But I suspect most people have no idea what would make them happy. They’ve become used to not feeling anything at all, and go through their lives like sleepwalkers.

 

We can spend a lot of time struggling against the current because we believe that things have to be difficult. If they’re not difficult some people will create drama to make them that way. There’s a belief that overcoming obstacles earns you extra points, and it does have a way of teaching you things that can help you in life. But, struggle for the sake of struggle is not very instructive.

 

There has to be a point where you ask if perhaps you’re struggling because you’re doing the wrong thing.

 

If you’re looking for your purpose, consider what you enjoy doing. What comes easy for you? Chances are the things that are easiest for you are related to your purpose. Is there something that people always ask you to help them with? What brings you joy? Yes, I said joy. That feeling isn’t just for special occasions.

 

Unfortunately so many of us are content to spend most of our lives in compromise, settling for “almost good” or “better than nothing” because we don’t feel we deserve better.

 

Or we’re not sure what we really want because we’re not connected to our inner needs and desires. We turn off those whispers by working too much, drinking or engaging in other behavior that will cover up our feelings of dissatisfaction.

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Your purpose is what you say it is. It’s what makes you come alive. For years I worked in the corporate world putting in long hours and planning my career. Then one day that career path went away as changes rocked the company and put our jobs in jeopardy. I had to think about making my own decisions and not letting them be made for me by default.

 

It took me a while to come to terms with what I wanted, years as a matter of fact. All I had to do was let go of the struggle and listen to what had always been calling me.

 

Deep down you know what you want, all you have to do is get quiet and listen.

 

Copyright © 2010 – 2015 Deborah A. Bailey

Photo Credit: slimmer_jimmer via Compfight cc

From: Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life.

Deborah A Bailey

Deborah is a writer, writing workshop presenter and published author. She's host of the Women Entrepreneurs Radio podcast.

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