My 25 year old son just returned from a 6-month trip to Thailand, where he had a deeply rewarding experience. Now that he’s back in the “real” world, he’s faced with the challenge of finding suitable employment.

“I don’t want to go to work at some dumb job,” he told me.

“Well then, find a smart one” I told him.

He let me know he didn’t appreciate my answer.

The truth is, while I very much wish he’d find something to do, I completely understand his feelings.

About twenty years ago, I was in his place. I decided financial management was no longer fulfilling; I wanted to be a coach.  I wanted to work with the “who” not just the “what.”   I wanted to know that the work I was doing with clients was going to create a long lasting change, and that meant I needed to be addressing the entire company – not just an aspect of it.

Making that change didn’t happen overnight.  It took several years of training, lots of practice, and taking on a coach for myself.  It meant having to shift my identity in the marketplace, and start selling my services in a whole new way.  In some ways it required me to “begin again” as a business owner.  It held challenges, much as when I first opened my doors.

Re-making myself wasn’t easy, but it led me to the right place. And now, I truly love what I do.

Coincidently enough, shortly after speaking with my son, I saw this quote from author Wayne Dyer which put it all together for me: “There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there’s only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”

We all want to love what we do. But that doesn’t mean it will always be easy, simple or direct finding our way there.

And when you do find what you love, it’s still work. But it’s satisfying. That’s what makes the difference.

Here are a few ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of what you do.

If you’re making a living at what you love, enjoy it! Take a little time each day to step away from the daily-do and remind yourself about all the positive things about your business.  Loving something doesn’t mean it’s perfect. But if it’s right, appreciate it!

If you’re not in love with your work be honest with yourself. What kind of changes do you need to make? Would a change in attitude make a difference? A different focus? Business structure? Or, do you need to be doing something different?

Identify what makes you happy. Think about what you’re good at – that you love doing. What makes a great day at work for you? What are you doing and who are you interacting with?

Resolve to be doing what you love a year from today. Loving what you do isn’t a decision that you make once. It requires the determination and dedication to be aware of yourself and your surroundings. To be honest with yourself and with others. And to decide that you are going to do whatever it takes to get where you want to go.

Remember: The clearer you are, the easier it is to get there.

After writing all of this down, I went back to speak with my son, emphasizing the “resolve” part of Wayne Dyer’s quote.

“So what do you think of my answer now?” I asked him.

“I’ll think about it,” he said.

“That’s a good place to start,” I told him.

Same for you.

Have an extraordinary day.

Vicki