If you’ve ever considered making a living doing something besides working 40 hours a week making someone else rich, this article is for you.
“The only true success that exists is when we find a way to make a living doing exactly what we want. When you wake up every morning and create your day exactly how you dream it to be, that is success. When your passion and your work are aligned, when you would do your job for free because you like it so much, that is success.” ~ Eric Dubay
1. You’ll step out of your comfort zone. Way out.
And then you’ll find out that comfort is overrated, anyway.
2. You’ll get scared.
And then you’ll survive, and it will be impossible for the same things to ever scare you as much again.
3. Sometimes you’ll be uncertain.
When you’re uncertain, you can do one of two things:
- Stop and wait for inspiration to lead you to the next logical step, or
- Take a leap of faith and act, knowing that, even if you make a bad choice, you’ll survive and probably learn a heck of a lot in the process.
4. You’ll be tempted to bail out for something more secure. And you’ll get over it.
Job security is a myth. “Regardless of pension promises or signed contracts, the real fact of the matter is there is no ‘job security’ in working for someone else. If at any time for any reason the boss has a problem with you, the market goes south, your contract’s over, the clientele fades, the account goes red, or the business goes belly-up, then you’re high and dry on your way to becoming an unemployment statistic.” ~ Eric Dubay
5. You will doubt your sanity.
Yep. And so will most other people. But think about it: what has “sanity” has gotten them? What did “sanity” get you?
6. You won’t be able to please everyone.
There will be folks who are uncomfortable with what you are doing, and unfortunately, some of them will be people you care about. It’s okay; just keep your mouth shut and pursue your dreams without their approval. Pretty soon, you’re going to start noticing new people coming into your life whose hearts sing on your behalf.
7. You’ll learn just how brilliant and resourceful you really are.
And when you know that you can stand on your own two feet without any help—man, that feels great!
8. You’ll realize how much you have to offer.
No more crawling around on your knees begging for what you need because you feel like you have nothing.
9. You’ll start meeting other people who chose to pursue their dreams, too.
There are lots of cool people out here on the ragged edge. This is where the creators are. This is where the children are. This is where the visionaries are. This is where the John Lennons, the Ghandis, the Oprahs, the Steve Jobs, the Bill Gates, the Nelson Mandelas, the Tony Robbins, and the Abraham Lincolns hang out. You’re in good company!
10. You’ll learn how to be patient.
You’ll learn that the best clients, the best gigs, the best customers are all worth waiting for, even if it means eating Ramen noodles and couch surfing for a year.
11. You’ll learn to trust that your basic needs will always be met.
You survived your childhood in spite of all the stupid stunts you pulled. The universe isn’t going to let you die just like that.
12. You will discover the true meaning of faith.
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen.” ~Hebrews 11:1.
“Assurance!” “Conviction!” This means that your dreams are already here, even though you can’t see them, smell them, touch them, or taste them yet.
13. You’ll wonder why you waited so long.
You’ll find yourself bouncing out of bed in the morning, eager to get started on your list for the day. You’ll have a burning desire to contribute to the world, to uplift everyone on the planet through what you do, because you love it so much. And even though sometimes it’s rough, it’s so much better than being a wage slave, you’ll never want to go back.
Featured photo credit: Tiny Ducks Fall Asleep on a Dock/Domenico via photopin.com
