action or following your bliss

[learningtogrow]

I'm going to try this again a bit more concisely so others can understand and read what I'm writing.

I'm having a dilemna. I'm wanting to make a big change in my life financially. Do I do what I love to do and what motivates me day to day (Robert Scheinfeld) which would be to "play" outdoors. Ski and play, just visualizing what I want (Marc Allen), not worrying about the how,.

Or, do I take action (James Ray) which in my mind means studying something or learning a skill, something I'm not too passionate about. It's purpose would be to eventually get a job that makes money and give me the lifestyle I choose. I don't want to work full time, nor do I want work to be my life ever. These "job" choices are limiting. I'd rather have $ and be comfortable, donating the rest to the environment.

The question being... Throw all fears out the window and do what I love and trust the Universe? Conversely, do I buckle down and pursue the traditional way of doing things?

Does anyone know exactly what "taking action" means in this regard (James Ray and Steve)?

[GoalGuru]

I'm a proponent of following your bliss.

Here are some examples of people who did just that...

Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet, Tony Robbins, etc

They will tell you that in the beginning there were lean times. During times of struggle, they would never consider quitting. Why? Because they were so passionate and in love with what they were doing.

Many Millionaires will tell you they worked a "job" in order to finance their dreams and pay for their living expenses until it got off the ground.

Make a decision to follow your bliss and be willing to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes. Invest your time wisely, utilize a mentor or coach to help you. Decide exactly what you want. Do something every day to learn, grow and advance in the direction of your Goals.

Live Your Dreams,

-Jill

[SeriousKidding.com]

Oh, it's ALWAYS a gamble. But is the risk of following your bliss greater or less than NOT following it? I tend to be the gambling type. I'd hate to ever look back and wish I would have followed it, but didn't. I'm all about following my bliss, but it's also taken me toward financial insolvency. However, I am firmly convinced that my online writing activities (especially short, terse-verse humor and non-humor) is the only way to go for me. It's my living and breathing obsession. To stifle that is risking misery: more misery than being close to broke. I truly feel I can turn it around. But, I'm not gonna turn it around at a 9-5 brick-and-mortar job. As it is, I work much longer hours (up to 10 per day), but it's doing something I love to the max.

Good luck on whatever you decide. Sometimes practicality has to outweigh bliss. But, not for me! LOL.

[rene_stpierre]

Those who succeed in life have found a way to make a living doing what they love most.

You seem to know what your passion is and what you want in life (that's a first step I did not have 1 year ago). The actions you take must be aimed at finding ways to make a living from your passion. Learn new skills that will help you reach your goals.

You referred to James Ray. He also says that one must follow his passion first and money will come second. He used Bill Gates as an example. Gates did not intend to become the richest man in the world. He has a passion which led him to where he is now.

In pursuing your passion, you must ensure to keep your financial stability. This will ensure you don't make reckless moves and take desperate decisions.

That's the approach I am taking. I will keep my day job until my passion yields enough incore to quit it. It will take some time but my financial stability will allow me to make the right calls.

Good Luck!
René

[Breakaway]

I think it's good to go for what you want, but you have to be somewhat strategic with your approach. I'm sure thousands of people go to LA to become a famous actor, maybe 1-3% make it? If you go for something you want, in the back of your head you have to calculate the risks.

[learningtogrow]

Thanks for the advice. However, in a few (most) examples, the ones that say I should not throw caution to the wind with finances and be "responsible" until my passion can support me. I just keep going back to the fact that if I worry about money I'm letting FEAR get in my way.

If I had all the money in the world right now what would I be doing? I'd be doing my passion (which doesn't pay) and not working 9-5. If I give up the fear of falling flat on my face financially, shouldn't the universe guide me and watch my back? Don't most of the self help gurus say to "trust the universe?"

Shouldn't I just take a giant leap and TRUST it will work out?

[bellbird]

To throw it all to the wind sounds exciting but possibly not very wise. How about a good ol fashioned dash thru the middle ? Meaning: what can you do with the outdoor skills you posess? There's many things you can do with that to set up a business. A friend of mine runs a site that works well, but it's still a bit in its toddler fase. Basically it means that working with outdoor companies (rafting, kayaking, surfing, hiking, climbing, skiing, etc etc) income can be generated. In the meantime of setting up a site for yourself, do some work that is at least most to your liking as a meantime thing. Do research on how to set up what you really want to do etc before making wild dashes. It might look impressive and boldy daring but the rent and the groceries need to be paid and all that average joe stuff. So no, I wouldn't recommend giant leaps just now, unless you're into bungy jumping Doing your homework seems to be most sensible. Good luck!

[Greg]

Originally Posted by learningtogrow

Thanks for the advice. However, in a few (most) examples, the ones that say I should not throw caution to the wind with finances and be "responsible" until my passion can support me. I just keep going back to the fact that if I worry about money I'm letting FEAR get in my way.

If I had all the money in the world right now what would I be doing? I'd be doing my passion (which doesn't pay) and not working 9-5. If I give up the fear of falling flat on my face financially, shouldn't the universe guide me and watch my back? Don't most of the self help gurus say to "trust the universe?"

Shouldn't I just take a giant leap and TRUST it will work out?

It will always work out - just not the way you expect it. If you take big risks, expect big bumps along the way but have faith that you will be a better person and better off for it.

The question you really should ask yourself is can you live with yourself for not taking the risk? If skiing is your bliss, you must do what you know is right and not second guess yourself.

[hotwired]

Here's another context for you:

I do what I love AND make enough money to survive. Read Steve's article about "solving frustrating problems" and you'll read some interesting things. He touches on how we get trapped in "either or" thinking, and suggests coming out of that. Good luck and Godspeed! Trust yourself ....