MarketingAs Laura points out in her post, “10 Marketing Lessons…”, our boy Daniel “recognized his gift/aptitude for working with wood.” Sounds obvious doesn’t it? Admit what you’re good at and go do it. The problem? Most people can’t remember what they’re good at, and most don’t go and do it.

We get so caught up in the life-river—jobs, relationships, paying the bills, catching a movie to dull the longing inside to do something relevant—that we bury our dreams and try not to admit they still exist. We end up surviving life instead of living it.

You want to rediscover your gifts? Your passions? These questions will give you a start:

  1. If money wasn’t an obstacle (let’s pretend you just scored $10 million in the lottery) what would you do with your life?
  2. What would you do with unlimited time?
  3. What did you love to do as a kid?
  4. If you had to list 25 things you want to do before you die, what actions would be on that list?

A friend of mine is very successful at a high paying job, but a vague dissatisfaction flits around him. Two weeks ago I asked what he’s passionate about. Without hesitation he said, “Travel.”

My friend has a great sense of humor, people warm to him immediately, he has a sharp business mind (i.e., he knows all the deals and tricks of travel) and he’s been all over the globe. And, get this, he has five weeks vacation a year.

Is it as obvious to you as it was to me? I suggested he put together travel groups four times a year, during his vacation weeks, and see what happens. My wife and I would join him on a tour in a second. I’m betting a lot of other people would too. Goodbye mundane job, hello passion.

A fundamental of marketing is having a true fervor for your product. We’d love to hear about how you discovered your passion, and what you’re doing about it.

In this series:

Tags: , ,