What Does ‘Do What You Love’ REALLY Mean?

Christi Hegstad August 13th, 2014

Although my business has evolved over the past 11 years, the underlying purpose has remained constant: To help people engage in meaningful work and successfully do what they love.

But some people take issue with this idea. “Work is called ‘work’ for a reason,” I’ve been told, and “We can’t all live in the land of puppies and rainbows.” Lately, I’ve come across more and more articles claiming that us “Do What You Love’rs” are elitist and unrealistic.

I think this may be a simple case of differing definitions.

My definition of doing what you love is this: Engaging in meaningful work. Fulfilling work that uses your passions and strengths to make a positive difference. It also means expressing love through your work because, as Kahlil Gibran so eloquently wrote, “Work is love made visible.” This might be paid employment, volunteer service, parenting, or whatever you’ve decided with intention to be your life’s work for that time. In my experience, when these criteria are met, you are doing what you love.

This doesn’t mean every moment of every day is a barrel of laughs. We all have aspects of our work we might label tedious, boring, or downright frustrating. We outsource what we can (one person’s dread is another’s passion), but other times we must, in Brian Tracy’s words, “eat those frogs.”

But think about this: The average person will spend 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks per year, for upwards of 40 years or more at work. That’s 90,000 hours. (For a quick pie-chart visual, check out the BLS American Time Use Survey here). In essence, you will likely spend more of your adult life working than in any other singular pursuit.

How can you live a life of meaning and purpose if much of it is spent in work you detest?

If you’re not currently doing what you love, you can take several steps. Hire a coach to help you explore your strengths and strategize your options. Reconnect with what you do love about your work and fashion more of your day around that. Collaborate with others who enjoy what you dislike and vice versa. Clarify your values and make absolutely sure you’re honoring them at work (and everywhere else). Leaders, take necessary steps to ensure your team is engaged and feels appreciated.

Most importantly, recognize this: YOU bring the meaning to your work. It’s up to you. If you enter data into a computer for a living, connect with how you’re making a difference for your clients. If you lead a global corporation, identify personal stories that remind you how you serve. If you direct a nonprofit, make sure to employ self-care and get ample leadership support to avoid burnout so you can continue to make a positive impact in the world.

Steve Jobs summed it up beautifully in a moving commencement speech:

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know it when you find it.

Don’t settle, friends.

Do what you love.

Meaningful work is the cornerstone of Spark (and everything else we do)! Click here to join us.

What do you think of the advice, “Do what you love”? Share your thoughts below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day – and flourish in meaningful work.

Click “Join Our Mailing List” above to receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Learn more to succeed and lead with meaning and purpose on Facebook and via Twitter.

Curing The ‘Midyear Slump’

Christi Hegstad August 11th, 2014

Just remember that every moment, every situation, provides a new choice. And in doing so, it gives you a perfect opportunity to do things differently to produce more positive results.

~ Stephen Covey

Coaching Tip for the Week:

Lately, I’ve heard a number of people admit that they’re in a midyear slump. Progress on their 2014 goals isn’t quite where they’d hoped, their energy has waned, and they’re not sure how to get back on track.

They worry, is it too late?

Absolutely not.

As Covey reminds us above, every moment gives us an opportunity to make a new choice. When we choose proactively and with intention – rather than reactively in the heat of the moment – we are much more likely to reap the results we seek.

This week, be proactive. Decide what you want to say about yourself at the end of 2014, then commit to “four months of focus” on your top goals and priorities. Select the actions you need to take each day and week to reach those meaningful goals.

And most importantly, choose who and how you wish to carry yourself through it all – ideally as a proactive leader who chooses in favor of the positive.

Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!

SPARK Earlybird Rates END ON FRIDAY! Click here today to join us!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and President of MAP Professional Development Inc., Christi coaches professionals to get unstuck and flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Trust, Detachment, and Your Ripple Effect

Christi Hegstad August 7th, 2014

There’s a ripple effect in all that we do;

What you do touches me, what I do touches you.

Author Unknown

Have you ever written an uplifting, truly heartfelt post on Facebook – perhaps one that took real courage to click “Post” – only to find no one “likes” it?

Or have you shared a tender thought from deep within and heard nothing in response?

Have you written a blog, spoken at an event, or otherwise opened up your heart to others only to receive…silence?

These moments can cause even the most confident people to wonder, ‘What’s the point?’

We all have times when we question what we’re doing and if we’re making a difference. You might put all kinds of good out into the world through the words you say, the lines you write, and the way you lead, but rarely receive any validation that you’re impacting others. You might even decide it’s not worth the effort and choose to hold your silence instead.

But please don’t. Let the power of the ripple effect keep you sharing, uplifting, and encouraging.

We’ve all heard stories of a smile, passed on from person to person, until eventually reaching someone who feels at the end of his rope – and that smile reminds him of the good in the world. Or the patron who purchases coffee for the person behind her in the drive-thru lane and, 48 cars later, the goodwill still spreads. Last year at Spark, our attendees amazed themselves by walking through our 7 layers of the Professional Ripple Effect exercise and recognizing how their work extends well beyond their expectations.

What you do matters, whether you hear about it or not.

A few years ago, I spoke at a conference in St. Louis on the topics of strength and positive decision-making. I recently received an email from someone who had attended and, through the power of the ripple effect, shared a result that took my breath away. She graciously connected me with her daughter, Brooke, who had written this blog about her experience. This is an example of the ripple effect I never could have predicted and, had it not been for this woman kindly taking the time to write, also never would know. If you continue reading posts on Brooke’s blog, you’ll see she’s a powerful example of setting the ripple effect in motion – especially for those who have experienced indescribable loss.

Here’s the key: You need to put your good works out into the world with the trust and intention that you’re helping others, and then detach from the outcome. If you’re relying on 1,000 “likes” or for your experience to go viral, you might experience disappointment and frustration. But if you speak up and trust that you’re making a positive difference, you can freely share and let the ripple effect work its magic on your behalf.

So, BE BOLD. Speak your truth. Share your Facebook post. Write your book. Lead your team in an unconventional manner.

Do it with the intention of uplifting others.

Whether or not you hear back from them doesn’t matter. Most times, you won’t.

But when you act with trust, detach from the outcome, and operate in a service mindset, your ripple effect will radiate out and could change the world – or some corner of it – forever.

Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway.

Mother Teresa

How have you experienced the ripple effect in your work or life? Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!

Ready to be BOLD, speak your truth, and make your difference? Enroll for Spark while Earlybird Rates remain!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and President of MAP Professional Development Inc., Christi coaches professionals to get unstuck and flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Clarity Kickstart: What Are You Waiting For?

Christi Hegstad August 4th, 2014

There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them.

~ Charles Gill

Coaching Tip for the Week:

How many times have you heard – or perhaps said – the phrase, “Someone should do something!”?

How many times have you put your own ideas on the back burner?

We spend a fair amount of our lives waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for planes, waiting for meetings to start, waiting for answers.

Sometimes, waiting is necessary: we need to wait for a part to arrive to finish a project, or for results to return before taking action. Patience, as they say, can be a virtue.

But many times, we’re waiting for the perfect moment or for our fear to dissipate or for a strike of inspiration before we act. At those times, waiting does not serve us – nor those we’re meant to serve.

This week, quit waiting. Put your idea out there, take an action, give your dream a push. Take a stand, attempt to right a wrong. Be the “someone” that does something!

Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!

DON’T WAIT to enroll for Spark! Earlybird Rates end NEXT WEEK!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and President of MAP Professional Development Inc., Christi coaches professionals to get unstuck and flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Clarity Kickstart: Act, Risk, Fail, Repeat

Christi Hegstad July 29th, 2014

Imagine all the things over the years you wish you had said or done or tried – but didn’t because something held you back. Chances are, that something was a lack of confidence…What we need to do is start acting and risking and failing, and stop mumbling and apologizing and prevaricating.

Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

Coaching Tip for the Week:

Are you perfect?

Seems like a ridiculous question, doesn’t it? We know we’re not, yet we often let perfectionism block opportunity. If we cannot do something well, or if we cannot predict the outcome with certainty, why even bother?

Here’s why: Because it’s far better to try new things (or new ways of doing things), to say what needs saying, to push the envelope a bit, than to roll along with the status quo feeling comfortable but with so much untapped potential.

As a leader, your team may need to see you “act and risk and fail” at times to know that they have the space to do so as well.

This week, consider an action you’ve been delaying until it’s perfect. Give yourself permission to do it “perfect enough” – then do it. Keep in mind that confidence doesn’t come from one great deed, but rather from a series of small attempts and victories over time.

Share your thoughts below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter!

For proven, practical tips to boost your confidence and courage, join us at Spark! Earlybird Rates end in 2 weeks!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and President of MAP Professional Development Inc., Christi coaches professionals to get unstuck and flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 42: Surrender

Christi Hegstad July 24th, 2014

Always say YES to the present moment…Surrender to what is. Say YES to life – and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.

Eckhart Tolle

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 42: Surrender

Today was not what I expected.

I said YES to a long walk in an area I rarely spend time. I left my headphones at home so I could reflect on the 42 Days Of Yes while I walked. My mind was racing.

Wouldn’t you know, I bumped into a woman from my church whom I consider a spiritual mentor. Then, ten minutes later, I crossed paths with an older man I don’t know very well but who has a smile that absolutely radiates life. Moments later, I received a phone call from a dear friend whom I haven’t seen in nearly two years.

Needless to say, my walk didn’t go as planned – but the “detours” were joyful and appreciated. Which is one of the lessons 42 Days Of Yes has brought to the forefront: Savor the moment. Goals and plans are wonderful, but embrace the unplanned, too.

After my walk, however, my mind still raced.

A bit later in the day, the yearning for reflection remained. I knew I needed a quiet space for this and decided to visit a small chapel.

The chapel was silent, still, and beautiful. I knelt down and felt my mind continue to race.

And then I started to cry.

Not the dainty, movie-star, tears-softly-flowing-down-the-cheeks kind of crying. We’re talking the full-fledged, messy, wipe-your-nose-on-your-sleeve type of sobbing.

Where did that come from?!?

It seemed as though all at once, in that quiet space surrounded by stained glass and simple beauty, all my emotions came to a head. The abundant joy brought by family, friends, and meaningful work. The overwhelm of responsibilities and unexpected challenges. The excitement of all the possibility on the horizon. The sense of loss, especially for my Mom as we near her birthday. The mixed emotions that come with raising children: the absolute awe in witnessing their growth and the woe in realizing how quickly it’s happening.

An immense gratitude for it all – to be able to experience life’s richness, the ups and the downs, the meaning and purpose.

Finally, my mind stopped racing.

****************************************************

Throughout the 42 Days Of Yes, I’ve made some incredible discoveries. I’ve met new people and reconnected with old friends, tried new activities and approached old ones with fresh eyes, done things I’ve wanted to for ages and attempted things I’d never before heard of. I also reached a significant personal milestone as a result of this project.

And the learnings have taken me somewhat by surprise: around topics like fear, surrender, and being and doing enough, for example. I won’t go into the hardest part of the 42 Days Of Yes, or the underlying reasons prompting it, or why I’ll never do it again (I’ll share all this at Spark). What I will say is that answers often come where we least expect them, the unplanned detours frequently lead to our greatest growth, and the truth inherent in projects like these remains constant: It’s not about me.

****************************************************

When I returned home, I pulled Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet off my shelf – a book that has carried special significance for most of my adult life. I randomly opened it to find this message:

You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

…There are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.

Here’s to doing what you love – and giving life your all.

Day 39: Visit The Farmers’ Market

Christi Hegstad July 23rd, 2014

Value is not made of money, but a tender balance of expectation and longing.

Barbara Kingsolver

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 39: Visit The Farmers’ Market

On Day 39, my daughter and I visited our local farmers’ market. From the beautiful locally-grown produce to the heavenly-smelling baked goods to the live music, the experience made for a wonderful Saturday morning!

As a small business owner myself, I buy local whenever possible. I find this especially rewarding when it’s food: I grew up on a farm and love the philosophy of shaking the hand of the farmer that feeds you. The farmers’ market brings the community together – mind, body, and spirit – in a way few other events can.

As much as I enjoyed the market, the best part of this YES was spending time with my lovely daughter! Time passes so quickly; it seems like I’ve blinked and she’s grown from a curious toddler to an amazing and inspiring young woman. I treated her to a gigantic zucchini, from which she has created several meals and snacks. Amazing how far $1.50 can go with the right purchase. 🙂

By the way, the quote above comes from Barbara Kingsolver’s outstanding book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. If you’re looking for a unique memoir of one family’s experience of “living locally” for a year, you’ll find this book both informative and inspiring.

To what did you say YES today? Share your tips below, on Facebook and via Twitter. And make sure to reserve your spot at Spark!

New to the 42 Days Of Yes? Learn more here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

.

Day 37: Escape To Focus

Christi Hegstad July 21st, 2014

People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.

Steve Jobs

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 37: Escape To Focus

One of the main challenges I hear from clients these days involves the difficulty in focusing, in being able to delve into a project, get into ‘the zone,’ and eliminate distractions. We jokingly refer to this as Shiny Object Syndrome or “Oh Look! A Squirrel!” Whatever you call it, if you live and work in the 21st century, you probably experience it to some extent, too.

I have a number of measures I take and tools I use to stay focused on work when I’m working and on family and personal pursuits when I’m not. But on Day 37, due to nearby construction and continual commotion, I had to take drastic (ha ha) measures.

I left my office and fled to my favorite local coffee shop with (here’s the drastic part) only one item.

Usually I bring along a few projects, a book or two, my journal, my iPad, and a bag’s worth of possibilities – just in case. So to walk in with just one project? Brand new experience.

I’ve always admired the people I see at coffee shops who sit in a comfortable chair with only the book in their hand and their coffee on a nearby table. Although I wasn’t reading a book today, I enjoyed experiencing this same kind of focus – and I got a ton finished!

One small step for humankind, one giant leap for Christi Hegstad! 🙂

How do you keep distractions from derailing you? Share your tips below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. To learn my best tools for clarity and focus, join us at Spark – Earlybird Rates end soon!

New to the 42 Days Of Yes? Learn more here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Clarity Kickstart: Keep It Simple

Christi Hegstad July 21st, 2014

CLARITY KICKSTART: July 21, 2014

If you can’t keep it simple, you probably can’t implement it.

Michael Port

Coaching Tip for the Week:

In what area of your business or career do you feel stuck? What system supports you in that area?

A while ago, I asked this of a client struggling to stay on top of ongoing projects. His approach was so complex and involved that he had a difficult time describing it to me, let alone implementing it. We broke it down into 5 major steps, created a simple flow chart, and he’s been able to stay ahead of the game ever since.

Sometimes, we make things harder than necessary.

This week, choose an area that you just can’t seem to kickstart – maybe it’s marketing, team-building, volunteer management, or financial health. Decide the results you want to have in that area, then look at your current system for making that happen. (Chances are it’s complex, outdated, or nonexistent.)

Challenge yourself – perhaps in partnership with a trusted coach or colleague – to simplify the system so well that a child could implement it. You’re much more likely to stick with it and see the results you desire when your system is simple, clear, and focused.

Share your thoughts below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter!

If you crave simplicity with profound results in your business or career, click here!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

The Secret To Meaningful Work

Christi Hegstad July 20th, 2014

I recently came across an interesting report that attempts to show the most and least meaningful jobs, connecting them to compensation. For example, it asserts ‘attorney’ as a high-paying but low-meaning profession, whereas massage therapists receive low pay but find high meaning in their work.

My questions with their methodology aside, I struggle with reports such as these. They attract attention, for sure: Wouldn’t you immediately look to see where your profession lies? But they consistently seem to gloss over one critical point:

Our work is as meaningful as we make it.

I’ve coached attorneys who clearly understand and value their role in making the world a better place. And I’ve worked with fulfilled massage therapists earning six figures.

Meaningful work is not something bestowed upon us or only inherent in certain professions. We assign the meaning to our work. As Richard Leider and David Shapiro eloquently state in their book Repacking Your Bags, “Calling isn’t our work, it’s what we bring to our work. It’s not what you do that matters, it’s how you do it.”

You can bring more meaning to your work starting right now. As a leader, you need to help your team discern their impact as well. Here are 3 ways to begin:

1. Connect With Your End User.

If you aren’t able to meet the people you serve – which is often the case – you might wonder how you make a difference. “I’m just a number cruncher in a huge corporation” one new client shared recently. Consider how you might connect with the community you serve: Could your organization host a simple Customer Appreciation Night? Could you volunteer to write a series of articles for your intranet newsletter highlighting success stories of clients, then interview them? Could you bring customer examples or testimonials into your meetings as topics for celebration and discussion? Even if you don’t meet your service recipients in person, you can connect with them.

2. Know Your Vision, Mission, and Values.

I recently led an organization to design their Vision, Mission, & Values statements and witnessed the employees’ deepened connection in the process. They lit up when prompted to explore examples of how they improve the world – and how they could do so on a larger scale. “I’m SO EXCITED about OUR VISION! The POSSIBILITIES!! To CHANGE THE WORLD!” wrote one employee (capitalization and exclamation points hers!) on her evaluation form. Connecting to the bigger picture makes a HUGE difference!

3. Help Someone Else Create Meaning.

Sometimes we’re just too close to our own situation. But in helping others discern the meaning of their work, we often find our own. Win-win.

Last year at Spark we engaged in a powerful ripple effect exercise, where I showed our Sparklers (attendees) the 7 levels of people impacted by their work – regardless of role, title, or salary. One of the greatest ways to bring more meaning to your work lies in understanding your ripple effect, an activity well worth a bit of reflection.

As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

When you know that, meaning and purpose at work – and in life – become clear.

How do you bring meaning to work? Share your thoughts below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad