I went to a jazz festival this week and watched in awe, the faces of the musicians as they played. They absolutely loved what they were doing. In fact, one of the group’s leaders said “It’s really unfair for us to call this work. We have so much fun doing it and love it so much, that it’s not right that we get paid to do it.”
Wouldn’t you love to feel that way? The good news is, you can!
You are tremendously gifted. Did you know that?
Were you aware that there is something that only you know how to do? And there’s something that you do better than anyone else.
Yes. I’m talking to you.
Your mind is a womb of unborn ideas that could change one life or many. You have solutions that no one has thought of or dared to invent. There are things that this world needs that only you can provide.
So what are you waiting for?
Do you think your gift is useless, because it’s not tied to a monetary value?
Do you have thoughts like: “I know I’m a good singer, but there are lots of wonderful singers in the world,” or, “I know that I’m a great hairdresser, but beauty salons are a dime a dozen,” or, “I know my baked goods are delicious, but who’d want to pay money for them?”
To those doubts I say: How will you know if you never try it?
How will the world know how great your voice is if you never sing? How will we know how well you can do hair, if we never see your work? How will we find out your molasses cookies are the best thing ever baked if we never get to taste one?
You don’t have to start out by owning a business. You can start out by giving away freebies. People love free stuff! It gets your name out there and establishes you as a service to others. And every great venture requires some investment.
Your great singing voice would be a hit at nursing homes, your hairdressing skills could be showcased during a back to school hair competition, and cookies melt hearts everywhere.
And often life’s greatest pleasures come not in profiting from your gift, but in using your gift to profit others.
You possess abilities that are uniquely yours and talents no one else has. You may not even know your gift is a gift. But guess what?
Your attention to detail is needed on a Hollywood set. Your color coordination skills are needed on a runway in Paris and your chicken is better than a national favorite that’s closed on Sundays. (Who I will continue to visit until your chicken is available).
If you find yourself thinking “I could’ve designed a prettier dress than that,” or “I could’ve created a better invention than that,” or “I could’ve finished that obstacle course before he did,” then go out and take your place on that podium!
You don’t have to make it your full-time vocation, but get in what you can fit in. Use your gift for good and you will feel great about it. And, if it makes you money, all the better.
Starving artists may have empty pockets, but they are full of passion. Find yours, breathe life into it and watch your spirit soar.
