Grandad said “you have to love what you do”, but that’s not necessarily true. What is true, according to Jim Rohn, is “You have to love the opportunity you’ve got. The opportunity to build a life, relationships, future and success.”
Knocking on someone’s door asking for work, or making that extra sales call, may not be something you love doing, but you can learn to love the opportunity of what’s behind that door or that call.
For example, a guy says, “I dig ditches. Do I have to love digging ditches?” Jim’s answer is, “No, but if that’s your first step on the ladder of life and success, you should say, “I’m glad someone gave me the opportunity to dig ditches and show what I can do. I’m going to do this so well, it won’t be long before I’m noticed and promoted.”
You can be inspired by having got your first job; even though you’re making mistakes in the beginning. Even though it is difficult taking on a new discipline you haven’t learned before. You don’t have to love it, you just have to learn to appreciate where you are in life’s cycle; appreciate the opportunity; appreciate the person who considered you worthy.
It’s good for the soul to appreciate the person who believed in you before you believed in yourself; appreciate the person who said, “Hey, you can do it.”
If you embrace the disciplines associated with the new opportunity you will soon find your self-confidence starts to grow. You can go from being a sceptic to a believer.
Soon, when you’re out there talking to people, you’ll find it’s the most thrilling opportunity in the world. Every person you meet is a fresh opportunity. What could it be? Maybe a friend for life. The next person could be the next step up in your career. The next person could become a work colleague for 40 years. This is big time stuff.
Sometimes when we are just getting started we don’t always see how big the opportunity of meeting new people really is.
So, before you’re tempted to feel discouraged or to give, remember what Jim Rohn says:
“All success is based on long term commitments, faith, discipline, attitude and a few fortunate stepping stones along the way. You might not like the stone you’re on right now, but it’s sure to be one of the stones which leads to greater opportunities in the future.”
Do you like guiding people?
Do you have life experience? Are you a good communicator? Use your skills and experiences to become a paid professional, and the real satisfaction comes from helping people.
