Tag Archive for find your passion

What Are You Doing with Your Life? Tips for Figuring It Out 

October 3, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Yo want to make good life choices. But you can’t figure out where to start. 

Get some ideas today from GenuLines and then get going and start mapping it out. 

What Are You Doing with Your Life? Tips for Figuring It Out 

Do you often find yourself wondering what to do with your life? Many people reach a point where they feel they lack direction.
 
Instead of living life to the fullest, they only go through the motions.
 
sign says live life
 
If this sounds like you, there are things you can do to help you get out of the rut. Below, you’ll find some fabulous tips for figuring out what it is you want from life.
 
Consider Your Passions
If you want to know what direction to go in, it’s helpful to think about the things you’re passionate about. The things that motivate and inspire you will change from time to time.
 
For example, what you want today may look very different from what you wanted a few months ago. We change and adapt over time according to our experiences.
 
This means to keep a direction in life, we need to assess what it is we want. Figuring out the things you’re passionate about will help you to understand where to go next.
 
And what you need to do to get there.
 

Address Your Fears

Even if you know what it is you want to do, you might be stuck because of fear. It’s one of our most powerful emotions.
 
Fear can stop you from going after the things you want in life.
 
So, if you’re going to move forward and figure out what it is you must do in life, you’re going to need to address your fears. Figure out where the fear is coming from.
 
Then, be willing to work it them so you can stop it controlling your life.
 

Assess Your Current Goals

Do you have any goals you’re working toward right now? Chances are, if you aren’t sure what you’re doing in your life, you won’t have any goals to work towards.
 
This can exacerbate the problem.
 
You need to set goals to keep you motivated and positive. When you have something to work toward it gives you a purpose each day.
 
You generate more motivation to get you to where you need to be. Make sure you set small, specific goals that are easy to achieve.
 

You Don’t Need To Have It All Figured Out

Nobody has everything in life figured out. There will always be doubts and things you want to do better.
 
In fact, at times going with the flow can present you with a lot of opportunities you would otherwise miss.
 
Feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing in life can be lonely and frustrating. Let the above points help you figure out exactly what you want.
 
JohnK 10-3-2022
 
 
stick figure hears about lifeOverheard: “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”
                                   ~John Lennon
 
 
 

 

disclaimer for life

5 Factors That Keep You From Finding Your Life’s Purpose

September 5, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Why are you here and what is your purpose? Don’t spend your life struggling with this question, as many do. 

Explore the possibilities with GenuLines and start finding some answers.

5 Factors That Keep You From Finding Your Life’s Purpose

A great way to find your true purpose in life is by living what I call your ‘genuine life.” You live your life without needing approval from other people.
 
sign warns wrong way to purpose
 
You explore your interests and passions. And when you discover that passion, you have to listen to one voice only.
 
The voice that lives inside of you. That voice which is your True North.
 
 
 
 
 
The voice that will tell you to keep trying, keep moving, believe in yourself, and to stay true to your purpose.
 
Unfortunately, few people find their true purpose in life. They’re living a life someone told them they’re supposed to live.
 
Or they follow the misguided notion that finding your true purpose takes years and years. Which may not always be the case.
 
Here are 5 things that are hindering you from finding your true purpose in life:
1. You don’t know where to begin
To find your calling know where to begin searching. And the best place to start is inside you.
 
What are you passionate or excited about? What are you so good at that people come to you for help or advice?
 
That could be your true purpose.
2. You rely on other people to dictate your life purpose
You miss your calling when you become accustomed to people telling you how to live. And what you ought to be doing.
 
Close friends or family may have the right intentions when advising you. They’ll tell what you should be pursuing.
 
But because they have good intentions doesn’t mean they’re right. They may have a picture of who and what they want you to become.
 
But that doesn’t mean it’s what you must become.
3. You’re busy comparing your life to that of others
Don’t spend your time focusing on “If only I was that smart.” Or “I wish I could do that.”
 
You won’t appreciate what you’re already great at. Get rid of negative thoughts, and replace them with “I was born to have an impact and I will find out what that is.”
4. You already have a “picture” of what your purpose is
We all have an “idea” of what we’re meant to do. Or which line of work we’re supposed to be in, particularly during our adolescent years.
 
Not to generalize but more often than not this is an idealized “picture.” This picture from our younger years turns out to be the wrong picture. 
5. You are not seeking guidance from the right people
While discovering your true purpose on your own is the way to go, seeking guidance from the right people won’t hurt. It will speed up the process of finding out what your calling is in life.
 
It will give you ample time to look for ways of staying true to your purpose. And working on becoming who you’re meant to be.
 
JohnK 9-5-2022
 
Stick figure hears about finding purposeOverheard: “There is no hope of success for the person who does not have a central purpose, or definite goal at which to aim”
                                               ~Napoleon Hill
 
 
 
disclaimer for purpose
 
 
 
 

5 Steps to Find Your Passion

February 19, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Your passion in life seems so elusive. Yet, the ancients told us you carry it with you at all times. 

GenuLines breaks down the process of carving out a path toward your passion.

(listen to this article by clicking on the player below) 


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banner to help find one's passion

5 Steps to Find Your Passion

If you want to live your best life, then you need to find your passion and follow it. Sounds easy, no?
 
Actually, it isn’t that hard, so it’s surprising that more of us don’t do it. Rather, we seem to choose existing over living a life of happiness and success.
 
To make a positive change in your life consider the following five steps.

Step 1: Dream Big

Everyone has big dreams. What have you done with yours?
 
dog dreams of his passionDo you think about them, act on them or hide them away?
 
Help yourself find your passion and purpose, by dreaming big. List those big dreams you’ve had from childhood to today.
 
No matter how wild or funny, write them all down. Which of those dreams resonates most with you?
 
 
Which makes your heart sing and inspires you the most?
 
Now, if you’ve set your sights on being the first full-time resident of Mars, then double-check your list.
 
You may be coming from your ego rather than your Self.
 
Don’t expect your dream to be outrageous or huge. But expect that it will push you out of your comfort zone.
 
Be ready for the changes in your life that will help you achieve it. You’ve got to want it.
 
It needs to spark your inner passion and desire.

Step 2: Set Mile Markers (Goals)

I’ve always preferred the words “mile markers” to goals since goal has the sound of being finished.
 
Once you’ve fleshed out your ideal or dream you need to set your mile markers. They’ll lead you to your dream.
 
There will be other, smaller goals, that you will need to achieve along the way. You want to jot these down, too.

Step 3: Plan Your Way

Now that you know what you want and need to achieve, it’s time to plan what you need to do to get there. Think about several things.
 
The action you need to take. The resources you’ll need.
 
And anything or anyone that can provide help and support.

Step 4: Take Action

You know what you want, how you can achieve it and the steps to take. It’s time for action.
 
Remember you’re looking for a passionate life. One that fills you with excitement, joy, and success.
Step 5: Live Your Best Life
Once you’re taking action and seeing your direction you’ll find that your life starts to improve. Instead of dreading each day you’ll look forward to it with excitement and anticipation.
 
Your best life is the one that gives you achievement AND fulfillment. It’s the result of living your passion and your purpose.
 
You can get your desired result on your own. Or you can get the help of a coach or mentor.
 
Either way, your passion is waiting for you.
 
JohnK 2-18-2020
 
stick figure man looks for his passionOverheard: “When you are born, your work is placed in your heart.”
                                                        ~Khalil Gibran
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about passion

Does Your Life Hold Meaning?

October 3, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikWe’re moving right along in the CHI FOR YOURSELF series on finding your “why.” Time to take notice of feelings that are surfacing. Maybe you’re a little down and thinking that your life doesn’t have much meaning. If so, this installment is intended to give you the courage to keep move through the feelings.

 

Does Your Life Hold Meaning?                                                          

 

Can you honestly say that your life holds meaning for you? If you are not sure, then do you know how to identify your true calling in life? Once you do the next step is to have the strength to follow it.

Many people sit and feel quite depressed about not knowing what they should be doing with their life. This happens early in life. Do you remember being in high school and having to choose a career for the rest of your life? Talk about feeling pressured at a young age.

Everyone has some type of true calling or purpose in life, and yes life does have a meaning. Sometimes your true calling is staring you in the face, you just don’t recognize it yet.

Your true calling can be identified in various ways. Many people believe that God will show them the way to their true calling. Others experience dreams that open up their eyes to a new opportunity.

You have no doubt heard stories about people experiencing death and then coming back to life. When they recover they find they have a new outlook on life altogether.

Now, you don’t have to wait for something terrible to happen to you! Instead, you can start discovering your true calling and the meaning of life yourself.

question mark

Sit down and think about what it is that you would love to do with your life. Think about what you would do if money was no objection and you didn’t have to worry about anyone but yourself.

Write down all the things that come to mind. If you have several put them in order of priority. Which is the one item that you truly feel passionate about? Then ask yourself– if you were to do this would you feel as though your life had meaning?

When you can truly answer these questions openly and honestly you will be well on your way to uncovering what the meaning of life has for you. Remember we are all different and no two people will see something in the same way.
Your next step is to be courageous and follow your passion. You may be surprised at the opportunities that open up for you. There is no reason for anyone to be sitting and feeling unfulfilled, or thinking that their life has no purpose. It does, you just have to find yours.

Listen to this article by clicking on the following player:

 

 

JohnK 10-3-2016

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stick figure of manOverheard: “Everyone now knows how to find the meaning of life within himself.”
~ Kurt Vonnegut, The Sirens of Titan

 

Can Anger Identify Your Passion?

September 26, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikLIfe seems to provide an endless supply of things that make us angry, bugged, hassled, or ticked-off! Yet if we examine those feelings they can take us a long way toward finding our fulfillment. This next installment in the CHI FOR YOURSELF series on finding your “why” is offered to you as another tool for self-discovery.

 

Can  Anger  Identify  Your  Passion?                                                          

 

If you have read any type of self-development or improvement information, you know you are told to find those things that make you feel happy. Everyone should have a passion in life, as this helps you add meaning to your life. But just how do you find it?

One way to identify your passion is to look at those things that make you angry. You know, those times when you fly off the handle without even thinking about it. This could be when you see an animal being mistreated or hear about a child being abused.

Still not sure what your passion is? Then take a look around you and make note of all the things that make you upset. Anything that stirs some type of emotion in you; tears, anger, or frustration.

It can be helpful to write these things down, especially if you have more than one thing that bothers you. Once you have your list select the main one that troubles you the most. This would be the one thing that you would happily fix if you could.

The more personal this becomes the more passionate you will be. If you have seen one of your pets abused first hand, this would resonate with you on a much deeper level.
angry man

When you get angry your feelings can often overwhelm you. You have no real control over them and they flare up unexpectedly. What this signifies is that you are dealing with something you are passionate about. Your goal is to now take this energy and turn it into a passion instead of feeling angry.

When identifying your passion you need to pick that one thing that you can identify with. You don’t want to bend to the rules of society and be passionate about something just to be part of a group.

Finding your passion often entails getting out of your comfort zone. It is way too easy to like something just because a friend does. It is much harder to stick up for yourself and stay passionate to your true feelings.

By being true to your own feelings, you are fulfilling your life. You are doing something meaningful and making a difference. Not everyone is going to approve of what your passion is. You need to have the confidence to stay on track, if and when friends try to tell you otherwise. This way you will know you are being true to yourself and to your passion.

You can listen to this article by clicking on the player:

 

Be well!

John in cursive

 

 

 

JohnK9-26-2016

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Overheard:

“The greatest remedy for anger is delay.”
~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

 

 

Are You Stuck Finding Your Why?

September 21, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikThe CHI FOR YOURSELF series on finding your why is moving right along. But as we reach the mid-way point you may be feeling as though you’ve hit a wall. This process is simple but not always easy. The following tips (I think of them as bullet points) are intended to give more clarity to your journey.

 

Are  You  Stuck  on  Finding  Your  Why?                                                                          

Anyone who has taken any type of self-improvement course has been told to find their why. While this may sound easy enough, it is not always simple to identify your why. This article will give you some suggestions for how you can really find your why in life.

Before you can identify your why you need to know which area of your life needs improvement. Why are you looking for a meaning to your life? Are you looking for an overall purpose, or do you need to develop a why for a specific reason? For example, you may want to uncover your why so you can lose weight or stick to an exercise regimen.

It can often be a little easier to define your why for specific reasons. If you are trying to lose weight you will want to have certain reasons for doing so. This could include wanting to look more attractive, to feel better, to be able to play with your kids or to battle a medical issue.

To uncover your why it can be helpful to understand why you are doing your current habits. With eating, as an example, why is it that you are over eating? Are you self-conscious about a certain part of your body? Are you addicted to sugar or to carbs?

Once you have this information in hand it can be easier to develop a why. If you want to kick the sugar habit start paying attention to those times when you eat more sugar.  Are you feeling unhappy or alone when you do this?

Uncovering your why can be difficult and it does require that you are open and honest with yourself. But once you have a why then you can be more focused and motivated.

If you want to find your why to living a more fulfilled and happier life in general,  you have to do almost the same steps.  First, you need to identify what it is that is making you feel unhappy. Are you lonely, do you hate your job, or do you wish you were in a better relationship?

Once you know why you feel the way you do, it will be easier to take corrective steps. If you are feeling lonely, can you join a health or social club? If you are just plain bored, is there a hobby that you would like to start?

Even if you are currently stuck on finding your why use the above steps to uncover your true feelings. This, in return, will identify your why.

If you would like to listen to this article click on the player:

 

 

JohnK 9-19-2016

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Clipart image of overheard

Overheard:

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

~ Marcus Aurelius

Finding Your Why

September 12, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikThe CHI FOR YOURSELF series on finding your purpose in life continues with this installment called “Finding Your Why.”

 

Finding  Your  Why

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Do you have a why in your life? A reason that keeps you motivated and helps you to get out of bed each morning? If you don’t you may often feel as though you are just plodding along the path of life. All you do is go through the motions of living without having anything to look forward to.

woman searching

If you don’t have a why in your life then it is definitely time to discover what yours is. Most likely you have a dream or a goal that you would love to pursue, but for some reason, you don’t.

For anyone who is attempting to achieve something or reach a goal, it is much easier to do so if you have a reason for it. This way of thinking is often associated with people who are trying to lose weight. Nothing seems to work for them until they uncover the true reason for why they want to lose weight.

Your why can be quite simple and it could be doing certain things in order to become healthier. Or maybe you why is to start an online business so you can retire with your partner from your jobs.

Your why is often associated with your health, family, and financial goals. After all without money you can’t pay the bills or buy food to feed your family.

One thing to bear in mind, as well, is that your why can change as you grow. As your life changes so do the things you need, this can give you a different purpose in life.

A younger person may have a why of saving for a new home or getting a University degree. As you age your why may change to include exercising more so you can enjoy your grandchildren.

Many people will turn to religion in order to uncover their why. No two people will ever share the same why. You may have the same goal as someone else. But you will both have different reasons for attaining them.

The best way to discover your why is to be honest with yourself. This requires letting all your skeletons out of your closet. Sit down in a quiet place and truly think about what it is you want out of life.

This is not always an easy process even when you do know your why. You may not know how to achieve it at first. Just remember to keep an open mind and start working in a small way each day to achieve your why.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on the player below)

 

 

JohnK 9-12-2016

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Overheard:

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Your Dreams Then and Now: What They May be Saying to You

September 5, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikFinding your why. That’s our intention in this continuing  CHI FOR YOURSELF series. In today’s installment, we look at your childhood dreams and what they may be telling you all these years later. Keep dreaming!

 

Your  Childhood  Dreams

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Do you remember the dreams that you had in your childhood? The ones that centered around what you would like to do when you grew up. Did you ever follow those dreams or have they been pushed into the depths of your mind?

If you are feeling as though your life is missing something then you may want to take a look at the dreams you had as a child. If you still carry them with you, chances are they are things that you are passionate about.

Think back and let your childhood memories surface. Back then did you want to fly a plane, be a fireman or doctor, or travel to the other side of the world? Did you want to play in a band or write poetry all day?

picture of word dream

 

Just a dream

Of course, some of your childhood dreams may not have been practical. Especially those based around space travel or adventures on the high seas!

Once you have uncovered your dreams, are there any that now seem more reachable? If so, then why not attempt to make one of them come true?

If you wanted to be a singer, act in a play or write a novel, why not start now and do those things? You really are never too old to try something new, and it’s never too late to take up a new hobby.

What are your current talents and gifts? Can you combine one of your talents with a dream? Maybe as a child, you wanted to travel the world on a ship. Why not write a novel based on this?

Maybe you have a talent for art and graphics. Can you combine this with an old dream? You could look into ways of helping young children become graphic artists. Or use your talents to support a local charity or cause.

Just because you have matured, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have dreams and desires anymore. Take your life experiences and mix them with your desires and create a new passion or interest in your life.

It actually takes risks and courage to follow a dream at any age. Are you prepared to finally make one of your childhood dreams come true? If you don’t take a chance on yourself, you are missing out on fulfilling your life. Remember that no one else is going to do it for you!

JohnK 9-5-2015

chiforyourself.com home

Listen to the article by clicking on this player…

 

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Overheard:

All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them. –                                     Walt Disney

Uncovering Your True Calling in Life

August 29, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikHere it is, another Monday, and you’re hard at work. Maybe you’re thinking about someone who seems to be blessed with knowing just exactly what to do with his or her life. Maybe you’d like to know that feeling, too. And maybe you know there’s something special you’re meant to do but you’re not sure how to go about it. CHI FOR YOURSELF continues the series into “Finding Your Why” with ideas to help you move closer to your purpose.

Uncovering  Your  True  Calling  in  Life                                                                       

Many people believe that they have a true calling in life. This is something that they feel compelled to do, regardless of the odds. When you have this feeling, you are driven towards taking action. But what happens when you are not confident of where your true calling may take you?

It is very easy to mistake your true calling as nothing more than a mere dream or desire. You may feel as though you were meant to do this thing but finding the opportunity to follow your dream is holding you back. It can also be a frightening experience, to suddenly give up a stable job in order to follow a new path.

Many musicians and authors felt as though they had a true calling in life. They were always drawn to words or music in such a way that they couldn’t help themselves. There are many professional musicians who didn’t have the support of their relatives. Not until a family member saw them perform and saw how the magical allure drew the audience in, did they understand the passion.

Authors are the same way. They feel as though they have to write, no matter what. They lock themselves away for days or weeks so that they can put all those words onto paper.
man thinking

Even if you can’t manage to follow your true calling in life full time. There is no reason why you can’t put time and effort into it on a more part time basis. If you have that longing to write a book, then start writing it in your spare time. At least you are allowing yourself to follow your passion.

Not sure if you even have a true calling in your life? Most people do.The problem lies in recognizing it. Look toward your dreams and desires. Is there one thing that keeps popping over and over again?

If so, this could be your true calling. Examples of a true calling include becoming a doctor or nurse. Travelling to a distant country and doing mission work. Or your true calling could be raising money for a charity or working with young children or animals.

The next time you are sitting bored at your desk, let some of those dreams come to the surface. Then look for a way that you can work on one of them to make your dream a reality. Once you do, you’ll finally be following your true calling.

 

You can listen to this article on an mp3 file by clicking on this player:

 

JohnK 8-29-2016

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Overheard: “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.”
~Émile Zola

 

Inner Exploration and Your Dreams

August 22, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikLast week we posed the question “do you know where your passion is?” Today we drill down a bit more on the topic. You can read the article or listen to the mp3 which follows.

 

Uncovering  Your  Passions  and  Your  Why  

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Use the following ways to easily uncover your passions and discover your why in life. Make a list of all the things that you have always dreamed about doing. These should be all those items that you haven’t done because of a lack of money, time or they seemed to be impractical.

Use these questions to uncover your dreams:

 

1. What is the one thing that you are always dreaming about but haven’t done yet?

2. What did you want to do or be when you were growing up?

3. Have you ever abandoned a dream?

4. What is it that you want to do, but are afraid of doing?

Once you have identified your dreams your next step is to create a plan of action. You may have ended up with a relatively long list. If so make time to start doing a few of them each month. If you have to schedule time for them into your work calendar.

For those dreams that require more effort and time look for a way that you can attempt to do one. Your dream may be to visit an exotic country or help build a new school in an under-developed country. Look for ways to make this come true. This would be your long term passion and why.

If you don’t have too many dreams, try the same experiment with your hobbies. Write out a list of hobbies that you have done at one time, those that you currently do and those that you would love to do.

Don’t have a list of hobbies, what are the things you currently spend time on that make you feel happy and fulfilled? Look for ways to turn these into a hobby.

You may even be at a point in your life where you wish to turn a part-time hobby into a full-time one. If you enjoy art, ceramics, poetry, music, writing, dance or a particular exercise. Look to see if you can do this full time. Can you become a yoga instructor, ceramics or art teacher or write your own novel?

If your hobby or interest doesn’t transition well into a way of making you money see if you can get involved in a different way. You may love to run marathons and smaller events for a local charity. Look for a way to get involved in running that could provide you with an income.

You will be participating in your passion and this will make you feel happier with life.

 

 

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This week on CHI FOR YOURSELF:

Picture of Susan AndersonSusan Anderson, author of THE ABANDONMENT RECOVERY WORKBOOK: Guidance Through the 5 Stages of Healing from Abandonment, Heartbreak, and Loss. Thursday at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific

 

JohnK 8-22-2016

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