I recently had a chance to see Po Bronson speak at the MN Career Development Conference. You may know Po from his book entitled, What Should I Do With My Life that was published in 2002 – a time in which was ripe for me to get a hold of this book.  Fast forward 7 years and now I hear the storyteller in person.

Sparked to think about the question again. 

Actually.

Inspired to think.

After seeing his recent article in FastCompany – inspired to Act.

Now might not be the time to dream this dream. Be thankful you got a job, right? That’s one way to look at it. Ever think there might be another way?

Perhaps these three points from Po’s article might give you a glimpse into Another way to see it:

1. “Your responsibilities are not keeping you from your purpose, they are part of your purpose, often the very most important part.”

My responsibility to:  myself, the work, the people, the organization. My contribution.  This is what gives it purpose.  

2.  Your calling does not always mean you spring out of bed on Monday and run off to work. 

This is what I like about Po’s book (and article) it’s a no-nonsense approach to life.  There will be the good.  There will be the bad.  Overall, can you find commitment and energy in the work you are doing? Can you find satisfaction in what YOU are contributing? 

3.  Don’t fool yourself. 

I hear this as “don’t let yourself off the hook”.  We’ve all made life too easy at times, resigning yourself to not even tackling the question is a cop-out. Your purpose, passion, zest – isn’t going to come out and jump right in front of you.  There are going to be odd, maybe unknown experiences that have the potential to really transform you.  Your efforts to not just write this situation off as “too hard” is needed. Proceed with caution.  Scrap that…run full-blast at this one!

Bottom line:  This IS the time to entertain this question.  It’s also the time to read this book.  Or, re-read it again!