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Business on Purpose

One of the mega trends of the 90s is home based small

businesses. Millions are finding new levels of independence and

freedom from being their own boss. Unfortunately, many new

business owners also are finding that working for themselves

isn't always as rewarding or fulfilling as it could be. Here's

one proven technique for bringing more fun, focus and

fulfillment to your work. By the way, it also works if you're

employed by someone else.

Have your values and vision shape your business. All too often,

entrepreneurs are pulled into a new business venture because of

the promise or opportunity of large profits. Now, don't get me

wrong. There's nothing wrong with making money from your

business. After all, most businesses are known as "for profit

enterprises." I'm only suggesting that many people find having

profit be the primary force shaping their business isn't as fun

or fulfilling as having their values and vision shape their

enterprise.

I realize this isn't new. It's been said dozens of different

ways, including, "Do what you love and the money will follow."

It dates back at least to the time of Confucius who said,

"Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your

life." But, it's worth repeating. As the new minister replied

when his congregation asked why he was repeating the same sermon

over and over, "Well, as soon as you start living this first

message, we'll go on to the next one." Many people are still

allowing the "almighty dollar" to shape their businesses, and

then wondering why they aren't happy or satisfied with their

work.

The secret to creating a business or career that is both

nurturing to the soul as well as to the pocket book is, as

theologian Frederick Buechner said, to find where "your deep

gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." There you will find

a job, a career, a business, and a life worth living.

How do you go about finding that place? Start with a little

reflection. The following simple process will get you started in

"Priming the Passion Pump:"

1. What do you love to do? Look at times in your life when you

were most alive, excited, in love with life. What were you doing

during those moments? Who were you with? Ask people who know you

when they've noticed you most alive and enthusiastic.

2. What kind of people do you love to be with? Answer this both

specifically (as in the specific people you love to be with) and

in general (as in the types of people you enjoy). What are some

of the things you could do in your life that would give you the

opportunity to spend more time with these people?

3. If money, time, energy and talent were unlimited, what would

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you do with your life and who would you be? (Notice if it's

difficult to imagine any particular one of these being

unlimited. If this happens, see if you can let go of that

judgment).

4. What values are most important to you? It's important to

distinguish between the values that you think you should feel

are important, and the ones you choose of your own free will.

This will get you started on finding the "deep gladness" inside

you that will bring much more fun, focus and fulfillment to any

venture you take on, business or otherwise.

© Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. This article can

be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and

this resource box are included.

About the author:

Dr. Brad Swift founded Life On Purpose Institute in 1996 with

the vision of creating a World On Purpose by assisting people

like yourself to clarify their life purpose & live true to it.

Determine how on or off purpose your life is with the fun &

insightful Self Test at:

http://lifeonpurpose.com/_forms/self-test.php?source=ezart

Inspire yourself with a fr.ee subscription to Purposeful

Pondering Ezine: http://lifeonpurpose.com/