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It's where you go to achieve your purpose, dreams, and passion.
A friend of mine recently sent me a link to a "casting call" for a new opportunity that she thought I would be perfect for. I looked up the information, and sure enough, it was an awesome looking opportunity.
But, I had a lot of work on my plate, and in addition to filling out an 11 page written application, I had to video myself and have the entire packet sent out that day. Great idea - but the timing wasn't right.
So, I went back to work.
It kept nagging at me though. "Okay Travis, you really aren't even
going to try?"
Why should I? It's a crap shoot...a lottery...nothing will come of it.
"How do you know? What is the worst that will happen, you lose a few
hours of work? Big deal!"
I don't know, why would they pick me?
"Why wouldn't they pick you?"
Ahhh...good question conscience! (By the way, that entire dialogue was inside my head...not out loud. I know some of you were concerned)
So, I pulled the e-mail out of the trash, printed out the application, filled out the entire behemoth of an application, shot and edited a video of myself, and then over-nighted the packet to Los Angeles?
What happened? Are you curious? Did I get it?
Well...no.
(So much for Hollywood endings)
I did get a call-back though. So, out of the thousand of people that interviewed for the first round, I made it to the final 100 or so. Not bad.
What is the point then?
Look at it this way. You will not get 100% of the things you never try for! Guaranteed!
Yup, if you never try - you never taste the pie! (Just made that up -
not sure if it works or not)
For someone who was pretty tentative as a kid (and still am in different ways), I have challenged myself to take risks and "get out there" in recent years.
So, where is "out there?"
Out there is where you go to achieve your purpose, dreams, and passion.
Referring back to a previous blog, I talked about how our purpose is
already within us - we just need to utilize those resources that are
already available to us. So, this idea is consistent with that. If we
look inside ourselves and articulate our passions and purpose in life
- we then need to think about the steps that need to be taken to put
our purpose in action.
To use a lame example, if my passion and purpose in life were to be a lifeguard, it might behoove me to learn how to swim. And, if I do know how to swim I might want to seek out opportunities where my skills can be used.
Simple enough.
But, taking that next step when it comes to our purpose often feels a lot scarier. That is probably why it feels so "out there."
It feels foreign, scary, and intimidating. And, many times, those feelings alone prevent us from moving forward.
About 8-9 years ago when my wife and I were in Boston, I decided that I was going to take an improvisation class. I had never done it before, but it always looked fun. So, a bit nervous, I jumped in and signed-up for the class. I loved it! It became my favorite night of the week, and as a result I ended up going through the entire six-level training center.
I could have stopped there.
The theater was having auditions for a touring company cast, and although I was still very new - what did I have to lose except a little self-confidence?
Again, this audition felt very "out there" and scary. But, I had a great time and ended up making it into the cast. Not only was this a great accomplishment, it has proved to become one of my true passions in life. I now co-own my own group - and even still - we are always trying to put ourselves "out there."
As mentioned before though, there are plenty of obstacles that prevent us from going "out there." Some of this resistance shows up in the form of fear, doubt, lack of time, lack of confidence, financial limitations, and intimidation.
I still struggle with these. What I have tried to do in recent years though is evaluate the motives that prevent me from do something. If they are wrapped or hidden in any of the qualities above - well then I know I need to crack that cookie so that I can move forward.
What we don't want to leave out here is that we are talking about our passion and purpose. There is nothing more important! It is your reason for being. It is living your life with the most meaning and highest sense of right. It is your essence. The one unique quality only you can do - and no one can do it like you!!
I found so many ideas from Science and Health that are helpful in this regard, but here is just one, "Advancing spiritual steps in the teeming universe of Mind lead on to spiritual spheres and exalted beings."
I don't know about you - but I want to be an exalted being! This is what you are supposed to be doing - and nothing can prevent you from doing it. As an expression of God, Spirit, Love - this is what you are meant to do.
Trust me, I come face to face with these feelings every day, and it can be REAL scary. But there is no greater feeling than getting "out there" - and you know the feeling when you've been there...even if you don't get the part ;)
Lastly, I just want to plug a friend of mine (Traci Fenton) who is definitely "out there" - and she is doing quite well! Her company is making a global ripple, and if you want to read more about her recent work - check out this article!
Much love!
Travis
PS - If you are getting hung-up and feeling like getting "out there" is too scary - drop me a line or give me a call. Read more from this blogger at Travis Inc.
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