Wet Blankets Of Profitability & Practicality
I recently had a coaching session with a client who's been a bit
stuck in his life, even though he's become clear of his life
purpose. He realizes that it's time to create a powerful purpose
project that will inspire him forward in his life but can't
quite get it in gear. He even knows what the project could be
but he keeps stopping himself because he can't figure out how to
make the project profitable or practical.
For me, considering these two 'Ps' too early in the creative
process is the kiss of death. It's like placing two wet, soggy
blankets over top of your kindling and wood and then not being
able to figure out why you can't get the fire started. For the
most part, 'How do I make money with this project / business,'
and 'I have to be sure I'm practical and live in the 'real
world' are invariably comments that arise from the fear, lack
and struggling to make it (Inherited Purpose), and are powerful
IP strategies for keeping us safe, secure and ultimately small.
Sure, there are a lot of very successful businesses out in the
world that were created first and foremost to make the founder
financially wealthy, and there's nothing wrong with that.
They're simply not a 'Business On Purpose,' and it's not
surprising that many of the people concerned with such
businesses wouldn't show up for work if it weren't for the money
they receive. In fact, in many cases, the only thing they enjoy
about their work is getting paid.
Creating a business that is first and foremost a clear and
distinct expression of your true, Divinely Inspired Life Purpose
is a different animal. I often describe Life On Purpose
Institute, Inc. as a 'vision- directed / fiscally responsible'
enterprise. In other words, first and foremost, it's the vision
of creating a World On Purpose that directs the decisions,
choices, and actions of those involved with the enterprise, and
at the same time we make every effort to maintain ourselves to
be financially responsible because we realize if we're not, the
vision will never be realized. This is not an either/or way of
thinking, but a 'both/and' way of thinking, where it's clear
what's the primary purpose and motivation of the business.
So, if anyone is really committed to creating a business that is
a reflection and expression of their true purpose, my coaching
is to stop worrying about the company being profitable or
practical AT FIRST. There will come a time in the creative
process that those questions are sound and appropriate, just not
at first. Don't slap these wet blankets on your dreams. They'll
suffocate the spark of passion and purpose before they can roar
into a flame of inspiration.
The Magic of Merlin
According to Arthurian Legend, Merlin was a very powerful wizard
in part because he lived his life backwards, from the future, to
the present and into the past. You can use this 'Merlin
Principle' to empower yourself in your life on purpose by
creating a Visionary Reality for your life that includes your
Business On Purpose that is in high momentum. In other words,
work from the back, forward. Paint a clear and inspiring,
multi-sensory picture of what your Business On Purpose will be
like when it's stable and in momentum, then look from that
future back to the present to get a different and insightful
perspective on how you got to that future. In this way, the
Visionary Reality will serve to pull you forward. And for sure,
include in this picture that your business is being highly
profitable and offers a practical product line and/or services.
Just don't get concerned at this early stage with needing to
know how it will be profitable and practical. The Universe will
provide you with this information on a 'need to know' basis.
Shifting the Questions from Lack to Love
When you do begin to address the question of profit and
practicality, make every effort to come from your true-life
purpose rather than from your Inherited Purpose. In other words,
be mindful that you're in a place of Universal love, abundance
and flow rather than stuck in the fear, lack and struggle of
your past. When you do, a different set of questions will arise,
such as:
Instead of 'How can I make a living at this?' might shift to
'What service can I provide that people will naturally want,
need and be ready to pay me well for?' Or even perhaps from
'What will happen if I don't succeed?' shifting to more of a
'What am I willing to take on that's worth failing at?' In other
words, what bold adventure are you willing to launch that will
be worth risking it all because even failing to completely
fulfill on the possibility will be a worthwhile endeavor.
What would such a bold adventure be for you this year?
What step could you take to move forward in bringing it into
reality?