I want you to have work that allows you to put your life together in a way that makes you happy. Work that allows you to use the strengths you enjoy using and to often be "in the flow." Work that you won't have to kick yourself in the pants to get started on (at least not most of the time)!



Positive Psychology research findings tell us that engaging in an experience that produces 'flow' is so gratifying that you will be willing to do it for its own sake, rather than for what they will get out of it. The activity is its own reward. Flow is experienced when:

- your skills are sufficient for a challenging activity,

- you are in the pursuit of a clear goal,

- you receive immediate feedback on progress toward the goal.

When you are working on this type of activity, your concentration is fully engaged in the moment, self-awareness disappears, and sense of time is distorted (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).

So what kind of work would get you in the "flow"? Here's the million dollar question: What do you really want to do? Don't worry that your answer may not be the "perfect" or "best" thing to do. Just what do you really want to do?

Ideas for self employment often come from:

- a version of your present occupation

- a hobby

- an answer to the question "why isn't there a.....?"

- you know you can improve the products or services of others

- a new or different way to use ordinary things

- an observed need

- a technological advance or changes in society

When I began to be disgruntled as an employee, I knew I wanted to work from home, have a flexible schedule, be able to set and complete my own goals, have a lot of alone time and make a good income. I enjoy writing and have a natural strength of listening, empathy and seeing the potential and possibilities for other folks.

I first began a grant writing business as that was the "low hanging fruit." I enjoy writing grants (most people think I'm crazy), my former employer was willing to contract that part of my work to me when I left the job and I was already getting requests from other organizations for this service. And most important, when I write, I am "in the flow", losing track of time and enjoying my completed projects.

And yet, as I continued to do this work and earning a good income, I still had a longing to do something new. I am blessed with many interests and energy so for me, a "portfolio career", one in which I can do more than one thing works for me.

I "accidentally" came across a career coaching training teleclass and knew I would enjoy that training. I enrolled and expanded my existing listening and empathy strengths with coaching skills. That led to the founding of Authentic Life Institute and feeds my desire to help others acknowledge what they love to do and do more of it!

Here are some ways you can uncover what your self employed work might be:

1. In your mind, create an "ideal day". If you like to write, write out your vision. Imagine what you do from the beginning of the day to the end, where are you, what kinds of activities/people are you engaged with, what did you accomplish at the end of the day? What time do you leave and where do you go? How do you feel?

2. What topics catch your attention? Travel, pets, politics? What kind of business could unleash your passion and energy? Can you discover a way to turn this dream into a business that others would pay for your products or services?

3. What are your natural strengths? Mechanics, animals, cooking? Match those up with something that others will pay for and you've got a winning choice!

To your Authentic Self!