Quick question: What do you do for a living? One more: What do you want to do for a living?

Why am I asking? Well, as modern-day humans, we tend to place a lot of stock in the answers. We also tend to connect the answers to our sense of identity and self-worth. 

I’m not saying that’s a good thing. I mean, it can be…but too often isn’t. Too often there’s a wide gap between how folks want to live, share their gifts, and be of service…and how they actually spend the majority of their time and make ends meet. While this is NOT a reflection on self-worth, it sure can feel that way.

Here’s the thing though: Every single one of us has agency in directing and redirecting the course of our lives. This might mean changing a big thing—the place we live or how we earn a living, for example. But little, everyday things on repeat count too—how we eat, how we sleep, how we treat ourselves and treat others. 

With choices big or small, the specific outcome (e.g., what you do for a living) is far less important than the essence we’re after. The end point will likely look different than our original plan anyway. That’s part of the process. That’s life being life.

I mean, look, I was once a pre-med student on track to become a doctor. Spoiler: That’s not how things turned out. Know what remained the same? The essence of how I wanted to spend my time and be of service: Helping people who feel broken no longer feel broken. 

Turns out, this made for a wild ride! One that included coaching elite athletes and becoming a “coach to the stars”…researching and writing books…creating a leading health and wellness blog…pioneering a Primal movement…founding Primal Health Coach Institute…and so much more. Heck, I even have my own mayo and kickass shoes.

Just to say, I’ve made a living doing what I always wanted. By staying true to my calling, keeping consistent, and following the opportunity, I’ve helped more people feel better and achieve their ideal than I likely would have as a doctor.

I’m not saying you have to do things like I did. The details of passion, purpose, and a life well lived look different for each of us. I am saying there’s meaning and magnetism in finding clarity around the essence of what you’re after (in work, relationships, health, fitness, etc.), staying steadfast in next steps, and placing curiosity and continuous transformation above a specific outcome. 

This means far more to me than what you or I do for a living. This does far more to support a felt sense of self-worth.  

Well? What’s the essence of what you’re after? In health? In livelihood? In another area of life? What choices are you making and what steps are you taking to get there? Has the planned destination changed along the way? Let us know in the comment section of New & Noteworthy.