Hey Friend,

“What’s your dream?”

That was the opening question we all asked each other. It was even written on our name tags. Mine said something like “creative catalyst.”

In other words, I didn’t know. I had no idea what my dream was or even what I was doing at that conference. When people asked, I used fancy words intended to confuse the listener, so they would stop asking me questions.

“I want to be a storytelling sherpa,” I told one guy carrying around an iPad. He nodded politely, eyes slowly glazing over. Mission accomplished. If I confused enough people, I didn’t have to worry about difficult follow-up questions. I could just blend in.

What was I doing there, anyway?

For years, I'd been working for a nonprofit as a marketing director, and my job was to tell other people's stories, sharing their words with the world. But what about my story? That's what I was there to find out.

I was tired of watching my life drift by, wondering what it all meant. I was done sitting on the couch, scrolling through Facebook, envying those who had it all figured out—everyone but me.

Here I was, at this conference where I was supposed to discover my dream, and once again, I was the odd man out. I knew I was there for a reason, that I had important work to do. I just needed to find out what it was.

The more books I read, the more events I attended, the more this feeling nagged me and wouldn't go away.

Something was calling to me. But what?

At the event, each time I answered the "what's your dream?" question with a disingenuous reply, there was a feeling of betrayal that hit me in the gut. It was as if they were seeing right through me—the poor guy without a dream.

So, I decided to leave. I just didn't belong there. Just as I was getting ready to excuse myself from my table and sneak out the back exit, the opening speaker stepped up to the platform. And with a few short words, he shattered my illusion.

Do you know what he said?

Do you want to know how I finally became a writer?

Do you want to know how I found time to write daily and eventually quit my job to write books for a living, all while juggling the demands of a day job and a growing family?

Well, I'll share that in the next email.

But right now, I want to point out an important lesson: I almost walked away from my calling.

I almost quit before I even began. Lingering at the exit just a few more seconds led to an experience that changed my life.

This was such a profound and important lesson that I ended up writing a book about this experience of finding my purpose called The Art of Work (which became an instant bestseller).

I believe you have important work to do, and that your first step is to discover what it is.

Maybe you’re a writer like me. Maybe you are an artist. Maybe you want to start a business or work for yourself or simply share your message with others.

Whatever it is that you hope to do, it begins with a simple decision: You can’t walk out that door.

Don’t quit. Not yet. Trust me. I’ve been there before. It can be a dark and lonely place to have something inside of you waiting to burst forth and feeling like nobody cares.

But you are closer to a breakthrough than you realize. I promise you. Stick with me a little bit longer, and I’ll tell you why.

Thanks,

Jeff

P.S. If you are digging this stuff and feel like it’s resonating, you are going to love tomorrow’s email. In it, I share a story that literally changed my life, as well as an invitation to an opportunity to go deeper in how to share your message with the world. And don’t worry: nothing’s for sale. It’s totally for free. See you in the next email!

P.P.S. What’s your dream? I want to know! Reply to this email and tell me.