Ever think you have something to share with the world and no one will listen?
I do.
Ever think you’re alone in your thinking?
But I was wrong..and so are you if you did.
Because you’re not.
Finding Your Gift
Many people search for their gifts, but never find them. (That’s not true.)
Many people who don’t really search for their gifts never find them. (There’s the truth.)
You have to look. You have to dwell. There is no shortcut. There is no passing “GO” to collect $200.
There is no choice. You have to find your gift and use it…or you’ll always be searching in life. Some people never know what they’re even searching for, that’s sad.
3 Steps to Get Started
- Pray. Being a Christian, I can say that my God listens and talks back. He cares. I never push my beliefs on someone and I expect the same in return. The point of this is that you have been given a gift. How will you start to find it?
- Do Nothing. Spend some time doing nothing. It’s important for our minds to rest every once in awhile. I did this for about 5 minutes the other day and it completely re-energized me to carry on. Try it.
- Start. Sorry. There’s no other way to get going than to start. You could “begin.” You could “go.” But they all require action. Sorry, that’s the just way this works.
You Really Do Have One (or some)
Yes, you really do have a purpose in life. Maybe you have no idea where to start.
No, you do. You know exactly where to start. Don’t tell me you don’t. Better yet, don’t tell yourself you don’t.
You have a passion. A dream. A goal.
Start small. It doesn’t matter what you want to be, there is a community for it. There’s a whole community for anything. Seriously. It’s kind of ridiculous if you ask me…but there is.
So if you’re into racing chickens…search for it.
Or growing beans. Or stacking dominos. Go for it. You can at least start by connecting with someone who shares your interest.
Now You Have No Excuses
The Internet has taken away many things. It’s given us a ton, but it’s taken too. Most good things have pros and cons.
The one major thing it’s taken away though is excuses.
“I don’t know where the nearest Lowe’s is” isn’t an excuse anymore. Use your phone. Jump on a computer. Ask the dude next to you at Starbucks.
“I don’t know how many cups are in a gallon” doesn’t work. Ask Siri. Google it.
Excuses are no more.
If you’re interested in finding your gift, using it and making a life you want to live, you’re in luck. You’ve been blessed to live in a time in history where we can do anything we set our minds to.
That’s scary for some…but incredibly awesome for those of us that start.
What’s the one thing you’ll commit to doing this week to start finding or following your dream?
How timely. I’ve been trying to pursue music as a producer and Hip-Hop artist (Im also a christian) for a long time. Frustrations of not having a team, flakey artists, yada yada yada, have culminated in me wanting to give it up. But your statement of us living in a unique time in history is so true. Good to see a christian perspective on lifehack. I love this site. Great encouraging article.
Glad to hear it helped. Thanks for reading.
This was the most useless article. I come to Lifehacker for practical instruction, not a vague early morning devotional.
Sorry to hear that. We’re just sharing information here, you’re free to take it or leave it. No harm. Take care.
You say your little god cares for you. I think you have a rather excellent life. Now do those children in Africa have that also? Don’t think so. Your god is a very, very cruel man. If he even exists at all.
There’s another discussion entirely here. We all have our views. Have a good day.
Can we try not to be so nasty when encountering a belief different than our own? Just ignore the advice that doesn’t apply to you. If Jared tells me to “go vegan” because it works for him, I’ll just take a bite of bacon and say to myself, “No thanks.” I don’t need to chime with some story about how people in Africa need more meat. Yeesh!
I hear ya on that. Thanks for the response, have a great day!
If you never push your beliefs on someone, why is “Pray” part of your guide on getting started?
I didn’t say who to. I have my clear direction but that doesn’t mean you have to take it. Leave that one out if want but regardless of religion, or lack of, you’re praying to a god or to luck/yourself. That’s my take on it.
Great article – thanks. Just what I needed to hear. So important to cut through the BS, get rid of the overly complex and “just do it!”
:D Glad it helped a bit
Thanks Jared. It really is important that we study ourselves and know what gifts we have and then use them to the fullest. I have found that in my own journey the more I have stepped out and taken action the more opportunities arise. I really believe that is the most important thing you can do is START. Just start where you are, get moving, try things, fail at things, find what you like and don’t like. Just get busy doing something. Reminds me of the quote. “In order to succeed in business, you first need to BE in business.”
Absolutely. Very well interpreted and said. Take care!
Why so much negative comments. This is a very positive article. Thanks writer
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jared, good article. Practical and technical articles are great
but I think they are only part of holistic approach to productivity and self-development
and your text very nicely attempts to bridge the gap :) I like it. And I agree
with others defending the “God & praying” part. No one would kick
up as big fuss if Jason was talking about taking up yoga classes and meditation
to “find oneself”. Seriously, chill out peeps. Religion is a choice and be surprised if you want to but
it’s not a such an unusual choice! And stop dragging poor children from Africa
into the conversation. Do something instead. Donate some money. Set up a charity.
Travel to Africa and help first hand. Or if you think the system is broken invent
a new way of solving the problem. Or simply shut up (sorry) if you have nothing
better than whining to share.
Thanks for responding, I appreciate the kind words. :D
Nice work. There’s a lengthy quote from Ben Franklin , I think, about the weakness of critics and the strength of the one doing what it takes to take action. Stand strong. Appreciate you sir…
Absolutely. :D
I am glad you said prayer as your first step. In a land of blurred lines and sketchy self help ideas, im glad you took the chance to say that you believe in prayer. I appreciate the fact that you werent scared to hide it and give typical steps that would appease the masses. Thanks for the article :)
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!