This is the advice of a man by the name of Joseph Campbell.
Campbell, an American writer, lecturer, mythologist and former Professor at Sarah Lawerence College was fascinated with understanding the "human experience".
Understandably, since this is one of the most significant and intriguing topics one could choose to focus their studies on.
The human experience. We definitely know it is an experience!
For Campbell, one of his greatest works/ lectures/ contributions was called, Following Your Bliss.
Makes sense. The key to maximizing the human experience is maximizing your time doing what you love. Follow the path you are pulled towards rather than the path that "others" create for you.
Personally, I believe much of the pain people experience comes from going against their own personal code and operating system.
Working to be strong in areas they inherently weak at, focusing on what others think they should be doing and completely abandoning their natural talents, abilities and passions. Better known as their, BLISS.
It is very hard to "burn-out" when you are following your bliss for the reason and quest of expression. It is very hard to suffer from a lack of engagement when you are working within your bliss. Finally, one could argue that one of the major cures of mild depression may be as simple as following your bliss?
I believe this is the truth. Bliss can be your dictator. Bliss can drive you towards the excellence you would never have achieved in doing something you are "told" to do, rather than what you are destined to do.
Bliss is a state of mind and a state of being. In addition, bliss is an act of engagement that can create incredible reactions. Those that work in this state can create some of the Worlds greatest contributions and works.
Just think about those people that have achieved excellence.
Steve Jobs to name one of them. This man had a mad passion and lived life following his bliss obsessively. This owned his mind, body and soul. His actions were guided and not ones he needed to think about and over-strategize over. He felt it. Gut. Instinct. Feel.
How about some of the greatest artists in history. Same thing. Great athletes. Same thing. They were pulled and pushed towards their bliss.
What many that have not experienced working in a state of "bliss" fail to realize is that when you are working in the state, you have endless energy and endless creativity. You feel as if you are being lifted and guided from a place greater than yourself. You are driven. Motivated. Amplified.
This state can not be forced, only nurtured. This state of being is expressed not sought. Quieting your mind, body and soul will allow this "flow/ bliss state" to happen.
If you are at a point in your life where everything is a struggle. All light appears as darkness and you lack the excitement, it may be time to ask yourself, "Am I in a state of bliss and doing what I live and was born to do?"
The greats realize this. When you chase, you loose. When you flow, you win.
If you are wondering how you can find you bliss, start by quieting your noise, doing less of what you dislike and more of what you love. Drop the expectations. Eliminate the self-imposed deadlines. Experience different environments and enrichment activities that are different from your norms.
This creates a fertile breathing ground to greatness and open channeling. Trust that by turning the navigation system off for a short while your ship will go where it is supposed to go. Do not over navigate the boat. Look what Columbus discovered without navigation.#mindset.
Dana Cavalea is the World Champion Director of Strength and Conditioning & Performance of the New York Yankees.
Currently, he is a High Performance Speaker & Consultant to Pro Athletes, Entrepreneurs, Business Executives, and Workforces on lifestyle strategies to reduce stress, improve work/life integration, and most importantly improve daily performance /outcomes.
Book Dana to Speak at your Company Event or Conference Today!
