There used to be a forum around called the Job Seekers forum. When it was around, I occasionally posted there giving advice about breaking free from the job mentality, a corporate position. The tag line for this forum said it all: “…because life is more than just a job!” It really stuck with me. 
From my observation it became obvious that so many relied on the uncertain winds of fortune to guide them in a career. A very few were blessed to be following a selected and planned career path of choice, a path driven by their passion and their heart. It got me to wondering about the fate of the rudderless masses.
Now, it is totally understandable that everyone has got to pay their way, but making money just to pay the bills comes at a cost. Mere survival to “make ends meet” causes life to be empty and meaningless; it robs one’s soul of its inspiration and spirit. With the missing capacity to create and contribute freely life becomes nothing more than an interruption on the way to the next eternity. Is that all that there is?
NO! We know with certainty that is not all that there is. “Because life is more than just a job,” for those willing to look, finding the right path is essential to living with satisfaction and fulfillment. There is no more sacred task than finding the way to live your life fully guided by your passion and making a living with it.
Chris and Janet Attwood - co authors of The Passion Test
Both Lynn and I have challenged ourselves to help others find their passion. We have registered with Chris and Janet Attwood and will be taking The Passion Test Facilitator Course the last weekend of January 2012. We know the key to living a life beyond the confines of a job is in finding your passion and learning how to monetize it.
Just think about it for a moment. If you were living your true passion every day you’d never have to go to work. You wouldn’t have to find a “job”, deal with a boss, or fear a pink slip. You’d get up and go to play… every day! Every day would be a play day! Awesome!
The course ends Sunday, January 29th. Not knowing how the course will shape up I may not be posting again until after the course completion. Fair warning and my promise is that the next post here is guaranteed to blow you mind. Because, life is about your passion and you know it.
Rick,
I am already living my passion. I left my secure college teaching position to explore the world. At the time I thought that meant to build a small private relationship healing practice in my office, working one on one with individuals and couples. But then I discovered the online world and my vision keeps expanding. Now I am about to launch My Complete Relationship System to the world as I reach out to men and women globally. And as I focus with more and more people, teaching them how to heal and creating loving relationships, guess what? My own relationships just keep getting better and better.
Rick, I can’t wait to hear about your passion test and what you will be offering to other.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Do You Feel As Good As You Look? by Guest Blogger Dr. Barbara Hales
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Rick Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Erica,
Wow, you are amongst the rarity actually living your passion. Congratulations! I will be sure to let you know about what we’ll be offering in early February.
When you release My Complete Relationship System let us know. It sounds like something many are going to want to know about.
RICK
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It takes a lot of time and money to invest in any business, even as a web designer. I have been designing since 2003 and blogging for over a decade now. It was not until 2008 that I went professional blogger and full time WordPress designer and developer. It was a hard decision, but a good one as I can take more time to blog and do what I want.
I did not want to work in a factory or at a front desk at a hotel anymore. I wanted to do something I enjoyed and knew since I was a teen that I would not be satisfied with the rat race.
I always love to hear when others have finally away from the 9-5 and doing what they are happy to do. It really shows when I meet some of them at the conferences I speak at.
Nile recently posted..Blondish.net Podcast – Blogging and SEO
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Rick Reply:
January 22nd, 2012 at 12:19 am
Nile,
Thanks for your comment. You are truly one of the inspiring leaders to come by. We make a difference by taking up the entrepreneurial spirit.
Best regards,
RICK
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Hey Rick
I could not agree more, live your passion.
To get out of a job that just pays the bills is not easy, it takes many small steps.
The key is to take the first step.
Peter
Peter Fuller MBA recently posted..The Easiest and Best Way to Make Money Online
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Rick Reply:
January 19th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Hey Peter,
Living your passion is what Lynn and I are up to. We are sharing the technology to discover one’s passion and then monetize it. What a blast!
Thanks for stopping by.
RICK
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That’s so true we should work for a better life and not just leave to work. Many people even succesful ones forget what is the meaning of life which of course it’s not just making more money. It’s your family, friends and all you care about, if don’t have all that you don’t have anything in life…
Kostas recently posted..The Fun of Coaching Frustrated Entrepreneurs
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I look forward to hearing about your journey with that. No life has to be more than the job of working to pay the bills. I have been fortunate that I have been able to “play everyday” for quite a while!
Lynda Cromar recently posted..This Baby Boomer Decided I Was Not Too Old For Network Marketing!
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Rick Reply:
January 22nd, 2012 at 12:27 am
Lynda,
I am truly happy to hear that you “play” everyday. As you can see we are expanding our repertoire by getting certified as Passion Test Facilitators. Will keep you posted, for certain.
RICK
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Of course that Life is more than a Job!! It is adventure, it is emotion is is a feel, a desire…You wondered where I realized that – in Peru. Go there or somewhere and breath and feel the air!
Anna recently posted..dental crown cost
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Rick Reply:
January 22nd, 2012 at 12:29 am
Anna,
It never ceases to amaze me how so many go through life living daily for someone else. We are blessed to do the work we are called to do.
Thanks for your thoughts.
RICK
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A good point to keep in mind is that one does not have to take an immediate leap into one’s passion. One can gradually transition out of one job and into one’s passion. But, in today’s uncertain economy, it’s good to do so with a certain amount of planning and support.
Steve-Personal Success Factors recently posted..Steps For Business Entrepreneurs To Dig Out Of The Debt Cycle And Stay Out Of It
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Rick Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Steve,
As far as making a living I agree, we must plan and it’s great to have support. However, living your passion can start right here, right now. When we don’t live our passion there can be no true fulfillment. There will always be something missing. Even if you’re not earning a living through your passion you can still begin to live it.
Always appreciate your thoughts,
RICK
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Such a great article, I totally agree, it would be the best thing if we could live for our passions all day long, but that’s only for fews, unfortunately. The biggest part has to work to pay the bills. that’s sad but true. But I like that you have some oportunities for sharing:)
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Rick Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Catwoman,
Ah, but what you say is exactly our mission for people, to have them identity their passion and then learn how to make money with it. Yes, we call have bills to pay, it’s part of living. Wouldn’t it be great to be amongst those few you refer to and live our passion everyday. Totally possible. Lynn and I are big believers!
Thanks for stopping by, hope to “see” you again.
RICK
PS Where are you from? Hungary?
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Inspirational article Rick, and the course sounds exciting. Your article really caught my eye because I’ve been doing some research on the psychology and emotional issues connected to that age old question … “so, what do you DO for a living?” It’s really fascinating in today’s world with so many people following non-traditional paths. Hope you’ll be sharing some of the highlights from your course here!
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Rick Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Marty,
You bet I’ll be sharing. LOL! Yes, with so many taking “alternative” paths, this resonates with my wife and me like a big old bell!
Happy Chinese New Year!
RICK
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Hey Rick, I hope you are well…. looks like we are both on a similar path! We have a 9 week coaching program called Do What You Love For Your Living
It’s great doing what you love for a job isn’t it? My goal is to inspire thousands of other people to be able to earn an income for themselves, making a HUGE difference in the lives of other people.
Thanks for sharing,
Gavin
Gavin Mountford recently posted..3 – Your Mission to Millionaire…
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Rick Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Gavin,
Your post makes me feel good that this message is getting out there. Personal satisfaction and fulfillment is essential. Life is way too short to do it any other way. Much success, my friend.
RICK
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Rick,
I have lived most of my life following my passion. I started out teaching in elementary school and was miserable. I quit at the end of the first semester and then worked at a Recording Company, a place thst I loved. Then I used to play tennis every afternoon and I chose to teach physical education, including tennis. But I did not understand at that time what a joy it is to not be confined by an academic calendar, rules and regulations set by others, or colleagues you are not compatible with. Now, as a private therapist and online coach, I am finally living without restraints and retrictions imposed upon me by others. Now I know, if it is to be it is up to me.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Do You Feel As Good As You Look? by Guest Blogger Dr. Barbara Hales
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Rick Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Dr. Erica,
I like the idea of living your life without the constraints of others. That’s one piece. The other piece is living and working your passion. You’ve accomplished both. Congrats and thanks for stopping by.
RICK
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Hi Rick, You made some really valid points about finding a career that you are passionate about. I especially liked when you said-Mere survival to “make ends meet” causes life to be empty and meaningless; it robs one’s soul of its inspiration and spirit. I used to be in a sales job that did not feed my passion and I was unhappy. When I decided to follow my passion and become a chef, my life changed for the better. Thanks for sharing
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Rick Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Shelley,
It’s so simple I don’t know why people resist it. You cannot be satisfied in life unless you do what you are called to do. Period, end of story. So, find out your true passion and go for it.
Appreciate your thoughts,
RICK
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Finding my passion has been a journey for me and one that has contiuned over the years. I have has a career for the last 35 years that has been a way to pay the bills. Now I want to live my passion and be in charge of my own destiny.
Joyce Edwards recently posted..FAT Doesn’t Make You FAT!!!!
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Rick Reply:
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Joyce,
Knowing one’s passion is essential to ultimate satisfaction in life. You were put here for a reason and it would be a crime not to fulfill that reason. Stay tuned. Giving The Passion Test will point you in the direction you were meant to go.
RICK
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Rick,
Passion might be one of the few things that completely separates success and enjoyment. Those with passion live everyday to the fullest! Whether it is a work or at play. Those who do not have the passion can never understand.
Andy
Andy Nathan recently posted..Ode To WebHosting
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Rick Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Andy,
Surprisingly many don’t really connect with their passions and that’s a real crime. Everyone has a passion, but not everyone is in touch with it. That’s why we’re Passion Test Facilitators to make sure as many who want to can discover their passion.
Thanks for stopping by.
RICK
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Hey Rick and Lynn,
This is my first time on your site and I have to say it’s a breath of fresh air and wonderful that you are helping so many find their passion in life.
Life really is sooo much more than a job. It is sad that most will live most of their lives this way. Its great to have people like you trying to make a difference.
Looking forward to connecting with you soon,
Beth Hewitt
Beth Hewitt recently posted..Dream the Impossible
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Rick Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Thanks, Beth, for stopping by. Lynn and I are reaching out to as many as we can to show the way to living a life of passion. It’s been a fun journey and we have “miles to go before we sleep.”
RICK
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This post really brought me back Rick.
I remember sitting at my last job back a couple years ago thinking, “there has to be more than this to life.”
Now I am just after the next challenge as an entrepreneur:)
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Rick Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Preston,
You are one of those who took action and are now living a life of fulfillment. Hold tight to you passions, my friend, it’s the fuel of life!
RICK
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Hi Rick, true words…..every wants to get such a job from which they get lots of money while they don’t get the satisfaction…..I think satisfaction is the man and first thing to be considered……
Thanks for sharing it……
Prakash recently posted..No Waste Laser And Room Temperature Laser
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Rick Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Prakash,
True satisfaction comes from from fulfilling the reason you are here. That’s our job. Find it and be contented.
Thanks for your thoughts.
RICK
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Rick
Following your passion is so important. I try to encourage people to find that passion and follow it what ever way they can. You cna start out slow and build on that! Zig Ziglar says to do it for free until someone ask you what you charge. I clown for free for quite a while till I started getting calls asking me what I would charge!!!!!!
have a Great Day
Chester
Chester Delameter recently posted..I really need to write a new blog!!
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Rick Reply:
February 15th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Chester,
You know so many people only think they know their passions. Once they go through The Passion Test they become certain. Sometimes surprised, too.
How do you know what to charge for priceless? Hmmmm?
RICK
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Life is indeed more than a job! I agree that if you are doing what you love and if it is your passion then your work will not seem to be work at all.
Let us live our passion and be driven by it. Will be waiting for details on what transpired on your attendance to The Passion Test Facilitator Course.
Great post!
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Rick Reply:
February 15th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Jeffrey,
Thanks for your comments. Here’s the results of our weekend http://inspiredandinbusiness.com/certified-big-deal.html/
I would be encouraged if I knew that people were in tune with their passions, putting them to work for themselves and loving life. But, as I look around I see there is much work to do to have that be a reality. Let’s get ‘er on!
RICK
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Hi Rick,
you are so right, if we life our passion then life is more than just a job.
This morning in my journaling I was writing about just that and an analogy came to mind: Getting a job ‘just because it is all set up for you’ is just like taking an organized tour and being an entrepreneur is more like exploring a new country traveling the back roads, going to the places tourist don’t go to. I used to do that in Greece and had a fantastic time.
Thank you for the great post and food for thought.
Yorinda recently posted..The Tetris Effect and Happiness
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Rick Reply:
March 20th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Yorinda,
You are welcome. Yes, taking the alternative paths makes the road less traveled much more interesting.
Thanks for stopping by.
RICK
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Life…Passion…The will to Succeed. They all go together, but passion is something that you cannot formulate. Either you have it or you don’t. Be passionate about life. Be passionate about who you are and where you are going. Great article and thanks.
Martin Casper recently posted..Empowering Medical Industry Update – Can ICD-10 Fit Into the World of Social Media?
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Rick Reply:
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Martin,
I think passion is something everyone has, it’s a matter of recognizing it and choosing to have it in your life. Your supreme creator, whatever you believe it to be, did not put you here without the ability to make a difference and that difference comes from you passions.
Thanks for your thoughts.
RICK
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hi rick…
i would like to say that i love the way you write these motivational posts ..
this is true in today’s case…today everyone is running behind the money and our moral values and good things are lost…we should try to retrieve them…
nice post
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Rick Reply:
April 2nd, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Prabhat,
Appreciate your thoughts and we’re glad to be of service to you. As you say, certain values must never be abandoned.
RICK
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