I just finished reading a handbook for baby boomers written
by 50 contributing authors, many who have the sort of business that I’m creating—consulting,
speaking, and writing about designing the second half of our lives.
I read the book expecting to be inspired by people who enjoy
the same topics that energize me. To my disappointment, that didn’t happen. Instead,
my confidence nosedived after learning about the contributors’ impressive
credentials, years of experience, and notable clients.
From this point I spiraled down, questioning why I even bother
to have this business dream. I don’t have 25 years experience in a field. I
don’t have big name clients to impress you. My website isn’t glossy and
technically advanced. I‘m an author, but self-published. Compared to many
people who do what I’m aspiring to do, I’m nobody.
And yet, my little book has helped many people with their
decision to retire and create meaningful retirement lifestyles. Thank you notes
arrive in the mail with these messages:
You packed a lot of
wisdom in this little book.
Your book is one of my
most treasured resources.
Your book was even better
the second time around.
When I speak, heads nod as though I’m playing pinball and
hitting the 500 extra points buzzer, and I’m not talking about nodding off. My
message resonates. I have something to offer. Equally important, the work has
something of value to offer me.
I feel most alive when I’m writing, speaking, designing
workshops, and discussing retirement with someone who’s struggling with the
transition. In these situations, I’m dancing. The only explanation for this
success is I must be using my gifts—the unique talents woven into my DNA.
How about you? In
what situations do you feel most alive? When are you dancing?
If you have an unexplainable drive to do, create, or
contribute something to the world, pay attention and trust your feelings. Don’t
be intimidated by other people who appear more accomplished. If you do, you’ll pass
up an abundant source of happiness; you’ll miss out on the dance.
Gifts don’t need years of experience or credentials to be
valuable. They are gifted, not earned. They
only need to be acknowledged, trusted, and shared.
