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Take It Easy
There’s a book out there called “Life Was Never Meant to be a Struggle” by Stuart Wilde. The title pretty much says it all, yes?
You sure wouldn’t know it by the way people work and live, though, would you? The fact is most people suffer through their work if not their lives. They do what they do because they believe they have to, because they think they should, or because they’re good at it—even in the face of personal unhappiness or financial struggle.
In the past, the type of work we did was based more on necessity than choice. You just did what you had to do or what was available to you. Things have changed pretty dramatically. We have way more options and opportunities today than we can even handle.
And that’s exactly what a lot of peoples’ biggest struggle is when it comes to work. We don’t do what we love because we’re not clear about what we want.
The first place to look is at your natural talents. Natural talents are gifts from the Universe, gifts from spirit, or whatever you want to call your creator. These are things that you do well, that you didn’t have to learn to do. You’re basically born with this skill. It comes easy to you. It’s something that people look at you and go, “You’re natural at that.” And most importantly, you like doing it!
The most obvious reason a lot of people don’t find or create work that they love—and struggle through life because of it—is fear: fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of rejection, fear of looking foolish, fear of disapproval and even fear of success!
Sometimes people will mask this fear as obligation: to other people, to an idea, obligation to the frickin’ mortgage. If your mortgage is hampering your life, which one do you want to release? Well, guess which one most people release? Their life! It’s a choice: your mortgage or your life.
Whatever it is that you feel obliged to do, obligation is nothing more than a fear that if you don’t do “this,” something bad will happen. You’re not going to have passion and energy to succeed if you resent doing what you’re doing rather than looking forward to doing it.
I believe life was not meant to be a struggle, while acknowledging that struggles do happen in the form of detaching yourself from all old habits that no longer serve you in your life now. Growth is hard, but once we get through and become more of who we are, the struggle lightens.
We have to unlearn what we believe in order to escape the struggles that the illusion of separation brings—mainly separation from ourselves and from our nature that wants to make things easier.
We are part of a divine source of unlimited power—creators of our own experiences. Those with a strong spiritual connection tend to find that life is easier, living an authentic life knowing who they really are rather than playing a role that society, culture, or religion has dictated.
Then all those other areas open up—work, relationships, finances, etc. Life really shouldn’t be that hard. Unlearn, discover, apply, and for goodness sake, take it easy!
Now it’s your turn- we want to hear from you! Do you utilize your natural talents in your life and more specifically, your work? Is what you do for work your passion, or are you simply working to pay the bills each month? Share your opinion and experiences with us, your feedback is valuable to our community!
68 thoughts on “Take It Easy”
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Dear Harv:
Your “comfortabale zone” defination’s really changed our newrich style forever. After got the wisdom from MMI, Jami’s done plenty of incredible things that i’ve never tried before.
Follow the passion and -be gifted- talents, we’ll get wealth and happiness at the same time.
From a normal student became Stradegy Director of a 5 millions $ company in 2 years and got 400$ income perday, Jami really wanna say “Thanks, Harv!”
I can’t find access to the “change your mind, change your life” book/info. anywhere, in any of your articles, can/will you please send it to my email separately? I would really appreciate it! Thank you very much. God Bless!
just google “change your mind, change your life” I found it right away
I love my profession, so many things about it are rewarding. I am not motivated by money but rather by challenges, teamwork and achieving goals. However, money seems to have gotten control of everything because there never seems to be enough and it is always in the back of my mind. I went to MMI recently and am committed to change things so that I can once again just love what I do and never feel trapped again.
What do you do? Love that you Love it.
In late 2011 after doing MMI and signing up for Quantum Leap I made a decision; not to work like a dog anymore.
I finished writing a book on avoiding the pitfalls when renovating or building which I had started 3 years before.
I started a building and property development seminar, training & coaching business.
I am now looking a growing a “real” business with staff instead of being self employed and being a slave to many different employers at the same time.
My cashflow has dropped substantially, I have sold property but I am happy in my life.
I know that I am building a sustainable business and that the profits will flow in time. I am achieving many small successes that have started to snowball to larger opportunities.
I am no longer afraid of failing.
Over the past year I have failed many many times but I have not given up. I know what doesn’t work and won’t do that again.
I am very successful; only the cashflow hasn’t come in yet. It’s simply a matter of time!
Dear Harv:
I’m involved in 3 business:-
1. Property
2. Multi Level Marketing – Health based products
3. Photography
I would say I’m at a development stage of these businesses. Yet I love to take up the time, money & energy because my passion towards this 3 field.
Some do say I should focus on 1 so that the community can address me of what I’m doing.
Need your idea on this.. Thanks.
At this point, I am working to pay the bills. However… I am moving toward doing what I love. Taking small steps and that feels good.
Thanks for the reminder, Harv.
After listening to your audio book on the 4 hour work week a year and a half ago I have taken my “day Job” with me. Your teachings have given me the confidence to get over the fear and just do it . I am now travelling with the love of my life making and recording healing music around the world. I am writing to you from Barbados where I have been recording and doing workshops for the past 5 weeks .. So I am giving you gratitude for being my virtual coach .. also interesting that you mention Stewart Wild he is also a mentor I use his motto about life shouldn’t be a struggle all the time.( big difference between effort and struggle)
T Harv I would love to gift you our latest song Moksha if you can let me know what is the best email to send it .. Peace Dean sacredfiremusic.com
Tell me what you would do! I had an employee who was doing a lot of nasty nasty things to me and to my business. She stole money from me and other things. she sas insluting me and my ablities with the business. Needless to say there is money oweing to me. Would you try to get the money back or would you let it go and why would you take that action.
Let go. Where attention goes, energy flows, and results show. what would bering you more joy over time, getting that money back or going out there and making more and better money? I’d put my energy and effort in my future not in my past.
before i started my business at the beginning of this year, a relative stole a lot of money from me that i had saved as capital.out of instinct, i decided to do exactly what halo is saying and i am scheduled to make back the money i lost and much more. patricia focus on your business, you have control over that.
Thanx Harv you are doing a great work and your messages are like messages from universe.
God Bless You.
This one really resonates with me. Life was meant to be enjoyed and we were meant to enjoy all the magic that surrounds us everyday. I also love having enough money or resources or just plan ingenuity to do what I love and go where I love to go. To many people let other humans put their story onto them rather than writing their own story. Write your own story and don’t let anyone derail you. Know what you love so you can put it into your life.
First of all, Steve; way to go man, sounds like you’re doing it. As for myself, I would say I’m “transitioning”. After much soul searching and changing things over the previous year I believe I am closer to following my path than I ever have been before, but I’m still not there yet. I still get caught up in some day-to-day things but I’m learning to recognise them early and to knock them on the head. Harv says to do the thing that’s most “natural” and that’s actually where I have the most problem. I still haven’t quite nailed what I’m naturally good at. But I’m getting there, which is better than going backwards.
hey aaron, sounds like we’re about the same place on our respective paths. i’d be happy to talk if that suits you. halo
Another priceless gem from you Harv –
I am a classic case of living to pay the bills and the mortgage. I worry so much that all my creativity and pro active thoughts get smothered. Its just so awful. I am trying so hard (maybe that is the problem) to change my way of doing things, so I am still work in progress.
I am going to re-read these wise words often.
You are a great teacher and I am grateful for that.
Reading this article now made me realize just how incredibly potent some of the things in it really are. Like how you mentioned obligation and how we mask that fear and try to justify why we have to do certain things (even though we’re totally off base with what we really want.) It’s funny and at the same time tragic how we manage to kid ourselves, over and over.
Fortunately, articles like this can lift yet another veil so we can see and act on things that weren’t as clear to us before, and I for one am truly thankful for that. One should perhaps tattoo stuff like this on one’s forearms so the message will get properly embeded. I’m not gonna go as far though but will print this out now and read a few times over during the week 🙂
Thanks Harv, keep up the great work and keep them coming. Really appreciate it!
Good advice Harv. I think I’m in a transitional stage. I wrote and published my book last year along with a home study program. Now I’m trying to get it out there. I have to keep on in my core business to pay the bills and have a roof over my head – but it’s a means to an end now. The good thing is I have reframed struggles into challenges and now they excite me rather than scare me. 🙂
Sharing our positive stories spirals us up to even more success. I have been doing what I love and the money comes and goes. My mission is to empower people to heal their animals and themselves in ways that heal the planet. This week a wonderful woman showed up with web skill and a strong work ethic to partner with my business – now my love of educating people will bring in the passive income! I loved Dean’s share about travelling with his love, doing what he loves. Two weeks in Kauai end of this month will be my travelling joy.
Thank you Harv, Ever since I got your book the secret of the Millionaire Mind, its truly became setting for me that we are in an illusion world. The world has created all source of for the weak mind to accept it as fact. Your inspiration word above is one also touching. Sometimes finding even the natural talent isn’t easy especially when you are multi talent in many areas. But still as you said what do one do with easy natural. You are very right.
I’m doing what I love to do, but not always in the way I love to do. Ans so now I will focus more on the way I want to do it!
Thanks for the blog!
I attended MMI 2 yrs ago in Montréal.
Certainly opened my eyes to a different world..Have been working on myself ever since but something is missing..I lost everything in 2009 I’m now 64, out of $. Like you at one point I’m beginning to dislike the person looking back at me in the mirror..any suggestions..Thx much
I stopped working to pay my bills. i was a Bank officer but it was not my passion and so I quit my job 12 years ago. Now I coach others about self development and investment strategies. I love what I do.
Shankar, India
I am not happy with my job, I do not know what my talents are.
Try using positive reinforcement to improve your current situation. Instead of, “I am not happy with my job and don’t know what my talents are” say, “I love what I do and I am very talented.” It might not be true but If you repeat it often enough, pretty soon it will become your reality.
Hey Joe,
take it from me…. I am still trying to figure that out myself. Make a list of all the things you have ever done, work, school, play, etc….
In one column, list the parts of each that you really enjoyed, another column the list of what you think came natural or you were good at….
Add to the bottom of the list things that you would like to do, whether you are good at them, never did them, or were just curious..
Do any of you “good at” traits fit these?
Best thing about life is the adventure… for me “what am I going to do with the rest of my life”….. and be happy…. the money actually does come after….
I have made lots of money ($250k per year) and been broke ($0 per year and no unemployment which led to bankrupcy)…
Believe it or not, I was happiest without the money…
there, that my 2 cents….. for FREE!!
Good Luck !!!
don
i’ve been a fan of this following your passion,feel the fear and do it anyway,etc. for many years…i still find it difficult though…on one side we have our creative mind and soul that seeks expression…but our rational mind
looks at numbers..so many lawyers,accountants, etc. and so few artists,musicians, etc. and numbers don’t lie do they?
I like your theory Harv. Sometimes I will branch off and do “things I love” and when it takes longer than I thought and is producing no income I run back to the “jobs that pay”. Seems like one or the other for me.
Now my wife wants to buy a house. She wants stability (steady money) not daydreams.
Wish I could get into the habit of doing at least one hour a day on the “things I love” as mentioned by Will Marre in “The True Happiness Recipe”. Trying my best. Thanks for the encouragement to not waste my life “just paying bills” while not enjoying my work.
Rob
San Diego
Olá, a todos, quero primeiramente agradecer aos ensinamentos deste líder fantástico que é o T.Harv Eker, minha vida tem mudado bastante pois aplico todos os dias algumas dicas expostas neste site. Bom hoje eu trabalho com felicidade, tenho amor pelo que faço, e isto me faz acordar todos os dias e agradecer a Deus pela linda vida que Ele me deu. Um abraço a todos.
I love what I am doing it is my passion, but sometimes I feel fear when I to do new things to incorporate with what I am doing.
This was a great article to read today. I badly needed to hear something like this because it reflects a lot of what is going on in my own life. This is probably something that will make all of us take a look around and see where we are standing compared to where we want to be.
I am not happy with my job, I do not know what my talents are.
how to find the passion
My boss has an interesting talk he gives once a year to help people with this. It seems appropriate here:
What you desire is often a progression – what you want helps set what you need to talk about with your boss. And every situation may be different – some jobs, you may value the rating over the opportunities or vice versa – focus on 1 or 2 so your manager knows how to help and how to help you focus also – don’t make them guess.
It always starts with “Give me the opportunity!”
Once you have the opportunity “How much you going to pay me?”
Then “Evaluation – how’d I do?”
Then “Give me a promotion”
Nex, “Give me respect/respect what I offer the org”
Last, “Job satisfaction – what’s next for me?”
Intentionally use your strengths AND weaknesses to influence the outcome of a situation
Listen with passion to discover opportunities. If there is a problem that is not resolved after a meeting, it is an opportunity.
Dear Harv, What is the best way recognize one`s own destination?
Viktor, Russia
This blog was so wonderfully worded! I am so glad that I have broken free of those limiting thoughts and am now able to help my sons realize that happiness is the true KEY to success. As my FIRST personal Development coach in this Network Marketing industry…My Hat is off to YOU! You adorn my pages with such words of wisdom and Grace. God bless. Jeanette
I am working to pay bills. I always look at my situation and wonder how did i get here. After reading this i know that i created this to myself. I am a good motivational speaker and teacher with a smooth deep voice, have passion on IT and can understand gudgets easily. I started small motivational group and one on one Coaching. I still dont know how to make money on this or how to charge. To be honest i am so miserable at my work because i am not doing what i like most. However I am unlearning what i’ve been taught by the society…
Dear Harv, I agree with what you say and I know that I am following my passion. However, I am still not sure how to make enough income to get out of the rat race. I have to say though that my life is good, and I spend a lot of time with my kids and that to me is better than making tons of money although it would be nice to have financial freedom.
great words of wisdom harv thanks for sharing!
with words we have the power to change
I like this because I noticed that it happened to me within the past three years. I finished my education to become a psychotherapist and was unable to find work. I took jobs because I “had to” and they didn’t work out. I found a position in my field and have been doing well at it. It’s something that comes easily to me and the people I see enjoy meeting with me.
Mr Harvs all that is mentioned in “Take it Easy” above,I´m totally with you.Yes I´m aware of my talent,I´m good with people,love helping,I control well difficult situations,always with a smile and words of comfort, give love,respect and have a positive feedback, etc..My actual job is to do with people..yes I´m happy with it…and also..yes I do it, to be able to live..but…I also am aware that my time and effort is not paid,but yes it´s valued,though this sounds contradictory…cause´I should be paid for time,effort, and income that I generate for the company..you might be asking you´re self…”Well,why don´t you change that?”..”Your time,effort etc..should be recompensed equally with income generated”..”Make more use of your talent else where..and generate a higher income..or start your own business”…etc..You got it!..yes your very right..you´ve been there and you´ve done it…and any question I may ask or opinion, I´m aware of the answer,yet…still have those fears, insecurities,etc… basically I´m not ME,nor my actions are in harmony with my thoughts..nor the way I am, with the way I think..nor the results..obviously..are not the expected..and here comes all the questions again and again in my mind..Why?..Maybe…Better not…Can I make it….Don´t have a single penny to do that…How,where do I start from¨?…I know I can..but…What if I fail?..etc..etc…I admit I´should be more persistence,more self esteem though have a strong mind over matters,due to an incurable fiscal issue that I have accepted,and try to ignore the pains..I hang in there and carry on pleasing which in a way gives me strength and a new lesson learned for the next..though not applied to reality.Yes my program fails..yes..I try and reprogram it..feels good in the moment I experience the results..but..here we go again..negative factors of my actual life,demotivates me..and there it goes!!!…back to where I was..though a bit more stronger and conscious..for the next…I ask my self..all this is caused by my insecurities?..frights?…complex?..what will they think?..am I doing enough?…why don´t I receive as much as I give?..why do I feel guilty receiving!..Why don´t I say what I think in the exact moment?..why do I swallow so much?…do you hear me?..do you see me?….god!.. so many questions day after day,till when can I support all this?….here we go..more pains!!!…
Mr Harv, thank you for reading me…and for your time =^_^=..would really appreciate some words of comfort and guide in this moment of my life,work,personal life,personal issues,etc…needs it!…if you have a few minutes may you please give me your opinion?
Thank-you once more..
I one day will make it,cause I know there is something big out there waiting for me..but just don´t see the signals..
Can you help me?
Best Regards and a smile..=^_^=
Maria
thank you! 🙂
Similar message to a book I wrote called, “Transform Your Life.” We tend to struggle when we attempt to do things that we are not particulary good at but persevere regardless. Sometimes it’s easier to struggle than to avoid being disappointed doing something we love. Better the devil you know in other words.
Harv, you make it sound so easy and that frustrates me! 🙂 I know the things I am good at or that come natural to me but how in heck to make a living from that?? Yeah, I get stuck on the “hows”. I don’t have this outgoing personality and fear my shyness gets in the way. I think to myself how can I do this and my mind draws a blank. I’m not getting any younger and my life needs an overhaul……..but how.
I was shy and a friend used to tell me ” Shy people do no get what they want “. It was an “aha” moment. I am now confident and most if the times can start a conversation with a stranger. It feels great to conquered the fear of talking to strangers. Try it, you can start with a hello.
Good luck!!!!
I used to take it easy all the time and my relationship with money was pretty carefree. I had (an still have) a job that I enjoy but having a child prompted me to consider other options. I attended MMI in 2011 and during the UIBC course, I found the thing I thought I was looking for – my ‘hidden’ talent and passion and was convinced that I could bring something positive to the table. I began to write my book/info product and after a year and a half, I’ve yet to fully bloom into the successful entrepreneur/ money master I saw myself as becoming and was ‘promised’ in that money blueprint weekend. This whole time I was under stress from the balancing act of my job commitment (aka financial security) and the pressures of being a father and husband, I was hard pressed to take it easy. I was recently advised to sit with my book for whole year before I put it out there and in doing so, have once again been able to take it easy. Harv, if you read this, I know you said it’ll take 3 years and I’m going to see it through before I track you down and ask for my money back (just kidding) but for anyone else whose finding the quantum leap a challenge, I say that time can be your friend. I’m sure we all want to get there fast, but it’s better to be built to last.
Thank you sir. Great words and advice that everyone should be exposed to.
Dear T Harv
I am on the way to find my talent, my strength to work in it ! Actually,I find myself really passon when I help people,and when I doing work out.
Thank for your article !
I read every words here more than 3 times.
Every time I read it I feel good, I don’t know why.
Thanks Harv … this short article inspired me a lot!
Hola estoy muy feliz de poder seguir a alguien que realmente me ha cambiado la vida..les voy a contar un poco de lo que me esta pasando en estemomento desde que lei el ebook de la mentemillonaria..Yo soy de costa rica y realmente yo pensaba que no podia ahorrar dinero y que no podia lograr ninguna meta que me ponia..cuando aplique lo de las alcancias que empeze a hacerlo fue el 15 de enero y empeze con 2 dolares y al 15 de febrero pude tener 60 dolares yo quede impactada nunca en mi vida pude hacer algo asi..tambien tengo problemas con mi peso aplique lo que dice T.harve..de..es compatible con mi meta mas alta..y una de mis metas mas alta es bajar de peso..en un mes baje 5 kilos..funciona ralmente pero tengo que ponerlo en accion y apesar de que mi mente mal educada quiere seguir con los mismos malos habitos..la redirecciono con esa frease y lo ha logrado..gracias infinitas hoy si creo que voy a tener mi libertad financiera..a pesar que en estos momentos mis deudas son muy grande se que podre lograrlo..gracias infinitas y espero en un futuro no muy lejano estar en el curso en vivo en canada
Cordialmente
brenda
Brenda,
Si te funciono en varias ocasiones, no dejes que los viejos pensamientos obstruyan lo que has logrado.
Que bien se siente cuando puedes cambiar por bien.
Sigue hacia adelante y no dejes que ninguna energia negativa destruya esa pasion de tener libertad financiera y de hacer lo que quieras hacer.
Te deseo muchas suerte. Tu puedes
i have been stuck at finding the right career.Good thing is that last year i did a new course CISA in preparation to create financial freedom in 5years whereby i want to invest in that field.However i have not used my talents art and music which is a thing that i am working on.
Nothing will stop me and thanks for your lessons
Interesting example using Mortgage as the obligation. Mortgage the word derives from the French root MORT or death. It is a “death contract” that goes away when you pay it off. No wonder people are scared and obligated
Five years from now, with God’s grace, I’ll be doing what I love the most and what I’m good at. Thanks Harv for keeping me inspired!
You are inspiring my journey, and helping me build the strength and determination I need to create My Life…
There´s a phrase by George Bernard Shaw that pretty says it all: Life is not about discovering yourself but creating yourself…this is what I´m choosing…re-creating myself, and following my dreams accordingly to my natural talents…bit by bit, step by step but I´m on my way to living my dreams.
Tks Harv!
Harv! I just love you!!
I love my work, I enjoyed a lot, but something happens with the money. Never is enough, I know that I have to change things that I don´t do it well. Thanks for your comments are necesary for me!
Hey Harv,
I get your emails, saw you in person, and read some of your books…… Thank you for opening up my mind to the possibilities..
Have a Great Day!
don
Hi Harv,
I really enjoy all your tipps and newsletters very much and they are so inspiring. Attending the MMI in April 2012 in Munich I learnt such a lot and following the workbook now for the 3rd time, I still have eye-opening insights form time to time. Although I have found my mission and have started to focus on aligning my life to fulfill it, things have gotten worse financially. I guess it’s like treating an illness with homeopathic medicine were the symptoms get worse first before the self-healing mechanism takes over and the patient gets truely well again… Knowing this I will stick to this way and continue to change until I pull through because I believe I can do it with the help of so many good friends.
I am lucky enough to be living my mission – I am a trainer, passionate about teaching people how to Communicate and Connect with others in their life – at work, home and play. I love what I do and I am living my dream – now, my dreams just keep getting bigger, I will be training on stages around the world, like a ripple in a pond, I want to help people change their lives for the better – and the bonus is – I love doing exactly that! Thank You Harv, your programs have been life changing for me.
I do customer service as a self employed individual for “cash flow”. I KNOW my highest self wants to do what I love. I’m working at attracting “the prosperity consciousness ” part-time, to do what I LOVE full-time; building MINDS & people, & lifestyles and a phenominal buisness! Thanks for your article Harv!
I don’t know what im good at. I mean, I am good at a lot of things but I dont know for real which one is my thing… I dont know how to find thing which comes to me naturaly. Help….
el t harv eker red simplemente el gran despertar esta junto con el y con ello conlleva el o la magia de despertar a otros a niveles insospechados un gran campeon me adiero 1000 por un millon atte .marchelo tolosa
working to pay the bills here 🙁
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The problem of mortgage … it happens around the world. People’s wages and real estate prices are out of proportion. Why do we have to work 25-30 years to pay off our mortgage? The reason is governments/banks don’t want us to pay off our mortgage early, retire earlier than expected, and fear the loss of salary tax revenue. The obligation to work is making people life stressful.
The problem of mortgage happens around the world. People’s wages and real estate prices are out of proportion. Why do people have to work 20-30 years of their life to pay off mortgage? The stress comes when they lose their jobs or have a pay reduction during this period.