Friday is fast approaching but if you’re feeling the midweek blues you’re in the right place to be inspired!
Last week we mentioned that for the next couple of weeks a member of the Do What You Love team will be sharing what they’re up to and what is motivating them at the moment. We hope their thoughts get you thinking about what lights you up and how you can make get more of this into your life.
TodayPaul Kempton talks about doing something that makes a difference…
Here at DWYL we are always very conscious and determined that our content and courses are current and oozing with quality. Put simply they are as good as we can make them.
This month we opened the classroom for the tenth Do What You Love e-course. Although the course has been running for five years now the quality of the exercises and format continue to push our participants completely out of their comfort zones.
We are just entering Week 4 and already some very powerful issues have been addressed. A few of the topics discussed are below:
The importance of honesty. This might sound very obvious but we bury our greatest feelings deep, deep down because we are afraid, we don’t want to be ridiculed, we’re searching for acceptance, we fear other people’s judgments, etc…
The power of saying something out loud or putting it out there. This takes courage but it is only then we realise its importance.
Where can we find the courage and bravery required to make changes
The importance of communication.
When doing something so personal it is important to have a safe haven where you feel comfortable sharing your feelings and findings. Aside from your personal journal, this course in particular has a powerful and understanding community. The hundreds of people from across the globe who joined us this time round are an amazing group of people – who all want to spend more time doing what they love – and I have no doubt their strength in numbers will serve them very well in the weeks and months to come.
My thought of the week: It took me years of coasting through life, of lacking courage to make big changes, to find my true path. So our work here fills me with great pride ands joy. We are a small, friendly and dynamic team who juggle everything that life throws at us and are ultimately working harder than ever. Why? Because we truly believe the world will be a better place if more people are ‘Doing What They Love’. I cannot think of a better reason to wake up every morning.
What’s inspiring and motivating you this Wednesday? We’d love to know.
With 2017 on horizon, now is the perfect time to invest in yourself. Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing yourself personally or professionally, tapping into your creativity, hiring a coach, or taking a break before the Christmas festivities start, making time for yourself is a powerful thing to do.
Nurturing yourself and your dreams sends a strong message into the world: I’m listening to the voice of my soul. I’m willing to give myself the time, energy, and space I need to develop and grow. I want to be the best possible version of myself.
When you say yes to exciting new opportunities, doors start to open as if by magic. Just try it and see!
Whether your inner voice is calling you to start that business, take up yoga, write a book, or do a digital detox, here’s our pick of the best upcoming festivals, retreats, and events across the globe to take you a step closer to your dreams.
A BIT ON THE SIDE: START A BUSINESS AND KEEP YOUR JOB
When: TONIGHT! November 7, 2016 @ 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Frederick’s Place, London, UK
Cost: £60
Organiser: Escape The City
More info & to book: https://blog.escapethecity.org/event/a-bit-on-the-side-start-a-business-and-keep-your-job-3/
Are you sitting on a business idea but don’t have the time, money or resources to start it? Are you curious about the new world of startups and freelance careers? You’re not alone in wanting to branch out and create something on your own. This workshop will give you tools, tricks and inspiration from those that have set up businesses whilst remaining in employment. It’s ideal for: anyone who wants to learn what small steps can help them to explore their business idea alongside their day job; community lovers who want to build a network; advice hunters and doers who want practical tips to help them get started. You’ll hear from people that have done it – both those that have transitioned into their startup full-time, and those still in full-time employment but running a business on the side. Most excitingly – you’ll get started on your business, right in the room, surrounded and encouraged by your fellow attendees!
THE WRITER’S WORKSHOP 2016
When: November 19 – 20, 2016
Where: The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
Price: £279
Organiser: Hay House Publishing
More info & to book: https://www.hayhouse.co.uk/lectures-events/writers-workshop-london-2016
Are you a writer with a great book idea and a strong desire to be published? Do you just need the inside scoop on how to perfect and publish your book? Then this is the workshop for you! This is your chance to publish a book with Hay House UK and become a bestselling author – one participant will be awarded a publishing contract with Hay House and a £5,000 advance! Join this special two-day workshop with some of Hay House’s finest speakers and authors – many of whom have firsthand knowledge of creating and writing bestselling books. Learn from Michelle Pilley, the Publisher and Managing Director of Hay House UK. She will offer key advice learned from her 30 years of successful publishing experience and expert knowledge of how to nail a publishing deal.
THE HAPPY START UP SCHOOL CANVAS
When: November 22, 2016 @ 5pm – 7.30pm
Where: Wagner Hall, Brighton, UK
Price: £22 (+ £2.07 booking fee)
Organiser: Brighton & Hove Social Enterprise Network in partnership with The Happy Startup School
More info & to book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/startup-the-happy-startup-canvas-tickets-26284104464
This inspiring workshop will help you to clarify if your idea is a social enterprise and support you, as budding social entrepreneur, to go from idea to action fast, and learn techniques for validating your idea with customers without the need for big budgets. It will give you the knowledge and tools to help you to tap into the growing trends that will affect how your business operates and start to bake happiness into your DNA.
DIGITAL DETOX WEEKEND
When: December 8 – 11, 2016
Where: Finland
Cost: £1,159
Organiser: The Flash Pack
More info & to book: https://flashpack.com/adventure-trips/finland-digital-detox/
If you’d love to swap your mobile for a snowmobile and indulge yourself with a short and energising recharge ahead of the Christmas festivities, this digital detox weekend in Finland delivers. Designed for solo travellers or small groups of friends, it a chance to unwind by immersing yourself in Finnish culture, cuisine and adventure. For four days you can switch off from modern life and sink into the wonderful Finnish snowscape. Go trekking, skiing, husky sledding, ride a reindeer sleigh, relax in the sauna and spend evenings watching the Northern Lights or warming yourself by the fire in a cosy inn straight out of a Christmas card.
Torassieppi Wooden Cabins, Muonio
OSHO WINTER FESTIVAL: LIVING FROM THE HEART
When: December 8 – 11, 2016
Where: Osho Leela, Dorset, UK
Cost: from £129
Organiser: Osho Leela Community
More info & to book: https://osholeela.uk/events/osho-winter-festival-2016/
Dive deep into the roots of your being and fly high on the wings of love and connection. This festival will warm your heart, heal you from the inside and expand your vision. It is a fun and nourishing celebration in beautiful countryside setting – perfect for winter rambles. Innovative and playful workshops include things like Shiatsu, singing, tantra, art, Biodanza, ageless vitality, discovering your inner child, self-enquiry and comedy. There’s also a full meditation programme including satsang with live music from band Satvaa, evening meetings, dance and live performances followed by an Osho video discourse.
THE INSTANT PAUSE
When: January 14, 2017
Where: Berlin, Germany
Cost: £140
Organiser: Life by Danielle
More info & to book: https://www.lifebydanielle.com/retreats/instant-pause/
In this one-day workshop, led by Nicola Moss, you’ll get time and space to think about you and your life and bring yourself back into balance. The Instant Pause workshop helps you look back to move forwards. You may be at a point of transition in your life; considering where to go next in your career, feeling burnt out from corporate life, or you may run your own business and are in need of some time and space to ensure you’re focusing on the right things. Your focus might be personal – life may be nudging you right now to stop and take a pause. Whether personal or career, this day away will create space for you to slow down, reflect and focus on what’s important.
WANDERLUST GREAT LAKE TAUPO
When: February 2-5, 2017
Where: Wairakei Geothermal Valley, Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Cost: $70 to $480
Organiser: Wanderlust
More info & to book: https://www.wanderlust.com
Unplug from the ordinary. Adventure awaits. Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo is an all-out celebration of mindful living. Bringing together a remarkable group of yoga and meditation instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists and chefs for a transformational retreat this is an experience that will get into your mind, body and soul. Regardless of what starts you on your path, Wanderlust is an experience that will leave you different than when you came – with new ideas, new friends, newly-discovered abilities, and greater peace. Find your true north.
ENVISION
When: February 23 – 26, 2017
Where: Uvita, Costa Rica
Cost: $298.00
Organiser:
More info & to book: https://www.envisionfestival.com
Want to venture to new lands of self-discovery? This festival has one of the biggest line up lists, and a mixed bag of eco, spiritual, yoga and development courses and classes on its menu. A celebration dedicated to awakening our human potential, Envision provides a platform for different cultures to co-exist in sustainable community, and inspire one another through art, spirituality, yoga, music, dance, performance, education, sustainability and acknowledge our fundamental connection with nature. Definitely worthy of a trip!
BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL
When: Mar 19 – Mar 26, 2017
Where: Ubud, Bali
Cost: Early Bird full pass: $575 until February 1, 2017
Organiser: Co-Founders Megan Pappenheim, Kadek Gunarta, and Robert Weber
More info & to book: https://balispiritfestival.com
Seated in the spot of Elizabeth’s Gilbert reinvention from Eat, Pray, Love, the Bali Spirit Festival is an energy-charged event that will be sure to spark your soul. From music, yoga, health and wellbeing to eco and social change it has all the elements you need to learn, grow and develop a holistic lifestyle. You’ll spend the days on lush terraced lawns with open pavilions, and at night the party moves to an outdoor stage for a world music concert like no other on Earth.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliates of or involved in the running of any of the suggested events. Please contact the organisers directly with any questions or queries.
We’re so excited to bring you this interview with the lovely Rebecca Campbell: best selling author; inspirational motivational speaker; spiritual teacher and mentor and intuitive guide.
Rebecca believes that we all have the power to be bright lights in the world: all we need to do is come home to ourselves and show up to who we truly are. She calls it Working Your Light.
Through her powerful meditations, talks, workshops and bestselling books, Light Is The New Black and Rise Sister Rise, Rebecca has guided thousands all over the world to listen to and courageously answer the unique callings of their soul and create a life that is completely aligned to them.
Rebecca’s words really get you thinking your own life and how you are working your light in the world. Enjoy the interview. ~ Rachel
Can you feel Autumn in the air? The evenings are starting to get a little chillier here, and my head is full of thoughts of apple pie. My town has been full of young people visiting for the university open day and small children looking nervous in their new school uniforms. September always feels like a time of new beginnings to me, so this week I decided to do a major detox of my inbox.
I discovered a free tool that is so brilliant I just had to share it with you, because it only takes a couple of minutes to set up, and can clear your inbox of hundreds of emails in one fell swoop. I know that having an uncluttered inbox can be the key to an uncluttered mind at work, so I do hope you will try it!
The tool is called unroll.me can be used online at www.unroll.me or downloaded as a phone app. I have no affiliation to it. I just love it! It has been around a while, as a tool for quick unsubscribing from emails you no longer want to receive, but I have just discovered they have added a new feature which makes a huge difference. It’s called ‘roll up’ and it allows you to roll up any emails you DO still want to read into a single daily email of all the newsletters you subscribe to. Genius, right? It’s so simple, and is worth a couple of minutes of anyone’s time. Happy unsubscribing and rollup-ing!
The info we take in minute-to-minute, day-to-day, fills our minds. The right info fills our minds with inspiration and sparks ideas, but so much of the info that comes at us each day is just noise. I hope this brilliant little tool helps you clear out some of the noise so you can tune in to what really matters!
This week I challenge you to do an inbox detox with unroll.me. And if you want some additional chilling out, try our free 10-day mini course ‘Zen for Ten‘ and notice the difference!
This post is written by our Senior Editor, Rachel Kempton.
Life is a journey. Fill your tank with joy.
I love the word adventure. It conjures up so many great images… like embracing the great outdoors and roaming free in nature, sleeping under the stars, cooking on open fires, stargazing, doing things you’d never normally do, and making magical memories along the way.
My husband, Mike, and I have been talking a lot about adventure recently and doing something that gives us the opportunity to change up our normal routine, slow down and live more simply. And inspired by adventurer Alastair Humphries, who regularly shares travelling tips on our blog, and Ben Fogle, who we interviewed just a few months ago, we decided it was time to organise our own little adventure.
There are two things that really stick out for me in people’s responses when I tell them that our company is called Do What You Love and then subsequently explain what we do.
Firstly, “Wow, that sounds cool… I need that” and secondly, only seconds later (often within the same breath) in complete contrast “But then, not many of us can… we all have jobs to do don’t we?”
I continually wonder why we, as human beings, are so quick to shy away from our dreams, shut down our options and turn away from opportunities. Usually I come to the conclusion that our feelings must be based in fear. I know this has been, and still is, true for myself. Growing up I was often scared to push myself and commit to things. The reason? Because I was afraid that my best would fall short; way short of my own expectations.
We are all unique and built in different ways, each with vastly different personality traits – so why does this ‘fear’ affect so many of us? Where does it come from? Society? Media? Family and friends? Ourselves?
Well if the ‘fear’ is significant enough to prevent you from doing what you love, then it needs dealing with. But how? The recipe for freeing yourself from the ‘fear’ is pretty straightforward in principle, but putting it into practice is another thing altogether. Women seem to be talking about their fears, and how they deal with them, more and more these days, but I still don’t hear us guys talking about it anywhere near as much as we really need to (not one of our strengths I know).
Here are a few simple tips that have worked for me, together with some FREE resources that will hopefully help inspire and motivate you to move forward towards realising some of your dreams:
Slow down and make time: if you’re always rushing from one thing to the next, trying to get through your neverending to-do list and outwardly multitask with confidence, whilst inside wondering when the spinning plates are going to come crashing down, maybe you need to pause, reflect and re-prioritise .
FREE resources – Zen for Ten and Making Time will encourage you to get back to basics, enjoy the simple things and think about what really matters to you.
Immerse yourself in the world you are interested in, and find, a community of like-minded people there. Their positivity and energy will boost you up and make you realise what is possible. You may also be amazed what you can accomplish when you are not surrounded by the naysayers.
FREE resources – Alchemy and L.E.A.P – two fantastic resources that will help show you what is possible when you change your mindset.
Plan! My God, if I didn’t plan my days I am not sure I would make it past breakfast, especially with two small daughters keeping me on my toes. Planning in time every day to do something – however small – in the direction of your dream, adds up to big strides over time. Trying to visualise every step can be daunting, but breaking it into smaller manageable steps allows us to find direction, movement and most importantly momentum.
FREE resource – New Year’s Revolution – a practical toolkit to help you spend more time doing what you love.
Let’s just consider those two very different responses I mentioned at the beginning of this post for a second…
“Wow, that sounds cool…I need that”
Yes it is cool to do what you love. For me, to have found something as rewarding as being able to help people improve their lives has been one of the highlights of the past five years. Life is short. How can doing what you don’t love be a better, happier choice than doing what you do love?And yet, this doesn’t mean it is an easier life. I can honestly say I have never worked so hard. But I certainly don’t mind, as the motivation behind my actions is in line with what I believe.
There is also a misconception that you should be ‘doing what you love’ at work. Not necessarily. If you have a job you love then great, but you might have a job that provides for you and your family and allows you time to follow your passions. It really is an equation that has to fit you and you alone.
2.“But then, not many of us can… We all have jobs to do, don’t we?”
Yes, the truth is most of us do need to earn money to pay the bills, but there are thousands of ways to do that. In today’s connected world there are more opportunities than ever to have a flexible lifestyle, such as negotiating some remote working time, starting your own business, learning something new or sharing your expertise with the world by teaching online. And if none of those suit your particular situation, there are always ways to free up more time and prioritise even a small amount of money to do what you love outside work too.
Sounds like it’s [Tweet “time for a lifestyle spring clean.”] Are you in?
I think there’s a lot to be said for being conscious about how you start your day, so I did a little experiment this morning.
Mr K pedalling between the forest and the sea this morning
It has been a really busy couple of weeks with the announcement of my book deal(!) and some travel, and I have a ton of things on my to do list… But when I woke up this morning the sun was out and winking at me. So Mr K and I packed our bikes into the car and headed to the New Forest (which is actually not new at all, but a medieval royal hunting ground created by William the Conqueror nearly 1000 years ago). We parked up by the beach and cycled for three hours on empty forest roads, stopping for breakfast in the sweet village of Beaulieu where local ponies roam the streets. It was bliss.
Breakfast companions
I’m now back at my desk and have a sense of lightness and energy about me which I didn’t have first thing this morning. The important stuff on the to do list has still got done, and the not important stuff didn’t really need doing anyway. What a great way to start the week.
This week I challenge you to ditch the routine and start your day in a different way.
Have a great week!
Beth
PS Our blog columnist Alastair Humphreys is just about to release a fab new book ‘Grand Adventures’. Check it out here! ‘Dream big. Plan quick. Go, explore’, as Alastair says…
One of the (many!) great things I’ve resolved to do in 2016 is to spend more time doing things that make me happy – like reading. I love reading and my shelves are overflowing with books that are all begging to be read. So I’ve set myself a challenge: to read a book a week, every week, for a year. As well as increasing my knowledge, giving my brain a good daily work out and opening my mind to new thoughts and ideas, I hope that priorising my passion for books will inspire me to work on improving all aspects of my life. What’s more by 31 December I’ll have read 52 books – what a great feeling that will be!
I’m only a few weeks in and I’m already reaping the benefits of burying my head in a good book for half an hour a day:
I look forward to that little bit of me-time I carve out for myself each day
It feels like a really productive use of my time – unlike watching TV or surfing online
It helps me to switch off
Reading before bed is helping me to sleep better
Finishing a book is satisfying and that feeling of finishing things is motivating me to develop a habit of completion – in all other areas of my life
Deciding what to read next is fun
It’s a great way to learn more about my hobbies, interests, and passions
Now I’m in the flow of reading, I’m excited about stepping out of my comfort zone and trying other genres/styles
I love this image about the benefits of reading by designer Raphael Lysander which includes some fascinating statistics on how reading can help with stress relief, mental skill development, and forming relationships, etc.
During January I was reading:
Finding Your Element by Ken Robinson:a great source of help, advice and motivation if you’re pushing through the daily grind, lack passion for what you do, or are wondering how you can start doing what you love.
Walking on Sunshine. 52 small steps to happiness by Rachel Kelly: inspired by Rachel’s own life experiences this little book is bursting with tips, tools and positive thoughts to help you better manage the pressures of everyday life.
The Artist’s Way for Parents: Raising Creative Children by Julia Cameron: this book is packed with practical advice and is a great reminder that by taking time (even little moments) to nurture our own creativity we cultivate joy in our own lives, which we can then share with, and model for, our children.
F**k It: The Ultimate Spiritual Way by John C. Parkin, who suggests that saying F**k It is the perfect Western expression of the Eastern spiritual concept of letting go, giving up, and finding real freedom by realising that things don’t matter so much (if at all).
What’s next? The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, which promises that I’m “about to discover how I can create the most extraordinary life I’ve ever imagined… right now.” Watch this space!
This month I’m especially grateful for these fascinating books which have taught me so much, and to the inspiring authors who wrote them. I’m also grateful to my husband who’s doing the book challenge too – keeping us both motivated – and to my sister, Lisa, who, on hearing about my challenge, sent me dozens of pictures of her bookcase and suggested we swap some books. All these things are on my Happy List.
“Be grateful for what you have now. As you begin to think about all the things in your life you are grateful for, you will be amazed at the never ending thoughts that come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You have to make a start, and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful thoughts and give you more just like them.” ~ Rhonda Byrne, The Secret
What is on your Happy List this year?
If you want to take more notice of the things that make you happy in the months ahead, download our Happy List – it’s completely free, and it’s a simple interactive PDF which allows you to note one thing every day that you are grateful for. Thousands of people used it last year and really enjoyed noticing the small and big things, and having a record to look back on. You can get yours here.
Download a low res version of The Happy List here.
Download a high res version of The Happy List here.
One of the best parts of my job is guiding people through the Do What You Love e-course journey, because I see them cracking open, unfolding and growing in front of my eyes.
I see people grow in confidence, make bold moves, discover new things about themselves.
They get a ton of ideas for getting paid to do what they love, and put together real plans for moving forward.
Crucially they reorganise their lives around what really matters to them, so they can do more of what they love every single day.
This is the ninth time we have run this course and the results continue to astound us. Just recently one of our course graduates said,
“I can’t believe it’s nearly a year that’s flown by since we took the course and how far I’ve come; physically, emotionally, personally and professionally.”
This is why we do what we do, and I why I started Do What You Love in the first place.
Class begins today, and this will be the last time we run it until the end of 2016 (because I’ll be working on a very exciting project which I will share shortly…)
CLICK HERE to register and begin your journey of self-discovery to find out how to do what you love, every day.
Hope to see you in class for a transformational experience to remember!
Torassieppi Wooden Cabins, Muonio
Credit: Sarkodie photography
I love the word adventure. It conjures up so many great images… like embracing the great outdoors and roaming free in nature, sleeping under the stars, cooking on open fires, stargazing, doing things you’d never normally do, and making magical memories along the way.
