Jason, a bright and creative 40 something, faced two attractive business opportunities. Both have risk. Both demand time and energy. Both offer significant but not guaranteed financial rewards.
Jason is in a quandary. Which option to choose? Or should he do neither?
“It’s hard to know what to do. You talk about finding your YIPPEE. Some days I wonder if I should just become a paddleboard instructor and live a simple life. Is that what finding your YIPPEE is all about? I love teaching and I love any kind of water sports, but somehow it doesn’t seem like enough and I don’t know why.”
Jason has been happily married for 15 years. He and his wife have three great kids who are big priorities and nothing pleases him more than teaching them to love the outdoor activities and adventures that have been a part of his life since he was a child.
It’s easy to understand Jason’s dilemma. Many of us have at some point thought about “chucking it all” and doing something really offbeat. And no doubt, it works out for some people. For others, it’s a big disappointment.
As we explored Jason’s life what emerged was interesting – what he loved were not just the outdoor adventures, but also his ROLE.
Jason is an organizer and promoter. When he was in grade school he got all the kids on his block together to make a movie, in high school he started an outing club, as a recent college grad he organized a western river paddle trip with corporate sponsors, in graduate school he created a multi-team challenge, as a business man he organized a group of other professional guys for carve boarding and now he’s organizing support to protect forest acreage in the mountains close to his hometown.
Yes, Jason loves the outdoors, not doubt about that. But at second glance, what Jason really loves and where his YIPPEE lives is in bringing people together and engaging them in a project or activity that is creative, fun and worthwhile.
So as you search for your YIPPEE, look for clues in the ROLES you have played in your life. Which are the ones you seek out over and over again? Where do you add your particular spark or genius?
When you discover it, you’ll be well on your way to discovering your YIPPEE! Go exploring and see what you discover.
Until next Tuesday. YIPPEE!
Elizabeth