Thriving in Your Niche

What does the word "niche" connote to you? Is it a place like a tight little prize-fighter's corner? Not to me. That kind of corner is the place where you go when you're exhausted, a place that leaves you nowhere else to go. To me, a niche should be an opportunity. A place where you can be yourself. I see it as a place where you stand out. You own this space and from it you speak your truth. Speaking from this authentic place, you reach others passionately. You are heard and dialogue with others.

Talking isn't what it's all about, though.

Finding one's niche also means that you have found a way to make an impact in the world. But a niche should come naturally. Perhaps you are a teacher inspiring year after year of elementary school students to "Go the Extra Mile!" Perhaps you are a waiter who anticipates nearly every need of your customers to the extent that you consistently pull in 20% tips or more. Perhaps you are a grandparent who plays or talks with your grandchild in a way that always lets him or her know how cherished he or she is by you.

Whatever niche you occupy - be it a career or relationship - stay out of the corner and be like the winning prize fighter whose arms are raised in victory. Strive to do your very best in this "ring" of life.

I'll be the one in the front row seats, jumping up and spilling my popcorn as I applaud every moment you thrive in your niche.

- ARC

Getting Energy From Your Work?

"The surest way of knowing that you’ve found your work is feeling blessed by it. Not every day or even every week, but overall you know your work gives you energy and you know it adds something special or crucial to the lives of others." - Rod MacIver in Heron Dance.

I was 12 when I knew what I wanted to "be" when I grew up. Among the many people who wonder about their calling, I am in the lucky minority when it comes to having had such a clear idea. The key for me, the reason I LOVE my work, is that I am always helping or guiding people as they are being creative. That makes my job creative too.

I thrive on meeting new people, hearing their stories, learning what they want to change or improve, and helping them figure out how they can pursue the life they want. Sometimes, I have clients who have a clear idea of what they want but who can't make themselves do ANYTHING to move closer to that goal. Other times, I have clients who are able to take very few, baby steps towards the goal but are afraid of letting go of their old lives, comforts, and habits. I will honor this stuck process for awhile. Which means, I'll stop asking you to try to DO anything and instead will ask you to just notice when you are getting energy from your endeavors. I will ask you to tell me when you know you've done something that positively affects others and their lives. That is the beginning of your path. The more you are able to follow and trust in this path the sooner you will feel blessed by your work.

How to turn feeling blessed into also making a living is the next step. Don't pretend that you really get a kick out of your current profession when you know that you're just watching the clock. That would inevitably lead to your deep dissatisfaction and the drying up of your soul. Do yourself and your loved ones a huge favor: pay attention now and start stepping towards the path that gives you energy.

- ARC