I spent January 1st on the beach in Miami. I got every ounce of joy out of my 12-day sabbatical – Christmastime with family, rest, play, and napping to the sound of the Atlantic’s waves crashing on the South Florida shore. In fact, I didn’t get back until New Year’s night. I fussed at myself (well, in my head, I fussed) as the wheels touched down at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. “Why didn’t I close the office on January 2nd, too?” I thought.
While a buffer day to get back into the rhythm of things would have been nice, my spirit felt rejuvenated and excited about 2013. I was ready to get back to work. So on January 2nd, I headed to the office. Just as I pulled up, I received this text from my assistant:
Soooo … per the calendar you are supposed to be off today.
Just letting you know. 
Had I known, I’d still have been in bed. But I was dressed (in an outfit I thoughtfully picked out, no less!) and ready to rock. So I got out of the car and headed into the office. When my dad called midday, puttering around the house because he was off all week, I told him the story.
“I was supposed to be off today too, but I didn’t realize it until I was already here!”
His response was echoed by several others as I jokingly recounted my dilemma that day: “Wow, now that’s passion. It’s obvious you really love what you do when you go to work even though you scheduled one more day off!”
Funny, I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it’s true. I love what I do. And I’m grateful. That wasn’t always the case. I made a deliberate decision in 1999 to find my purpose and pursue it. Despite my worst fears that I somehow might not make a living at it (getting paid to “inspire” people isn’t exactly on Forbes’ “Top 10 Jobs” list), I went for it. My worst fears did not come true. But my dreams did. By 2001, I was doing it full-time.
Are you doing what you love for a living? If not, will you make a plan to start? Making a dream come true begins with this simple thought: It’s possible.
In the beginning, you don’t have to know exactly how to make it happen. You just need to believe it’s possible, and start moving in the right direction and asking the sort of questions that will lead you onto a new path. Make a decision to do what you love. Start small. Start now. I started part-time while I was running my own public relations agency. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it has been absolutely worth it. There’s nothing like getting up in the morning excited about the day ahead, knowing you are going to make a positive impact on somebody. It’s fun to be able to say, “Thank God it’s Monday!”
Are you living your dream? Or are you hoping to get there? Leave your comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Hi Valorie! I’m a long time subscriber of the newsletter and a fan of your work. It is so empowering. I’m elated you have added this blog. To answer your question, I just launched my own blog at the end of 2012 making 1 step closer to fulfilling more of my dream in the healthy and fit living lifestyle as my focus. It is still only part time. I am very happy with my profession as a Pharmacist, however…I get ignited helping people reach their fitness potential. Great post as always!
Hi Valorie! I have been making enormous changes since we met on Dr. Oz. I left my husband and started back to school. I enrolled in a free program to help me get my finances under control. I’m still not sure where I’m going to live, how I’m going to earn money or what I’m supposed to be when I grow up but I am making progress every slow baby step of the way and I am no longer living under the cloud of my toxic marriage. I can’t tell you how often I think of what you said… “Fear is not a stop sign.” Every time I am afraid I visualize your kind face and your voice in my mind. Thank you so much for your encouragement and kindness you showed me in AZ. I will never forget it.. I wish you many blessings and much happiness in the New Year and always… Annie
Annie!! Your message brought tears to my eyes (tears of joy, that is!). I’m so proud of you and I believe the best is yet to come for you. It was a blessing to meet you on Dr. Oz and a divine appointment to cross paths. You are a resilient woman! You are now unstuck, and with the foundation you’re building personally, financially, educationally and spiritually, you’re becoming unstoppable! Wishing you grace, peace and love, Valorie
Joi, congrats on your new blog! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you love my work – means so much to me!
Keep me posted on your progress towards your goal.
Hello Valorie,
I’m a fairly recent subscriber to your newsletter but I truly enjoy receiving it each Sunday. Living my dream….not there yet, but really desire to. What I know for sure, is that I don’t want to be in the same place in 2012 that I was in 2013. What I mean by that is that in 2012, I thought about doing my dream job, but did very little to put it into practice. However, as I move forward, I want to and need to spend more time focusing on getting my event planning business back on track again. I must admit that I get so overwhelmed at times with other things that I don’t focus the time and attention I need to get there. Is that me being stuck? I do believe it is possible for the company to have the success that I imagine, but some times I truly feel stuck in what I’m doing now. Why do I keep staying there?
Hi Donna, when you’re overwhelmed with too much to do, a common reaction is to become paralyzed and not do much of anything. So, the key is to break your goal into bite-sized steps. The big picture – your vision – is a guide that will show you what goals to set. I suggest you set a very small goal, let’s say, landing one event planning opportunity. Who can you talk to or reach out to? Is there someone you can subcontract for? Is there some “low-lying fruit” that’s ripe for picking – an opportunity that’s already been mentioned and all you need to do is follow up? We can only do one small thing at a time, but when those small things add up, we realize we’ve accomplished something quite great.
Hi Valerie,
Happy New Year to you!
I can relate to this article as I have long held ambitions about changing career paths. The words that resonated with me are “start small”.
I think I do need to take the first step in 2013.
Thanks for this article and all the other great articles you have provided.
You’re welcome, Coleen! I’m so glad it was helpful.
Hi Valorie,
Happy 2013! Although I love, really do love what I do,I have always wanted to step into my dream full time . In 2 years , I will be retiring from my first job and have already started my on business. I plan in 2013 to really devote more time to the business and stop overworking on the job I am retiring from. Kind of shifting my energy to where it really belongs. I had an amazing 2012 and am grateful for the experience with Dr.Oz and you (also Tony Redhouse). I still carry the lessons learned with me and plan to really step out in this New year! So happy to see this new blog. I will truly be visiting it as it updates.
Hi Yolanda and Happy New Year! Sounds like the best is yet to come as you retire and move into a new season of life.
Hello Mrs. Valorie, after reading your books early last year you’ve been such an inspiration to me and just wanted to say thank you. But right now I’m currently not doing a job I enjoy doing, its so hard to even get up to do it. I have a year left in school and I’m pursuing my Human Resources degree and with that I would like to start a consultation firm. Right now I’m looking for jobs everywhere in the field that I’m interested in and I have nothing but high hope and confidence that God will send the right job my way.
Praying you get that right opportunity and that you can find some element of joy in your current job until that opportunity comes along!
Hi Valorie. I have been a subscriber for two years, but I have been depressed and sad the majority of that time and did not really ever sit down and read the weekly emails. At the end of 2012 I decided to take my life back from the enemy and believe in the goodness of God and what His words say and mean in my life. I opened this email this morning and I said wow, God is so AWESOME because this is another positive effort for me to start getting myself together mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Thank you for the positive words and I look forward to a great 2013. I did forward your email to my daughter and niece so they too can be motivated and inspired to reach their highest potential.
Hi Karen, thanks for passing the email along! Not sure if you’ve sought counseling or talked to your doctor, but if your sadness and depression has lasted for that long, professional help could give you some relief. It is an honor to know that my words give you a boost! I’m praying the coming year is filled with hope and joy for you.
Hi Valorie:
Happy New Year! Indeed, I am making small steps toward living my dream. For starters, after completing your Coaching Intensive Training, I felt more compelled to create my personal brand and marketing strategies. As a result, I sought the advice of coach and professional with expertise in the area of branding and marketing businesses. Like you, I vowed to pursue my passion more intentionally in 2013! My goal is to coach, train, write and speak full time. My target audience is narrowed, goals set aligned with my vision and company’s brand! Thank you for reigniting my passion to pursue my dreams and never give up!
Marcia Collins
Spring Graduate of the CaPP Inst.
Your goal is clear, and with your energy and tenacity, I know you’ll reach it, Marcia! It is great to call you one of our graduates!
THE FIRST THING I DECIDED TO DO IS FIND A PLACE TO WORSHIP, SINCE I DON’T HAVE A CHURCH HOME. HOPEFULLY I CAN FIND MY LIFE PURPOSE, BECAUSE I REALLY DON’T FEEL IM LIVING IT,
I too need to find a new place of worship! Thanks for posting!
Finding a faith community builds bonds, accountability, spiritual growth and a sense of belonging, which is so important for happiness.
Hi Valorie
You are so right when you said you don’t have to know exactly how to make it happen because when I started my business back in 2011 I didn’t know how I was going to do all of this but what I did know was that everytime I spoke to women about my life story it change their life in some kind of way and so I got started. The more I seek I found just like the bible say. I love what I do and can’t wait til the day come when I can say bye bye to my day job and do what I love full time. Great post Valorie and I love your book “Why Not Me”.
Thanks, Taquila! You sound both unstuck AND unstoppable!
Hi Valorie! Greetings from the Philippines! Thank you for this post. I was just beginning to feel the “Monday blues” earlier this evening. But God spoke to me through your blog. Just like the previous comment, I, too, finally began my own blog only last October 2012, and it’s one dream that I’ve been wanting to pursue. And like you, I have this passion to inspire women who may be going through similar situations as I am. Anywayz, thanks for being God’s mouthpiece! And I hope you can check my blog as well at http://citygircountryhomeph.blogspot.com God bless you!
Mich! How wonderful to get your message from across the Pacific.
Congrats on your blog and thank you for sharing with me that God spoke to you through my blog post – wow! That is a beautiful, humbling thing.
Greeting Valorie,
Thanks so much for your comments and words of encouragement. I am 55 and just completed a degree in Public Administration (10/12) and in the top of my class. On 1/14/13, I will begin a master’s program which will culminate in 2015 with licensure as a Professional Counselor and a certification as a Life Coach. I am rejuvenated and charged to get this done. I have a job currently with a state agency and have been encouraged to apply for administrative roles within the agency but I enjoy the people and seeing first hand how my efforts change lives. There are soooo many things I can see myself doing effectively and even at this time of my life when my friends are firing down – I am fired up. God knows the plans he has for me and they are plans for my success – I look forward to finally moving within his plans and not my own.
Thanks for your continued words of encouragement and your insight. WHY NOT ME?!? WHY NOT NOW?!?
Happy New Year.
Wow – you are such a wonderful example! You can reinvent your career and your life at any point. My dad, like you, earned his undergrad and graduate degrees in his 50s – age ain’t nothin’ but a number!
Change is always good! I like what you bring to the table and also your new format. Thanks again for all the inspiring information.
Hi Harriet! Thanks for the feedback.
I am as defined by society…”homeless”…been in this season since 2009 living with family, living by their rules in their shadows. I still have hopes, desires, & dreams. GOD sees me as HIS, so ALL of my needs for this season are consistently & faithfully met. I am Blessed.
I went into the Mardel Christian Bookstore to get a gift for someone whose life story moved me to add her to my prayer list & do my part in helping in her healing for forgiveness of past hurts. However, piltering through the shelves, your EYES pierced through me and I literally got chills as I grabbed; Successful Women Think Differently & Your 5-Minute Personal Coach books!
I determined deep within the depths of my soul, that this year IS the year for ME to be fully prepared so I can be where GOD need me to be
so HE can advance me to the next season of my life. So I decided to choose you to Coach me through this state of “homelessness”. I NEED to know what are the “right” questions & how to ask them. I look forward to this learning season and the growth & strength that will come forward as GOD directs me to the predestined plans HE has in store for me! Thanks for doing you as GOD has sent you into this world to empower the multitude! Continued Blessings to you in your daily walk.
Felecia, I’m praying the right doors open up for you soon. What a blessing to have family! I’m believing with you that this year will be a turning point – maintain your determination, set some clear goals, and keep moving forward no matter what! Even baby steps get you to the finish line.
Thanks! I hope I can attend the conference call…..I work until 8 p.m. (CST) in a call center and don’t have much free time.
If the call is recorded, with a passcode
provided to us; I will listen at a lter time.
Blessings to you in your daily walk.
Yep, you will be able to download it and listen later…
I am looking for a buddy to do the New Year, New You Challenge. Any one out there willing to work with someone you never met to give the space of complete honesty and openness?
I’ll be hosting a New Year’s Goalsetting Roundtable (conference call) this Wednesday, January 9th. Details will go out via eblast, Facebook and Twitter on Tuesday with dial-in instructions. Would love to have you on the call!
Thank you, Valorie! I am so sorry I could not make the call. You inspire me in ways you don’t even know! All the best to you in 2013!!!!
Dear Valori,
Greetings from Bulgaria! I’ve been receiving your newsletter for the last 2 years. I like to check my e-mails on Sunday morning and read your messages. Sometimes they encourage me, another time they confirm my decisions and observations or make me think on some topic new to me.
I am a cancer epidemiologists and work in the National Oncology Hospital. I like my work and I am full with ideas for new projects to start this year. It wasn’t like that several years ago, when I was trying to find the proper job for me. I learnt that you don’t have to give up, because some things that looked impossible before, are totaly possible today. Somehow, with your dreams you can touch this tomorrow that your desire, even if it looks too good to happen now.
In anticipation of many interesting messages from you!
Nadya (such a pretty name!), How wonderful to hear from you all the way in Bulgaria!! I’m so happy to know my words encourage you.
Hi Valori,
Praise God for the opportunity the Lord has given you. I do have a dream, and believe the Lord has called me to help parents and students with disabilities. I am a special education teacher, have been for years. I have seen needs of parents of disabled individuals that go unmet. I would like to be an advocate for these individuals to make sure the disabled persons and their family get their needs met with all the available technology and services they deserve. Yes, I have fear, how would I make money to take care of my family and where to get the money to start. I know the Lord will provide if this is His plan.
You have a beautiful dream. Have you considered working within a non-profit, hospital or government setting where your talents and passion will be aligned with the organization’s mission?
I have been inspired by you for many years. Your blog post today really hit home with me. For the past several months, God has been dealing with me about writing. I realized when I went to graduate school a couple of years of ago, that I really loved writing . I realize that is is very important to do what you love and do what God has gifted you and called you to do. You touched on these points in your article. I realize in order to be successful in any career, you have to have a passion and a love for what you do. I have finally found that passion.
Glad you found your passion, Shawn! Get busy living it – write for joy, and the words will flow.
So inspiring. I just finished wrapping up a call about my plans to start slow with my own entrepreneurial venture while continuing to work and I decided to take a break and catch up on my emails. I “fell” upon this posting and am so grateful for the inspiration. It further confirms I’m on the right track! Thanks!
I love when I get a confirmation like that, Farah! So perfect. It’s like God winking at you.
Hi Valorie
I am truly a fan of your work and your initiatives. I absolutely love the weekly emails that are sent to reenergize and invigorate the upcoming week. I have made it a priority to get unstuck and move forward with my life. 2012 hosted a myriad of challenges and stressors that are not carrying over into 2013. Thank you forou all that you do.
You’re welcome, DeLisa! Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Hi Valorie!
I am in the process of making my dream a reality. Currently, I am preparing to launch my business on a part time basis while I work. I don’t know if you realize how much you bless others with this weekly inspiration! It’s a divine confirmation that I am moving in the right direction. Thank you so much for answering the call to coach!
I believe that one day I will also be able to live my passion on a fulltime basis. Your words have given me even more hope!
You WILL live your passion full-time. Plan your work and work your plan. Don’t ever let discouragement convince you to quit. Persevere, and if it’s your purpose, you WILL succeed. After all, you can’t fail at what you were put on this earth to do – unless you quit! Not possible.
Yes, Valorie, I am living my passion! I wake up excited and ready to go each morning because I get to empower and equip women to have God’s absolute best in every aspect of their business and lives. I’m so passionate about helping people with great but unrealized potential get the results they want in their lives and it brings me joy every single day!
Thanks so much for being my inspiration!
Yay! I love to read that, Benecia.
Happy New year!! Thanks for your weekly devotionals they really make me think differently about things that go on in my life. I am not working on my dream job (nurse), because I can’t afford to pay for it. I have exhausted all of my loan money working toward a different degree. I wanted to go to school to do my dream job, but I would have to quit my job and go to school full time and at that time I was a divorced single mother of 5. They are all grown now, but the money is not there. I thank God that I have a job in these times we are having now; it is not the best job but i like what I do.
Hi Cordra, I know it’s hard when you want to make a change, but the financial resources simply aren’t there. I understand. Don’t give up though. Perhaps you can make it your goal right now to research your options for scholarships, grants, low-tuition programs, and so forth. There is a way – it might not be in your timing, but if you know it’s your purpose and you stick with the process patiently, you can still bring that dream to life.
Sending prayers your way for financial blessings!
Thank you Valorie! This is just what I needed this morning, so Thank God it’s Monday! LOL! You inspire me and I love reading your books and weekly devotions. My prayer for you this New Year is that God continues to lead and guide you in every area of your life. That he provides the strength you need to continue doing what you love! I am so glad that he choose you to have this passion to build people up. That’s what the world needs more of, people full of passion, ready to build up and not tear down. I pray that what ever your needs are that God meet those needs for you spritually, physically, personally, financially and professionally. May God continue to bless you, so that you can continue to be a blessing to others.
Wow, Kesi, thank you for that beautiful blessing! Happy New Year!
Hello Valerie,
WOW! This spoke to me as I prepared for work, and really the passion is JUST not there anymore. In the meantime, I am also working on doing what I was CREATED to do, and that is PUSH people to their destiny. I am thankful that you published this, for as I sit at my “DAY JOB”, I KNOW that there is More, and the MORE is what I am after.
Continue to speak LIFE into others! It is a God given talent and gift that you have and it has inspired me to continue pursuing my passion.
Best,
Rhonda Winbush
Administrative Professional for NOW..
Future Director of Non-for-Profit Organization
So glad this message spoke to you, Rhonda! My prayer for you is that you get your passion back – if it was once there, it can be rekindled.
Hi Valorie
What happens when you have lived only exsiting. I mean making sure you family needs are taking care of and now that the children are grown. now I have nothing for myself and I don’t know what my purpose or talents are. How do you come back from that and I want something better. I don’t have any support from my husband. He do not understand what I am going through.
I wonder what I should do all the time.
Sabrina, the good thing is you are asking the right questions! What should I do? How can I come back? Is something better possible? This is your starting point. It’s time to start dreaming again! You have the rest of your life ahead of you – What do you want it to be? If you are having trouble setting goals, you might start with my free Goal Gap assessment, adapted from my book What’s Really Holding You Back? It will help you see some goals you can start setting in the key areas of your life: http://www.valorieburton.com/assessments/goal-gap-assessment/. Or take my free New Year, New You Challenge to help you ponder some important coaching questions: http://www.valorieburton.com/freebies/new-year-new-you-challenge/.
Next, consider yourself blessed. You’ve raised your children, and now you can focus on YOU. What do you want? Before you were a mom and life was more about you, what did you enjoy? What brings you joy? These are the kinds of questions that will get you moving in the right directions. For more great questions, try reading Your 5-Minute Personal Coach or Listen to Your Life.
Valerie,
I love your post! What a blessing to do what you love and we love what you do too! I’m making a transition and I’m confident I will echo your thoughts all too soon.
Thanks! I hope you soon find yourself in the perfect place, loving what you do and making a positive impact, B.
Valerie,
Long time reader of your newsletters, and the book, ‘What’s really holding you book?’ is MY number 1 bestseller in my repertoire of coach books!
You posed the question am I living my dream or am I hoping to get there? Well, where do I begin…
I just finished my Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial -Organizational Psychology. I took a huge leap of faith after being laid off my city government job as an Administrative Assistant (after 16 years of service) and relocated to Atlanta Georgia to go after my desired career as a Training and Development Specialist.
I’ve been here in Georgia since April of 2012, no job prospects, and have no income (save my annuities), sleeping on my sister’s couch, paying her $200.00 per month, plus purchasing food and essentials, paying a $450.00 car note, student loans looming over my head (remember I recently graduated with my Masters), car insurance, cell phone bill, still paying for U-Haul storage every month because my sisters apartment is way too small, not to mention got sick 2 months ago with an upper respiratory infection (oh, did I mention no insurance??), $971.00 for emergency hospital visit.
Sorry for the long (violin playing in the background) drawn out horror story of MY LIFE, but well, I would like to live my purposed life as a Training and Development Specialist or simply a coach to the unmotivated employees of the world. However, how do I become that which I desire when I can’t get myself off the ground.
I’ve become a professional networking-volunteer-to-keep-myself-halfway-motivated individual. To keep myself halfway motivated, I took some of my monies and joined a professional organization for Training and Development Professionals (ASTD), also in the process of writing a book (not sure how I’ll get it published, but I’m writing for therapies sake).
My dream was to relocate, finished my degree while looking for gainful employment, landing my DREAM CAREER, and doing great exploits as I continued to brand myself as THE EMPLOYEE MOTIVATOR!!! I’ve got the website, the logo, and can even make up some business cards but….here I am, sitting in a library in Fulton county, wondering if this is it for me, maybe I made a huge mistake relocating and should have stayed put where I was.
Sorry for the long comment, just trying to figure out where I went wrong in trusting the God I believe in beyond just saying I trust you Lord!
Greetings Valerie,
I’ve been getting your newsletters for many years and have shared a few with friends.
2012 was a year of many transitions including the passing of my mother. I held my dreams close with the little space I mentally could carry. I’ve been pushing forward with my children’s writing career, since 2003. I’ve gone to local workshop. I took an online course which took me two years to complete. I am now a graduate of the course. I’ve finished my middle-grades manuscript.
This year I will write my query letter and begin to submit to publishers.
I’ve been talking to the universe a long- time. I’m hoping this 2013 I will be an award-winning children’s book author.
Thank you for your positive newsletters that have reached me throughout the years!
Continue being a blessing and I will see you at the top:)
Colette Paul
Colette, I’m sorry to hear about your mother.
I’m happy to hear you are going after your dream! When your book is published, let me know so I can buy a copy!!
Yes, ” Thank God for Monday”! A chance at new begginings and living the life you always wanted to live with renewed passion. Israel Houghton sings a powerful worship song, ” Moving Forward”, and that is what I want to do. Erasing all fear, because God did not give me a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind! So I embrace, ” Thank God for Monday and all the new things we have to look forward too this week and the rest of the year if Jesus tarries!
Miss Rita! We just sang that song at church yesterday – and I listened to it all the time on my iPod. I love Israel Houghton’s music! Keep moving forward! Don’t stop! Don’t look back! Move forward!
Big sigh! Where do I start, Valorie, you are such a huge inspiration to me! I was blessed with the opportunity to meet you at New Birth Charlotte years ago. You were selling and book signing your manuscript “Why Not You.” I absolutely love reading your aspiring words of advice. You are my Life Coach, second to the Lord of course.
Achieving greatness in my life still awaits me. I like what I do, and years ago I thought that it was my purpose. I know I’ve made an impact on my student’s lives, but I don’t thank God for Monday’s in the same manner as you. That’s the feeling I await to feel. I know my next assignment I have to move towards it, He’s already told me “the time is now Kartika.” Your purpose is inspiring my purpose. Thanks Coach!
Hi Valerie. I always enjoy reading your weekly newsletter as I seek to live my dream/calling. I”m been working on my dream for the last ten years and although I am not there yet full-time, I am still moving in the direction of eventually having my own full-time writing, speaking and teaching ministry. I soooo want to be there already, but thanks for the reminder to keep taking small steps toward my goal. You always inspire me each week and I want to thank you for being my virtual mentor and a great example that with hard work, I can achieve my dream.
I look forward to receiving continued inspiration from you in 2013,
Jeaninne
Hi Val,
Love your newsletter. Some days i wonder what am doing, i feel like am in a transe. I think i have found my passion and then again i think i have not. I want to feel fulfilled whatever that means. I think i have all the tools and know hows, but the application is not there for me yet. I love reading what others are doing and sometimes wish my life was much more fulfilling. I cannot say i hate my life, only i wish it would feel differnt. Keep on the good work it gives me hope.
Mary
Dear Ms Burton,
I love your books and your weekly emails, and really appreciate that your incorporate spirituality into the process of personal growth and change. Sometimes that piece is missing, and it is crucial, of course.
I left a great career in 2008 to go back to school and become a family nurse practitioner which I have now been for just over a year. It was very hard, and very transformative, and very expensive. I am so glad I did it when I did, as I am now 51 and this transition is behind me. Truly, it’s never too late.
My previous career entailed writing for advertising and television, and my current dream project is a series of three “how-to-live-well” books on Sex, Food, and Death from the holistic perspective of the nurse practitioner. I love writing and have always wanted to write for myself, rather than for “the client.” After finishing school and learning through patient care how people really live in modern America, I finally have something to say.
My challenges are: Fitting an hour of nondistracted writing time into my day, and, maintaining a strong belief in my purpose and my vision.
Thank you for this opportunity to share, and to cheer one another on!