I Did It On Purpose

I have little to no qualifications. I stare at degrees and certificates on walls of physios, doctors, dentists, lawyers, managers, CEO’s and allow myself to feel inferior. A badge of honour, confirmation of brilliance, a token of commitment. None of which I have.

I have been running a business, a pub, for 13 years. This has been the biggest investment of time and effort in my professional life to date. But prior and even during this tenure I have had a swag of other jobs, roles, experiences, and titles. So, where is the better place to be? Having a degree, expert knowledge, and an illuminated path to follow or the unpredictable wilderness of the alternate?

I have been a butcher, a baker (no not a candle stick maker), a calf de horner, a farmhand, a door-to-door salesman, a marketing consultant, a furniture removalist, a farmhand, an emcee and a breakfast radio announcer. Perhaps an ideal preparation into running a pub where social engagement is paramount in establishing a rapport between myself and a wide-ranging customer demographic.

I can comfortably attest to such a diverse path now, but in and among some of those moments and jobs I was worried what lay ahead. Staying true to yourself, in my opinion remains the absolute goal in life. In Brene Brown’s bestselling book ‘Braving The Wilderness’, she explains that “True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” Brilliant. Not easy, but essential.

Furthermore, we need to be comfortable to aim for the moon yet land among the stars. To stick to your purpose but pivot if necessary to stay on track. Revisit your 6-year-old self. A time when a polite interrogation from a grown up about what you wanted to do in life was met with eagerness and glee. What were your dreams back then? Have they changed? Have you given up on them? Have you investigated the breadth and range of such desires?

I wanted to be on TV for as long as I can remember. Even through my young adult life I manifested hosting Wheel OF Fortune. Rather than solving phrases I suddenly was changing nappies, paying a mortgage, and making other plans. Some years later an epiphany presented whilst reading Gary Keller’s book, ‘The One Thing’. 5 years after building it, the pub was on the market. I had recently missed out on a key corporate position and the boyhood dream of being a TV star was simply a distant mirage. I was deflated. Defeated. Unsatisfied. Keller’s book speaks more so to closing the gap on your goals but helped me realise what my ‘One Thing’ was. I was born to entertain. Well, wasn’t I doing just that!? The pub was my circus, and I was the ringmaster! My cup was full. I was doing what I was born to do. I was staying true to myself. That was 8 years ago, and both the pub and I are thriving.

I have had similar conversations with my kids, two of which are adults now. The first born was always curious about everything and anything and possessed a genuine beauty to help others. He is studying to be a doctor, but the career will not define him. The fact he is following his true self is what makes him deliriously happy. My daughter is a little like her old man. A showman. An entertainer. A spontaneous spark that can light up a room. With an amazing voice, musical talent, and the ability to characterize almost anyone she is destined to be a performing artist. I have watched her frustration and limiting belief that it will not happen. Our conversations then focus on living life with the same purpose. Finding work and a place where those qualities are still active. Feeling like you are being your true self. Currently she is in hospitality, establishing a drive thru coffee business that has had immediate success. Her creativity has shone through in its style and statement and her infectious spirit has people coming back time and time again. Her debut album is pending, but the pivot sees her still entertaining. Making people happy.

I have met accountants who became plumbers. Barristers who became writers. Plumbers who have become teachers. Mums who have become nutrition and fitness experts. These are some of the happiest people I know. Gone are the days of the 40 years of service and the gold watch. If the answer to “Do you like what you do?” is “It pays the bills” or “It’s a job”, it is time to step into the wilderness. Be brave and chase what you are good at. Smile as you rise knowing that your day ahead is full of purpose. My message is to redesign that utopia to good or great not necessarily perfect. Keep the aim, lessen the expectation, and silence the self-critic.

Perfect for me may have been hosting a TV game show. Entertaining my family, friends, colleagues, customers, subscribers and even strangers is good. In fact, it’s awesome.