Friday night we saw the Columbus Jazz Orchestra do a tribute to Ray Charles. The pianist in the band had played with Ray. When asked if he was nervous his first time, the legendary Bobby Floyd, said yes.
He was nervous yet he did not let fear and performance anxiety stop him from performing. His passion fueled his purpose. Whether it is playing jazz music, choosing to take a new opportunity, deciding when to retire or relocate to a different place, the tension between purpose and safety still exists. Tradeoffs abound.
We want to pursue our dream of being a writer or _________ and we are afraid because we have a mortgage, tuition expenses or __________. The tension between our purpose and safety exists as Bob Anderson, a master coach, has said.
- What is your true calling?
- What would you do if there were no risks or fears?
- What is really at risk?
- What if you do or do not pursue your purpose?
- When do you feel the most joy?
Exploring the answers to these questions can help you begin to determine your next steps. Passion fuels purpose.
You can choose to move toward your desire, even one step at a time or you can let your fear rob you of your purpose.
Like playing in a jazz band, we have to improvise. We run the risk of hitting a bad note or not having a lot of gigs. Yet when we play and immerse ourselves in the music, our passion emerges and our purpose is fulfilled.
What is the song in your heart?