30 Nov A Killer Lesson from My Workout with Tim Ferriss: Why Most Conversations Suck + A Challenge for You
“If you can clearly see your path, you can be sure it’s someone else’s.”
~Unknown
Written by Scott Dinsmore
Average Read Time: 4.7 Minutes
Last week I did a kettlebell workout with Tim Ferriss and Leo Babauta. It was bad ass to say the least. I think I’m still sore…
During our hour and a half there’s one topic that never came up:
What do you do for work?
Surprising? Anyone who’s spent time with Tim’s stuff knows that he hates that line of questioning and usually avoids it at all costs. (by the way his 4-Hour Work Week will change your life, and just today I got my pre-release copy of his new 4-Hour Body…can’t wait.)
I know, job talk is most of societies typical conversation starter – say at an event, party, bar or dinner.
It’s usually the easy opener. But have you thought about what you’re really showing when you ask that? It says that you care more about their title and position than you do about them as a person. Is that really how you feel? I doubt it. Are you really more interested in what they do for work than what they do to enjoy life and share it with others? I doubt it.
So stop asking. Start showing that you actually care about people, not titles.
Lately I’ve been trying something out that’s been yielding some awesome results. I want to challenge you to try the same.
I have gotten so tired of this mindless questioning that I try to avoid it all together. It’s a fun game to play with a new group. See how long you can carry on the conversation about something other than what they do for work. Avoid the topic as much as possible. And then when asked, respond with what you do for enjoyment.
A lot of times when asked ‘what do I do’, I respond with something like, “I try to spend as much time exploring as possible. I love adventures and testing limits with people. I also am crazy about learning, reading and helping people live life on their terms. What about you?”
They look at me dumbfounded and often give an awkward laugh, trying to get across something like ‘well that’s all fine and great but what about what you do for money?”
Tim learned to avoid the conversation altogether by answering that he was a drug dealer (since he had a nutritional supplement company, this was true). That was the gut test. It either ended the conversation altogether or abruptly changed it to something each of them actually cared about.
So what did we talk about during our kettlebell session? We covered topics on nutrition, vigorous exercise, our deadlift max (Tim’s a big deadlifter I guess), writing and fun web projects we’re working on – all topics we were intensly passionate about. What a novel idea.
Begin asking “So what do you do for enjoyment?”
This is my challenge to you. Instead of immediately putting the focus on career and work, it puts it on what we all care so much about anyway–our passions and enjoyment. Notice the immediate change in energy, posture and overall physiology. Some amazing things immediately happen when the focus is here:
- It takes the pressure off hyping your job up in some big (and often exaggerated) way to impress others
- It gives people a topic they actually feel comfortable and confident talking about
- It gets to the core of who a person is
- You will have almost instant rapport with them
The Fear of Answering “What do you do?” is what Drives Incongruent Decisions.
Deep down, most of us are terrified to answer this question because the world has been trained to judge the response. We naturally give more credence to a big shot job, salary or title than we do to a struggling writer, musician or educator. This is B.S!
It’s also a big part of why people are scared to do what they love – fear of how they will answer “What do you do” and that they will be judged.
If we want more people to do what makes them come alive, we must take the pressure off of sounding like some big shot asshole. So you’re a partner at a law firm. Does your life have a purpose? Do you enjoy yourself? Those are the questions worth asking.
The answer will eventually be the same – Become a Life Entrepreneur.
You are much more than what you do. More than an accountant, CFO, lawyer or waitress. You are the impact you make in the world and the enjoyment you and others experience as a result. This is what people actually care about. They are just too scared to ask. Do us all a favor and switch the focus.
The easiest solution is doing what you enjoy inside and outside the office. Christopher Gergen and Gregg Vanourek call this Life Entrepreneurship. For many this requires a significant shift. But it’s a shift we all have the power to make. The Beginner’s Guide to Being Congruent is a good place to start. So is Jonathan Mead’s Reclaim Your Dreams.
For inspiration, nothing beats spending time around people who are walking the talk. They do what they love and the world is better as a result. Simple as that. Some of my favorites are:
- Corbett Barr– Digital nomad dedicated to helping people build successful web businesses through Think Traffic and achieve location independence through Free Pursuits.
- Jonathan Mead – Dead set on helping you find your purpose and be Paid to Exist at Illuminated Mind.
- Mars Dorian – Personal branding and influence coach, in the process of going global with Spread Your Influence.
- Tyler Tervooren – The founder of Advanced Riskology, dedicated to building an awesome life through taking calculated risks.
- Everett Bogue – Saving the world through Far Beyond the Stars and The Art of Minimalist Living.
- Maren Kate – Runs Escaping the 9 to 5. Enough said.
- Leo Babauta – Made a living of not consuming crap and teaching people about simplicity and minimalism through ZenHabits.
“So, what do you do for enjoyment?” in Action
A few weeks ago I tried this out at an entrepreneur’s speaker group I work with in Santa Barbara. I walked up to a woman who I knew was a real estate agent. I doubted that was the most interesting thing about her so I asked “So, what do you do for enjoyment?” She first looked at me confused. Then she said “well I like to paint.” For the next 30 minutes we talked about how her passion was creating oil on canvas depictions of scenes around Santa Barbara and elsewhere.
I started to ask if she ever sells them and she shyly explained that she’d made about $10,000 selling her paintings this year! Are you kidding me? It was music to my ears. Not only did we get right to her passion but it turns out she’s made a business out of it. Emily’s work really is amazing and worth checking out at her Zen Painting Gallery.
Change Your Questioning and Change the World
This line of questioning is incredibly powerful. Take the “So, what do you do for enjoyment” challenge. It will seriously make the world a better place.
For those living a congruent life, the answer to the two questions will be the same. The more focus we put on enjoyment, the more the world will join us in the party.
That’s freedom.
So what do you do for enjoyment? How have you or could you make it your career? Please let us know in the comments section below. Even one sentence goes a long way.
Other Resources to Help You along the Way
The Beginner’s Guide to Being Congruent
Reclaim Your Dreams: An Uncommon Guide to Living on Your Own Terms
Life Entrepreneurs: Ordinary People Creating Extraordinary Lives
Sandy
Posted at 18:31h, 30 NovemberI dig inspiring words out from noisy world and share it with more people for enjoyment 🙂
I can’t support myself fully by just doing that in current stage but I have an amazing job that I quite enjoy doing so no big worry 😉
Scott
Posted at 21:51h, 30 NovemberSounds like you have it pretty well figured out Sandy. I love it! As long as you aren’t settling and continue to find excitement, what else could you ask for?
You keep that up and the things you most care about will begin to support you.
Congrats!
Scott Fox, ClickMillionaires.com
Posted at 10:32h, 01 DecemberHi Scott,
Cool post.
The focus on job titles led me to try out lots of them over the years, many of them very cool jobs.
But finding what I enjoy and turning that into a business has been the best of both worlds.
When the answer to “what do you enjoy?” is both your favorite hobby and it makes you money, you’ve got it made!
Scott
Posted at 12:26h, 01 DecemberThanks Scott! You have certainly found the holy grail. The amazing thing is that it is very possible for the majority to find it too. It just takes conscious thought and effort–and ignoring the crowd. You know this better than most.
And let’s not forget that your book, Internet Riches, is the reason why this site exists and why I’ve been able to experience the same sweet successes of spending my time on a passion while getting to help people do the same.
Hat’s off to you my man!
Scott
Joel Gagnon
Posted at 11:23h, 01 DecemberScott:
This is an incredible article in a lot of ways. Not only will asking “What do you do for enjoyment” be a great way to get to know people for who they truly are and what they are passionate about, but it will force me as the one asking the question to contemplate my response. I’m already thinking about whether or not I devote enough of myself to the things that bring me the most joy. Truth is that I don’t, but I’m going to identify what those things are and commit to giving them more of my time and energy from here forward. Thank you for this article.
Scott
Posted at 15:47h, 01 DecemberVery good point Joel. Glad it resonated! Perhaps the most powerful part about this challenge is how it makes you yourself feel and how it affects your actions going forward. If you want to be able to tell people you spend time doing what you love, then you have to spend time doing what you love!
Knowing you as I do, I think you do a pretty good job of this though my man. You’ve been an inspiration for me for a while now. Let’s keep each other honest with this one. Fun thing to think about with the new year right upon us.
Chelsea
Posted at 13:56h, 01 DecemberLove this concept! It is crazy how when asked “what do you do” most people assume it to mean for work when there is so much more to life than a job. And it is inspiring to hear all those making their passions their work. I have done so in the past few years as well and it has been incredible. This one really hit home, thanks for sharing!
Scott
Posted at 15:49h, 01 DecemberGood point. I guess “what do you do” does not have to be referring to work at all, but for some reason that is how 99.9% of the people take it. Let’s change that.
The good news is the more we can make our career our passion, the less we’ll have to worry about it!
Ana
Posted at 14:19h, 01 DecemberPlease HELP! I have a problem. I’ve been doing this for the past few months by asking people what they like to do for fun on their free time. The response I usually get is a I-never-tell-anyone-that-because it’s-personal-and-very-uncomfortable-for-you-to-ask-and-how-shameful-for-you-to-suggest-that-you-have-free-time-when-you-could-be-working stare and either “I never have free time” or “Sleep..” When I reply with, “well, if you had free time, what would you do?” They usually respond by saying they’d watch television or surf Youtube or hang out with friends and then they try to end the conversation so I don’t dig too deep. I don’t know what it is? Perhaps they’re ashamed of their interests or feel guilty. Or maybe it’s because I’m a teenager and it’s more difficult for people to communicate in High School/they might not even know their interests yet and are wasting away trying to survive school ’till they can get out and THEN start exploring. =// Please help me. I want to have quality conversations but no one is cooperating. Maybe I should ask in some other way?
Scott
Posted at 15:56h, 01 DecemberVery interesting experience Ana. I can’t say that it really surprises me though. I think that you’re right in that a lot of people get uncomfortable when they are asked something that either 1. they should know the answer to but don’t or 2. wish they had a better answer to but don’t.
This question can and will take people off guard. One thing I’ve done when people respond in a strong way is just say something in a happy/fun voice regarding some simple things I do for fun like read or get outside. No need to try to impress them with some huge adventure or something just yet. That might close them off at first. Better to save that for after the conversation’s opened up a bit.
I also would suggest directly explaining why you are asking the things you are. Say it in a concerned voice and explain what we’ve talked about regarding how so many people talk only about work and not about themselves and what they love in life. You just want to encourage that. Keep along these lines and most people will open up. It helps if you’re smiling the whole time too :).
btw, awesome that you’ve joined our freedom seeking crew over here and you are not yet out of high school. Welcome!
Ana
Posted at 01:28h, 03 DecemberThank you very much. I will keep trying and follow your advice. I hope to help young peoples realize early on [before they start out on the wrong path] that life doesn’t have to be forced and miserable if we follow our passions and interests. I appreciate your ad Leo’s blogs greatly. Thnk you again for all your great inspiration. ^_^
Tricia
Posted at 18:11h, 01 DecemberInteresting article though I absolutely love the work I do as it fills my soul and I feel like I’m making a difference in the world through it. To assume that my interest in asking someone what they do is because I “care more about their title and position than I do about them as a person” is a huge assumption, and certainly in my case, is just wrong. I’ve enjoyed reading your articles but this one, though I understand the intent, left me a little cold. Can’t someone’s work also be their passion? Shouldn’t it be?
Scott
Posted at 19:21h, 05 DecemberYou make a very good and super important point Tricia. I was intentionally harsh about my assumption that people only care about titles–I did this to make a point. But I was sure to come back around at the end of the post to hammer home that the ideal place to be is where what you do for work and what you do for enjoyment are the same thing–Being a Life Entrepreneur. It sounds like you are already there so congrats! We are both fortunate in the sense.
Actually my point of writing this was to get people more excited about doing work that was meaningful to who they are–and spending more time doing what they enjoy. This certainly was my intention and I’m sorry if that did not come across as this site is dedicated to the belief that all of us can find our own freedom through doing the things we love everyday both for work and for play. That’s a right we all deserve!
Thank for calling this huge point to my attention,
Scott
Lisa
Posted at 22:59h, 05 DecemberHi Scott and Tricia
I share Tricia’s sentiments on this. I am one of the culprits who asks ‘What do you do?’ but not because I care about job titles, I care about what it is someone finds enjoyable enough to spend most of their waking life doing. I find that question often takes me to the heart of who a person is, either because they love what they do, or I quickly find out that they don’t, and the conversation becomes even more intimate. Does that make sense?
Thanks for the post though, some great thoughts. I’m still learning how to be a Life Entrepreneur and just arrived here from Leo’s blog 🙂 Will be following your RSS feed!
Tyler Beerman
Posted at 00:17h, 02 DecemberScott after running across your blog for the second time in the past month, I’ve decided it’s time to follow you on twitter my man. You are an excellent writer and really deliver some valuable content that I find really insightful. Santa Barbara entrepreneur here, perhaps I’ll see you around sometime in town!
Scott
Posted at 11:41h, 02 DecemberWelcome to the clan Tyler! Glad you’ve been able to pick up some useful things from the site. That’s why I continue to write. Love it.
And there is no better place for entrepreneurship than Santa Barbara as far as I’m concerned. I currently spend most my time in SF but I get down to SB as much as possible. At least quarterly. Would be fun to connect on the next trip.
Scott
nicola dobiecka
Posted at 06:31h, 02 DecemberI’m a new reader here and I’m enjoying what I’m reading – I liked this post a lot because it resonates in so many ways.
It made me wonder why I ask people that question and I came up with several reasons – being too lazy to think of a different conversation starter; not wanting to sound like I’ve just put out a pick-up line (sounds like a neutral topic); I hope they ask me the same in return because I think we have a shared interest which I would like to talk about and this is an indirect way of getting to it…. and my favourite reason of the moment:
a genuine interest in what a person has chosen to make a career out of and what choices and experiences led to it.
Which is because I’m looking for inspiration on how to change my own pathway and would like to learn from others how they got where they are.
I hadn’t realised so consciously that I was doing this so thanks for the post.
Scott
Posted at 19:24h, 05 DecemberHa ha Nicola. Good point about the pick up line! I love that you are being intentional about asking people what they do for work. That is the key. I want to avoid just asking because everyone else asks. You are asking because you want to learn and be inspired. No better reason to do it! To be honest, if it’s genuine, it’s a great line of questioning. I just love the pattern interrupt and how different the conversation becomes when enjoyment is the topic of discussion. Ideally work and enjoyment will be one in the same. That’s one of my biggest goals here at this site.
Thanks,
Scott
What do you do? | On My Mind
Posted at 22:28h, 04 December[…] while browsing Scott Dinsmore’s blog Reading For Your Success, his latest post on conversation starter – “What do you do for work?” – got me think about […]
Kate
Posted at 08:39h, 05 DecemberI clicked over from Zen Habits, and I’m really glad I did! ‘Tis the season for holiday parties, and you’re right, I often lead with, “So, what do you do?” I’m just going to tag on “for fun” to see what happens. Thank you!
I personally hate telling people what I do for a living. I’m an elementary school teacher, and you can imagine the stereotypical image that puts in people’s heads. If they’re not judging how I live up to that expectation, they’re telling me everything they think is wrong with my profession today… boy does THAT get tedious!
My husband pointed out that, in this economy, your line of questioning is also more polite. He was without steady employment for a long time, and the “what do you do” question always left him sad and anxious. That’s no way to start a relationship with a new person!
Glad I found your blog – I’ll vote for you!
Scott
Posted at 19:31h, 05 DecemberWelcome to our search for Freedom Kate! I’m glad you swung by.
You make an awesome point about people possibly not having a job in this economy. Didn’t even think of that one.
Even as you continue to ask people what they do for fun, plenty of people will still ask you what you do for work. Im sorry you dont like talking about what you do. I hope it’s only because you don’t look forward to their reaction and not because it’s not congruent with who you are. If it’s the latter then a life shift is likely in your future…
But if it’s the former then realize, people will continue to ask and the best response you can give is a passion filled ‘I love my career’ type of response with all kinds of energy and excitement–assuming that’s how you really feel of course. See it as an opportunity to give someone a new perspective on what you do.
Have fun with it and welcome to the club. I hope you’ll stick around!
Scott
Stephanie
Posted at 10:05h, 05 DecemberI clicked over from Zen Habits too. Your post definitely resonated with me. Like someof the other people who’ve commented here, I’m also thinking about changing careers and am genuinely interested in helping people find their strengths and turn their passions into full time careers. I currently work in a corporate environment, but I’m considering getting into professional coaching and also teaching English as a second language on the side. I just made a new friend in my neighborhood and realize after reading your article that I’m much more interested in what she does for fun than what she does for work! It’s a great way to approach getting to know people. I voted for you and am adding you to my Google Reader. Thanks for being inspiring!
Scott
Posted at 19:38h, 05 DecemberThat’s awesome. I absolutely love hearing about someone making a shift to the more fulfilling side of life! I am happy to help any way I can. I do Personal Freedom Coaching with a few select clients here and there so let me know if that might help. There’s a link at the top of my site. Also my eBook on the side bar as well as my Beginner’s Guide to Being Congruent should give a little more guidance on your journey. I am here to help in any way I can.
Here’s to the adventure.
btw, I used to teach English in Sevilla Spain. Was an incredible experience!
Satya Colombo
Posted at 12:16h, 05 DecemberHey scott good stuff man, I’m going to try this! Always sort of despised answering that question…and anyway, who likes people who fish for leads at social events…?
Congrats on the momentum-building — loved your video for the happiness blogger deal. Cheers!
Scott
Posted at 19:39h, 05 DecemberHave fun with it Satya. Report back on what you experience!
Thanks for the video comments. That was a little ‘out of my comfort zone’ to hit publish on. Fun stuff though for sure. So far so good. Love the support.
Btw, just checked out your site and love it! I think Everett Bogue may have just been telling me about you. I will definitely be keeping up.
To the adventure,
Scott
Timaree (freebird)
Posted at 18:32h, 05 DecemberI was asked a worse question than “what do you do”. My sister and her family (I was visiting them for her husband’s ordination to be a deacon) asked me when my son was going to get a “real” job. I said he had one (he was tending bar for some San Diego venue that does it for the San Diego Pops). They said, “no, we mean a real one”. I finally realized they meant one that makes lots of money and you can move up to management or something. Well that left me without a real job either since I am a homemaker. Nothing like one putdown after another. What I did tell them is my son has had lots of experiences travelling to surfing beaches in foreign places, studying what sounds good to him and that he’d been taking care of himself since he left home for the navy (nuke program) at 18. They couldn’t say anything about that so the conversation went on to better stuff. Ah well, they are family but I tell you, next time I am going to do the asking and it’s going to be “so what do you do for enjoyment”! ; )
Scott
Posted at 19:44h, 05 DecemberSounds like a pretty interesting conversation Timaree. I think one of the best responses to that is ‘well how do you define real job’? Then explain (nicely) that you prefer to measure success based on the number of days you spend enjoying what you do, not on the number of zeros in your bank account. Sounds like your son is successful in some amazing ways. Congrats! It all starts with the proper definition. And each of us are the only ones who can define that for ourselves.
Welcome,
Scott
Jules
Posted at 18:53h, 05 DecemberWhat if when you could answer like this guy “what do I do for a living? I live for a living.” From the film http://www.thiswayoflifemovie.com/
– actually it sounds to me like you can answer in that way. Great blog post.
Scott
Posted at 19:45h, 05 DecemberI love that way of responding. It’s refreshing. Great point.
annalee
Posted at 21:57h, 05 DecemberReally enjoyed your post. This year due to a layoff, I forced myself to move out of my comfort zone and turn my passion (quilting) into a business. Have loved quilting for many years and surprise, surprise, people want to pay me to do it!! Quite amazing and I am having quite a bit of fun with it.
Just goes to show that “do what you love and the money will follow” could actually be true!
Scott
Posted at 10:23h, 10 DecemberLife Entrepreneurship in full action Annalee. Nicely done! I cannot tell you how much I freakin love hearing stories like yours. Does it really get any better?? Excellent work.
Enjoy the ride,
Scott
rafa tee
Posted at 22:33h, 05 DecemberI’m very glad I read LINCHPIN because that’s where I found out about Zenhabits.net which brought me here. Three weeks ago I started a blog about having a positive mindset and I can honestly say it has probably been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. I’m in a point in my life right now that my spiritual growth has enabled me to be at peace with almost all situations, and I’m sure you know that’s an amazing feeling. Let’s keep on playing our music my friend. Oh, and surprisingly, I bought Tim’s “4-hour work week” yesterday before I had read this. Haha, I don’t believe in coincidences.
Scott
Posted at 10:25h, 10 December“Let’s keep on playing our music my friend.” I love it Rafa! Things do indeed happen just the way they are supposed to. Congrats on your blog and have fun with The 4HWW–although it sounds like you already have some of the most important fundamentals engraved. You are going to love the book.
Let’s the music play on!
Scott
Rachel
Posted at 05:21h, 06 DecemberI made my way over here from Zen Habits. Great post! Why should we be defined by how we put a roof over our head and food on the table? There’s more to most people than their line of work.
Scott
Posted at 10:27h, 10 DecemberThere is indeed! Ideally we live our work and our life and our play all together but until one gets there, let’s focus on the stuff that lights a fire under under us. Why not?? Before you know it, it will be one.
Thanks Rachel.
Kevin Lucas
Posted at 10:14h, 06 DecemberGreat post! It reminds me of when I was in the Air Force and we used to try and hype up our jobs to impress girls. I was a medical lab tech but my myspace page would say “Clinical Laboratory Scientist for the Department of Defense”. It didn’t really fly, but it was funny.
Scott
Posted at 10:30h, 10 DecemberLove the nomenclature creativity Kevin! Sadly a title still does turn the heads of a lot of people. I’ve just realized those are not generally people I enjoy being around the most. Maybe if you’re looking for a wife for a night, go for the impressing title route, but if you’re looking for a wife for life (and we all are, however you want to apply the analogy) then they shouldn’t give a damn what your title is. I no longer have any interest in the “status talk” conversation and I feel great about it.
Welcome to the adventure,
Scott
jonathanfigaro
Posted at 12:59h, 06 DecemberLove the resources. Great post.
Scott
Posted at 10:30h, 10 DecemberWelcome to the adventure Jonathan!
Bunny
Posted at 08:10h, 07 DecemberHi Scott,
hope you remember me, last time i replied to your post on writetodone by thinking it was Leo’s.
This one is just to say thank you for reintroducing me to Tim. i bought fourhourworkweek after your recomendation, have just started the book and its good, though i would need a lot of help to implement what it says, but for the moment i ll take buying it as just another step towards my freedom.
wishing you your wildest dreams to come true. what it cud be by the way 🙂 climbing himalayas or doing something with a group of lions. by the time i write this i can imagine Tim is trying the same somewhere 🙂
Thanks again, you are an inspiration, so what if i still have a long way to go.
Bunny
Scott
Posted at 10:37h, 10 DecemberOf course I remember you Bunny. Awesome to hear you have started the journey. That’s of course the step that sadly most people never take. Tim’s work with greatly help you with that and I will try to chime in where I can to be of service ;). I think the most powerful thing about Tim’s book is not the how to create a business part but more so the first third and last third of the book that focus on valuing your life based on the hours you have to truly do the things you love and not on the 0’s in your bank account. That is the New Rich. And if you focus on the former, the latter ends up taking care of itself.
btw, here’s a little hint: You will always have a long way to go.
The more amazing things you create in your life, the more amazing things you realize are possible and that you want to go after. You will never actually do them all. That’s fine. That’s life. What brings us alive is know all the amazing things to go after.
The juice of life comes from “enjoying the paddle” and not just riding the wave, as a surf buddy of mine says. Life is about the paddle. The waves only come along 1% of the time or less. Love it all!
Please keep us posted on your journey and welcome to the adventure!
Scott
Robin
Posted at 23:28h, 07 DecemberHi Scott!
Just found your blogg thanks to Leo. It’s awesome & very fun to read – thanks!
You both have also inspired me to also start a blog, it’s just great :-D!
Scott
Posted at 10:39h, 10 DecemberI love it Robin! Welcome to the bloggin world. Few things are more rewarding for me than the community that’s been created here. Leo has been an awesome inspiration and become a good friend. I am fortunate for that and so much else. It’s what puts me where I am.
Have fun with the journey. I am here to help.
Welcome to the adventure!
Scott
Matt
Posted at 06:28h, 08 DecemberI’m another clickthrough from Zen Habits, and I’m VERY glad I stumbled on this site. This post is excellent, and I can’t wait to explore more. It fits so cleanly with the notion of congruence; ideally, your answers would be the same for either question. I’d say I’m *close* to being congruent–I left a job with the family business to build my own freelance writing gig–but five years on, I’m not quite there yet. This is my full-time job, but plenty of the work I do is for clients I don’t necessarily like/about things that bore me, etc. I think making this site a daily read will help me to refocus on pursuing those avenues that cut a little closer to what, specifically, I want to be writing about.
Scott
Posted at 10:45h, 10 DecemberYou are on your path Matt and there is nothing better than that! That’s what life’s about. Congrats on spinning off and blazing your own trail. It’s not always easy but so so worth it. Most importantly is that you’re on your path. How long it takes to arrive somewhere is much less important (especially once you realize that you never actually ‘get there’).
You are conscious of the shift you want to make–to more engaging writing work. That is a huge step. Now slowly take the steps to do more and more of that work. Reach out to people who need help in that area. Give and write because you love it, maybe without expecting something back right way. Impress others in that area and things will happen. Most importantly be helpful and add value. Maybe reserve 10-15% of your writing for this ‘pro bono’ type work that is exactly on purpose with you. Before long it will be 100% and it will be all paid.
I am here to help in any way I can. So glad you stumbled upon our adventure over here.
Welcome to the party!
Scott
Cheril N. Clarke
Posted at 06:11h, 09 DecemberI love this! The next time someone asks me, “what do you do for a living?” I’m going to say, “I tell lies.”
It’s true! (I’m a write novels and plays.)
Scott
Posted at 10:31h, 10 DecemberHaha. I love that Cheril. So fun to creatively explain what you do. That will no doubt add some awesome spice to the conversation. Report back on how it goes!
Blog Tyrant
Posted at 16:38h, 10 DecemberWhat’s Tim like in person? I have an image in my head of him being like a high school jock that wants to beat me up.
Loving your writing by the way.
Tyrant
Scott
Posted at 19:30h, 13 DecemberHa ha. He’s a great guy. Just very focused and ‘all business’. By that I mean since we were there to work out, he was dead set on teaching us every nuance about the form and movement of the kettlebell workout. He knew so much about it–I think he had the top certification. Pretty awesome!
Marci
Posted at 07:07h, 15 DecemberI enjoy listening to music, so I wrote about how the lyrics inspire me in my blog. How do I make a living out of it? Not sure -Rolling Stones?!
I went to a networking meeting, and the best conversations I had were not based on what we did for a living but on getting to know the whole person.
Scott
Posted at 11:14h, 13 JanuaryThat’s just it Marci. Let’s focus on the real core of a person and before long everyone’s job will be their core and the world will literally be a different place!
Simple Goal Setting that Gets Results + Free Goals Workbook | Reading For Your Success
Posted at 17:26h, 05 January[…] swam across the San Francisco bay, grew my investment fund from $1m to $3m, worked out with Tim Ferriss, grew my following here at Reading For Your Success from 100 to just over 2,500 subscribers (thanks […]
[CASE STUDY] From 100 to 3,000+ Subscribers in 9 Months: The Powerful (and Unknown) Secret I Used To Get There A-List Blogging Bootcamps
Posted at 11:55h, 20 February[…] have much luck. I continued doing my thing and just a few months ago a friend was going on a workout with Tim and knew how much I respected his work so he asked me to come along. The experience was awesome and […]
How I Create World-Class Relationships: Tim Ferriss to Warren Buffett | Reading For Your Success
Posted at 19:13h, 14 March[…] have met more rockstars in this space and others because I keep that close in mind (Tim Ferriss, Leo Babauta, Tony Robbins, Chris Guillebeau, Richard Leider, Seth Godin, Keith Ferrazzi (I credit […]
Hugh
Posted at 09:49h, 26 March“When you are what you do, when you don’t, you aren’t.”
What do you do for enjoyment? « Chirag Sagar
Posted at 17:47h, 26 April[…] This should be a question that is asked from now on. This is a great icebreaker and something that should be taken into consideration when talking to a stranger, a person that you are trying to reach out to, or trying to create a conversation. You immediately find out what the other person is passionate about and loves doing. […]
Patrick
Posted at 20:52h, 13 MaySuper-like this post. I live in LA and I’m a struggling screenwriter so you can only imagine. I’ve decided this question would kill me whether I’m successful or not. Thanks for some great insight, Scott… nice work!
Scott Dinsmore
Posted at 22:20h, 07 AugustGlad it helped Patrick!
Bruce Morton
Posted at 09:05h, 11 JulyHey Scott,
THANKS A LOT!!
You’ve made me late for a sales call~
lol
No,, I CHOSE to be late..but have to run now….Look forward to reading more of your stuff…. I love Covey, Robbins, T Ferriss, J Abraham and now it’s time to cash in on what I can bring to the world.
BTW, I tweeted a link to your site!
My longest running blog is this one~ http://tulsaceltics.blogspot.com/
Enjoy the moments,
Bruce
Scott Dinsmore
Posted at 22:21h, 07 AugustAwesome Bruce. Thanks for the support and I hope it was worth being late 😉 Good to have you along on the adventure!
The 3-Step Formula I Used to Get 4,000 Subscribers in 12 Months (the last web traffic guide you’ll ever need) | Live Your Legend
Posted at 14:40h, 26 July[…] minds. Tie in ridiculous personal experiences and stories – like how I worked out with Tim Ferriss or bought an engagement ring form Warren Buffett. Go out and have unique experiences and interact […]
judy
Posted at 10:49h, 03 AugustMy impression is that you feel defensive when you are asked the question of what do you do work wise.
It sounds like you are not sure you have made the right choices or that you are lacking in some way.
Scott Dinsmore
Posted at 22:22h, 07 AugustI think that is why it’s so scary to so many people. If you are doing work that is congruent with who you are then it’s the best question in the world!
Xandra
Posted at 10:21h, 06 AugustI’m a university student right now, and people always ask “what I plan to do” with my English degree. I answer that I don’t know, but I enjoy acting, writing music, and afternoon tea. I often get disapproving or confused looks, but I feel better about myself than I did when I used to cave in and reluctantly say that I wanted to be a professor, just to make the conversation shorter.
Scott Dinsmore
Posted at 22:24h, 07 AugustYou are giving the perfect answer as far as I’m concerned Xandra! Keep thinking big like that. It’s not about what narrowly defined road you can push yourself down (just because others encourage it), it’s about how creative you can get with doing the things that matter most to you. The way I see it, sky’s the limit with an English degree… Can’t wait to hear where you take it.
From 114 to 4,000 Subscribers In 12 Months
Posted at 22:04h, 08 September[…] minds. Tie in ridiculous personal experiences and stories – like how I worked out with Tim Ferriss or bought an engagement ring form Warren Buffett. Go out and have unique experiences and […]
Brandi
Posted at 06:31h, 13 SeptemberI know I’m late finding this article, but holy moly!!! This is the EXACT thing I tell everyone when asked the dreaded “what do you do?” question. I always say something like “I’m a Ninja, Deep sea fisherman, or Weekend alcoholic” something to amuse & distract myself from the fact that freakin’ humans haven’t evolved past caring more about a job title than the person! I NEVER ask people this question!! I DON’T CARE!! It’s meaningless! I only want to know what matters. Anywho, if Tim Ferris is the same way, I feel so vindicated and super special 🙂 Yay
Kettlebell Lady-Movement Pattern-Lesson 1 “How to Hinge a the Hips”
Posted at 04:35h, 23 October[…] Balance, Timing, and Power for Achievement Step by Step. Hips-first never bend at your spine or knees. This i…01; the edges of your hands into […]
Scott Dinsmore | Inside Personal Growth
Posted at 12:46h, 14 December[…] websites and surrounded myself with uber passionate people (including a kettlebell workout with Tim Ferriss, some exchanges with Tony Robins & Seth Godin, long-distance running with Leo Babauta and […]
Iris
Posted at 02:56h, 25 MarchDear Scott,
what do I do for enjoyment? That is a really interesting question. I read blogs, talk to my friends about the world and what we think of it. I like to listen and learn. Well, how the hack can you make a living out of that? I’m not really sure. I have been dreaming about starting a blog for a while now and I think I will give it a try.
Thanks for all the inspiration.
brand
Posted at 09:19h, 22 DecemberSuper article, Was so bored, this article made my night! LOL at some of ya guys!Stretch Mark Removal
brand
Posted at 23:03h, 22 Decemberpexgxlheaqt online roulette haaihjv
David
Posted at 14:17h, 12 JanuaryYou like name dropping don’t you. And what exactly have you done other than quit and make money by telling other people to quit. You know that doesn’t create any ‘value’, don’t you?
Weekly Reads | Keeping it Simple
Posted at 10:34h, 28 March[…] So the office has been on a lull recently, so much so that everyone is all abuzz on their social med… […]
7 habits of highly effective people proactive
Posted at 13:20h, 18 OctoberI love looking at your web site. Cheers!
Curing Your Superhero Syndrome: 3 Steps to Building a Successful Virtual Team (& Scalable Business) | Live Your Legend
Posted at 09:41h, 01 April[…] than the leader could alone. From business leaders like Richard Branson to lifestyle designers like Tim Ferriss, and even to superheros like the The Avengers, the best become better when they surround themselves […]
Martin Langer
Posted at 05:27h, 25 DecemberHi Scott,
amazing and inspirational post, thank you!
Just to let you know, some links above do not work anymore, for example:
1) So is Jonathan Mead’s Reclaim Your Dreams.
2) Dead set on helping you find your purpose and be Paid to Exist at Illuminated Mind.
3) teaching people about simplicity and minimalism through ZenHabits.
Best,
Martin
from
http://duboffice.com