
02 Oct The World’s Most Powerful Question for Finding Your Life’s Work
“Don’t just build a business, start a revolution.”
-Jonathan Fields, author of The Art of Revolution
Finding and doing work you love absolutely must start with self-discovery.
In creating all of Live Your Legend’s tools, articles and trainings over the years, I’ve come across endless questions and exercises to help our community make those discoveries. These questions make it possible to identify passions, and more importantly, to figure out the difference you want to make in the world.
In the past two years, I’ve come across one question that has completely transformed my vision for the impact I’d like to have on the world.
Ready for it?
Here it is…
What Revolution Will You Lead?
It’s the ultimate question.
In today’s world of near-limitless possibility, with tools that instantly connect people with shared beliefs across the planet, it’s actually a legitimate possibility to lead your own revolution of sorts.
For years, Live Your Legend was just an idea I had and something I chatted about with people over lunch. But somehow, over the course of a few years, LYL went from having Chelsea and my parents as its only followers, to now having hundreds of thousands of members from every country in the world who join and lead our movement. It also includes in-person communities in 150 cities in 48 countries and counting (Two of our most active groups are in Kuwait and Kenya!).
And this all started with a burning idea I had for helping people. It started with a small idea of the revolution I wanted to lead.
So give this huge question some thought.
What I love about the question is it forces us to incorporate many of the biggest questions when it comes to career change and legacy…
- What difference do you want to make?
- What about the world makes you incredibly angry?
- What do you want to be remembered for?
- What are you uniquely qualified, talented and/or passionate to take on?
- How do you want to help people?
- And most importantly, why do you care?
Thinking about your own revolution covers it all.
And anything’s fair game… Jamie Oliver’s revolution offers kids healthy food, Jesse Jacobs facilitates real-world connection through tea, Invisible Children is fighting against child soldiers in Africa, and CrossFit and SoulCycle are going toe-to-toe with the old school fitness world.
So take your pick. This stuff is more possible now than ever.
Especially with the work that Jonathan has been doing. He’s deconstructed the art of successful political and commercial revolution and crafted it into a crystal-clear 18-step framework, which he’s been giving as a keynote to the world’s most successful leaders, companies and CEO’s for years.
The cool thing is that, thanks to Jonathan’s years of friendship and mentorship, Live Your Legend has followed every one of those steps to build the movement and revolution we have here – the one that all of you have made possible.
But for now think about the question… What revolution do you want to lead?
Because why just build a career or business, when you can start a revolution?
Realize you have the opportunity to do something good in the world. To make some type of a difference. Please don’t take that lightly. But since you’re a part of the LYL revolution, I know you won’t.
Use this stuff for good and come back and tell us about it. The world needs you!
Onward,
-Scott
P.S. In case you’re wondering where this post’s funny picture was taken, that’s just Chelsea and me wearing our capes during the color wars at Jonathan’s Camp Good Life Project last month. I was there speaking about community and specifically how I’ve (we’ve) applied Jonathan’s revolutionary framework to building local in-person communities across the world. Thank you all for giving me something to talk about. I’m grateful.
Ivy
Posted at 20:00h, 02 OctoberHey Scott,
Thanks so much for this. That Manifesto is quite stunning really. It’s a revolution that will start all future revolutions. After going through what the RevolutionU course and the Live off your Passion course offers, I cannot think about anything better to do then join. You know that overwhelming sense of urgency that comes with realizing your purpose and wanting to do everything you can to live off your passion right Now!, that the strong gut feeling I have. But unfortunately I can’t, not right now at least, because I feel like my age puts many restrictions on the choices I can and want to make.
Will these courses benefit an 18 year old, or is the only path for 18-21 year olds that of going to college and majoring in something that helps pay off student loans later on?
I cannot think of anything worse than living in a dichotomy where I will hate what I do so I can have small pleasures in my spare time. That kind of thinking is what goes against the very nature of who I am as a person. Sadly, most times I am alone in my thoughts.
The revolution I want to lead…is one with the aim of abolishing the conformity we all face from the outside world and inside ourselves. A revolution that removes conformity from the education system, so we can actually learn… and not just be objectified by what grades we make and what degrees we hold. To be specific, Sir Ken Robinson’s Ted talk is what I’m referring to. Every time I question why grades matter and why we learn what we learn…it’s the same answer, so you can get to college, get a job. I want to lead a revolution that focuses on the ideal that life is organic, not linear. We have way more to us than just ‘getting to college’ and I want to be a part of a revolution that taps that human potential so we can enjoy what we do while we help others. I want lead a revolution that puts an end to this mass murder of creativity.
And what am I doing to achieve this aim? Nothing yet. Why? Not because I don’t want to… I desperately want to…want to learn and do and explore and help. But I feel like my age puts so many restrictions on the choices I can make. I am tired of constantly being told what to do and how I must abandon my lofty dreams and live in the “Real World”. The worst part though is that I see all these options, like the RevU course and yet I feel cornered and trapped when people tell me I’m too young to think so big and I question myself constantly… and those are the questions I have for you Scott… Am I too young? Is there such a thing as the right time to start doing things you love? Do I have to put my real dreams and desires on hold… so I can first achieve what the world expects of me? I honestly don’t know where to go from here. And who do you turn to when you can’t turn to the one’s closet to you? Sorry that this sounds like such a desperate call for help, but the truth is, it is. I need help and I don’t where or who to get it from.
James Michael Taylor
Posted at 17:40h, 03 OctoberIvy, just a word of encouragement to let you know someone gets it and is cheering for you!
My realm is within the world of amateur photographers making the transition to paid professionals, but I am blessed to visit with artists of all ages – from teens in India to octogenarians in Minnesota. I always submit that the pursuit of the dream is success in itself – in trying, failing, learning, growing, and getting better step by step, stage by stage.
If you can get in with a group like your nearest Live Your Legend Local folks, you’ll find the support you need to make your best decisions, and put boots on the ground for your dream. We have an 18-year-old musician in our San Antonio group who dreams of inspiring ‘his people’ with his music, showing them how low life can go and still host opportunity.
Your path up the mountain is yours to choose, but know that there are many, many others dreaming the same as you – seek them out, and let them give you the support your ‘normal’ circle doesn’t. I’ve done the same, thanks to LYL Local, and I am a wholly happier and better person for it.
Best of luck friend!
Ivy
Posted at 06:58h, 15 OctoberJames,
Thank you so much for this, for all your encouraging words. It helped me more than a lot. It really helped me get out of this state of frustration and realize that there are others out there just like me and all I have to do is go out and seek my tribe. So thank you so much once again! and All the best to you as well for your future endeavours.
Daphne
Posted at 09:56h, 06 OctoberNo you are not too young. Since you want to teach folks to “abolish conformity” it sounds like taking a stand for your dreams is the first step on that path. I say “GO FOR IT!” I have two kids, one 13 and one 11, and I tell all the time, “Follow your dreams, not someone elses.”
Ivy
Posted at 07:01h, 15 OctoberDaphne,
Thanks a lot, for telling me I’m not too young. I was never one to believe that someone is too young to follow their dreams, but I had started losing that belief. So thank you for your words.I don’t get that from a lot of people, so it feels good to know that some else believes in it too.
And now I’m gonna go ahead and “GO FOR IT!” 🙂
Sebastian Aiden Daniels
Posted at 11:38h, 04 OctoberI like the way you phrase it, What Revolution Do You Want To Lead.
I like to think that my revolution is ending mental health stigma and helping people understand it more and to be more open. I also like to think it is encouraging people to ask questions about the way the world works and why things are the way they are. Don’t accept the status quo!!
Keep up the good work and thanks for the reminder to keep pushing forward in our own revolution!
Stacey Brown
Posted at 23:51h, 04 OctoberThank you so much for this Scott!
I saw the webinar last year and have been waiting with anticipation for more. I completely absorbed the manifesto on Friday and have been thinking a lot about what revolution I want to lead.
I too am a non-conformist, and have so many things that fire me up, I struggle to pick just one. Your prompts have me thinking about it for days now…
🙂
Mike Goncalves
Posted at 08:43h, 06 OctoberAs always, great stuff Scott and thanks for sharing the info on RevU, amazing and powerful stuff from Jonathan Fields. It’s all there, everything necessary for me to lead my own revolution, just as you are leading yours at Live Your Legend. As awesome of a frame that it is, I understand that nothing works unless I do. The best plans, courses, and frameworks are of no help and value unless there is action and effort that is placed behind it. Continuous, persistent effort. I will lead my own revolution and so with many others on here. I also realize it’s not going to happen overnight. No revolution ever does. Applying a framework, such as RevU, to what matters, coupled with consistent hard work and effort, over time, a revolution of any type is possible. Cheers!
Daphne
Posted at 09:51h, 06 OctoberI downloaded it and bought the course! Wish I had seen your post before I bought as I would have bought it through your link. 🙁
I’m ready, so ready, to start my revolution. Thank you!
Scott
Posted at 14:06h, 07 OctoberHaha – no worries Daphne, the important part is that you’re in! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. You’re going to love it!
Arpit Ward
Posted at 01:12h, 08 OctoberRevolution It’s cleansing and it’s scary, but it’s awesome. Revolutions occur when people who are oppressed organize and decide to take a stand and stand up for themselves. Thanks Scott for sharing:)
Scott
Posted at 10:02h, 13 OctoberAnd they only happen when we all get behind a shared set of beliefs and take a stand – together. Glad you’re with us Arpit!
David
Posted at 12:31h, 12 OctoberI have recently hit a very dark time in my life I made a mistake, something I deeply regret. Tomorrow I might lose my job, record and career entirely. I have spent the past three days in a sickening worry, barely eating or sleeping and trying desperately to figure out what I am going to do with my life.
After wallowing in self pity and going through chat rooms, forums and blogs I finally stumbled across your TED “how to find and do work you love” presentation on YouTube. Now I’ll be perfectly honest with you I have no interest in your product because I live in the United Kingdom. However I felt I had to come here and personally thank you for inspiring me in this time of need. I now know exactly what I want to do for a living and how I am going to get there. I finally feel at peace and whatever the outcome is tomorrow I can come out with a smile.
Thank You
Keep doing what your doing!
Scott
Posted at 10:01h, 13 OctoberWow David – this is one of the most incredible comments I’ve seen. Sounds like the timing was perfect and while I know how challenging it can be to be in the shoes you just described, it makes me so excited to hear you’re going to leverage it for good, and that you’ve already made your discoveries! I’m honored that we can play a small part it in.
And the good news about our community here at LYL is that 95% of everything is totally free, including our local in person communities spread throughout the UK (we have a big crew out there!) and the rest of the world.
So I look forward to having you a part of our movement here. Welcome to the family – and the adventure!
John Sawyer
Posted at 08:05h, 14 OctoberI am really glad to see that other people are admitting it’s scary. I feel really overwhelmed, I get myself all pumped up reading things like this and determined to go and make the life I want, so I can see results and then I hit a brick wall and am lost and unsure what to do because all my efforts are like being a streaker in a town full of blind people… it does nothing. What do you do when you need that ONE person to notice what you’re doing and admit that it’s worth the chance they take on you? What do you do when you pursue all avenues and they don’t get responses? I’m living on hope and faith, but I feel like those are supposed to be temporary feelings and it’s looking more permanent, and I’ve never been one to live in a pipe dream.
Karen H.
Posted at 00:15h, 21 OctoberCan My Girlfriend Meet Leo Babauta Through You?
Hi Scott,
I know this is a long shot. And logically, there is no way you’re going to do this for me. In any case, I’m going to give it a try.
I want it to be part of my Christmas gift or marriage proposal for her. She is a huge fan of Leo and would very much like to meet him even through a Skype call or something. This would really make her happy. And it would really make me happy to make her happy. I plan to propose to her some time soon. And I intend to do that by folding one thousand paper cranes. I’m on my 758th, by the way. 🙂
I know there isn’t any reason for you to do this because you’re busy enough as it is, but if you could accommodate this request, this would mean so much to us. So please? 🙂
But whether you do or don’t, I’d like to thank you for inspiring me to do the stuff that I love doing. I just quit my job and am currently learning design software so I can put my talent to good use. I think the community you’ve built in Live Your Legend is awesome and is one of the forces that will change the world and make it a better place.
Thank you and I really hope to get a response from you.
Cheers,
Karen
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