Your electricity might flow better through another socket An old friend was working on Wall Street and not doing well. He looked worse - unhealthier and unhappier - each time I saw him, and it saddened me. I liked this guy, so I finally decided to tell him that he was beginning to look like a total loser. I hated speaking so harshly, but I really cared about him and wanted to help. When I asked him why he stayed on Wall Street, even though it obviously was not working for him, he explained that his family had always worked there and he felt obligated to continue the family tradition, even though it was killing him.

When I asked him what he liked to do, he told me he loved to tend the greens at his golf club. He knew golf courses, had a feel for them, and cared for them well. He also loved working outdoors and being in contact with people. I suggested that he look into the golf industry instead of continuing to suffer on Wall Street. I also pointed out that his unhappiness was probably taking a heavy toll on his family.

Breaking away was difficult, but he made the move. He had to swim upstream, in hostile waters, and against the stronger tide - his family’s and friend’s traditions and expectations. He went into the golf business, where be became extremely successful. When I see him now, he’s always beaming and looking healthy. He has a new lease on life and has become a different person because he had the guts to go against tradition, take control of his life, and change.

So if your life is not what you want it to be, don’t be afraid to ask yourself whether you’re doing what you want and what is right for you. Measure yourself against your feelings, ambitions and goals, not those of others. That might mean standing up to friends, family and colleagues who think they know what’s best for you. Plug into your own electricity. It might flow better through another socket.



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