Are you happy with the story you tell yourself about your work or do you want to change it?
Maybe it’s time to start telling yourself a new story about your work as William Moore did.
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who has been more methodical or intentional about designing work on their terms than he.
You see he’s been struggling to find the story of his work for the past dozen years. Work that satisfies and motivates him. Work that provides him with the stability of steady income, but with the freedom of doing the work he really wants to do.
Currently, he’s a freelance health communications writer for WedMD and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, but his passion is writing fiction. You can check out some of his stories at Just Let’s Catch.
It took him a while to identify his passion and then had to wrestle with the fact that it might be a long time before it could financially sustain him. He’s finding a way to live his story, no matter how challenging it might be.
A few lessons that come up in our conversation include:
- Learn to recognize your internal narrative, so you can start telling your authentic story.
- How to repackage your past skills to rebrand yourself for new opportunities.
- Some recommended actions to take if you are considering freelance writing as a work option.
Life Skills That Matter In This Episode
- Embrace discomfort.
- Self-awareness.
- Building community.
How William Works and Thinks
- Wake up time: Early in the morning.
- Ideal work environment: Gets his best work done by noon in a quiet environment and prefers interactions with others in the afternoon.
- Superpower: Being intentional.
- Self-reflection practice: Mediation.
- Book recommendation: Living Beautifully: With Uncertainty and Change by Pema Chödrön.
- Regains focus by: Going to the gym or doing yoga.
Inspirational Quotes
“I realized it’s not the job, it’s me.”
Coaching Advice
If your passion isn’t going to be able to financially sustain you, William offers this advice on how you can still make time for it:
1) The first thing you want to know is whether you really want to do it or not beyond money. Does it feed your soul?
2) Find someway to practice the work you want to do with whatever time and energy you have available to you.
Resources + Bonus Materials
Number #1 Self-Awareness Habit: Writing
My previous interview with William on my old podcast: