Five steps to choosing your life’s work

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life,” so wrote Confucius. I’m lucky enough to have created a business that I love. RedBalloon’s intent of spreading happiness inspires me – and the team who surrounds me – everyday.

I appreciate how I am privileged to be in such a position.

How we choose to spend our energy, love and time has a huge impact on not only ourselves, but those around us. I don’t think there is a day where I don’t consider my role and how I can make the planet a better place for my children’s children.

The reality is, though, that there are thousands of great causes – there are endless opportunities to be involved.

Recently hearing the founder of NGO Wine to Water made me very clear on the steps to take when choosing a ‘life’s work’.

1. Where does passion come from when there are so many causes?

We need to look deeply and meditate on what truly calls us.

2. Choose one thing and do it really well – having laser-focus delivers a greater outcome.

There are other great people working on many other issues.

“What is the ‘one’ thing that I want to fix?” I kept asking myself. And now I know the answer to this, it does not hurt to review it, to keep myself fresh and aligned.

3. Invest in something greater than yourself.

There is a great degree of happiness in one’s life when you feel that you are living for someone or something other than yourself. You achieve a great sense of purpose

4. Do something that makes a difference and accomplishes something.

Know that you made a real and lasting contribution.

5. Choose to build relationships on friendship and shared values.

You are likely to be far more effective in your contribution when you work side by side and collaboratively, rather than ‘telling another’ how to live their life.

I reflect regularly on my choices for contribution and this reflection reaffirms my focus absolutely on happiness and friendship. There are so many wonderful NGOs doing amazing work, but my plan is to bring happiness to our community.

One of Australia’s outstanding entrepreneurs, Naomi Simson has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded, RedBalloon.com.au including the 2011 Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year – Industry.