In this year's July issue of Fast Company Magazine, there is an article entitled, "All the Right Moves—A Guide for the Perplexed Exec," and it talks about succeeding in this strange and challenging economy of ours. In one pithy sentence authors proclaim, "We've gone from no limits to no options..." Indeed. But that's only true if the focus is kept purely on the economics of things. So many leaders are asking themselves and their closest confidants, "How do we keep our people and our businesses and corporations stimulated, buoyant, and visionary during these times of external pressure and instability?" Simply asking the question brings people closer to understanding how to proceed with the very best part of themselves—and inspires others to do the same.

Fully Expressing Ourselves
One of the things I ask the corporate clients I work with is "How is your work an expression of who you are?" If the pause between the question and any semblance of an answer is too long, I know we have our work cut out for us. It's imperative—especially when the abundant flow of money becomes a trickle—to find ample ways to fashion your work to express what is most important to you. Let your work be your voice, your creative demonstration of what's possible, and your passion for what you believe in. Basically, let it fill your soul, even if it doesn't fill your pockets. All the better if it fills both, but for the time being, one is better than neither. I walk with clients on whatever journey is necessary to help them identify what in their work produces deep satisfaction and pure joy. With that knowledge, we can undertake the process of designing their work to be an expression of themselves in this rewarding way.

The Myth of 'The Recipe'

Too often people believe that they could achieve satisfaction and success in their work if only they were privy to 'the recipe', the answer, the one golden nugget of wisdom that will show them how. Over and over, I remind myself and reflect for my clients, that there is no 'recipe' that leads to Oz. The road is created from within and has all the markings that resonate specifically with each individual. Inner reflection is important to access this resonance and requires quiet time and stillness. What's also asked for is a willingness to take risks, follow your intuition, and try something that is not yet proven. Just 'go for it.' With that resilient attitude, there IS a guarantee of learning along the way. It requires not being attached to an outcome, and being courageous enough to make mistakes. No matter how you look at it, if your choices are driven by your internal desires and a resonance with what is right, you will make progress, learn new things, succeed, and complete something. Following the wisdom of the Pantanjali quote above, we can trust that internal resources will show up that we might not have known were there. This adds to the depth of learning and the richness of success. My commitment to myself and to clients is to go the distance. Along the way, I hold up the mirror the client describes and help them stay true to who they say they are. When the intention is clear, the achievement is bound to be fulfilling and does not depend on the external world's erratic ups and downs. One's own internal environment is more important to examine and listen to—it is where one's efforts matter the most.