Direct Life Coaching

This Spirit stuff really works...it does!

My last two blogs talked about two concepts. 1) Say Yes! (read the blog below) 2) It's more than who you know (read that one too ;)

The last few weeks...the improv side of my life has been extremely active. My partners and I had three corporate shows in one week, and on the same weekend performed in an arts festival three consecutive days. Thank God we're improvisers ;)

I have really had the opportunity to combine both of the concepts that I have been talking about recently. Let me explain. We have been trying to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way...even if the pay isn't great. Right now we are in the mode of getting our group name and show in front of as many people as possible...and then letting the quality of the work do the rest. I strongly feel that we have a funny...FUNNY...show...so I am convinced that once someone sees our show...we will get them to our theater again.

Saying yes to these opportunities has opened a lot of doors...introduced us to a lot of people...and has helped us get our foot in the door without needing to spend money on advertising and promotion. Going back to my concept of "it's who you know," I feel like we have been extending ourselves to get out there and meet people...instead of waiting for people to come to us.

On Valentine's Day morning...we performed for a monthly networking group here in Palm Beach. Improv at 8am...yikes! It wasn't a dream gig...but it paid...and it introduced us to a number of corporate leaders. That afternoon...we were contacted by a woman who attended the breakfast and she wanted to book us for another group in a few months. The next day, we got a call from an advertising agency who was hosting the local ADDY Awards (advertising awards) and were in a pinch. Their boss was at the breakfast...and thought we would be perfect for what they needed for the event. Mainly, they had an idea for an infomercial spoof...and due to someone pulling out...had less than a week to get it done.

The problem for us...was that we just finished a week of performing 6 of 7 days...and were also planning for our own theater show the coming weekend. Did we have time to take this project on as well?

No lie...I thought about the blog I had just written about "saying yes," and I decided that we would find a way to get it done and help them. We only had three hours to shoot what they needed...and there was no time for scripts...so we had to improvise. The end result, the video came out well and was a big hit at the awards. If you want to see what it looked like...check out this link (I am the tall guy on the right). Click here to see video!

I can guarantee more opportunities will come as a result.

From a spiritual perspective...it really felt like this opportunity had come along for a reason. Not that it fell in our lap, but that we have been working so hard, and that it didn't seem right for a golden opportunity to get passed over because of time. The issue of time really seemed to be against us, but then I thought of the definition of "time" that Mary Baker Eddy writes in my favorite book Science and Health, "Mortal measurements, limits..." (click here for whole definition)

This idea really helped free up my thought as to whether we could get the project done and still be able to prepare for our show on the weekend. We went forward, I trusted that Spirit was guiding the work, and were were able to get the video done in one day...and still prepare for the show. We had our show Saturday night, it was a sold-out audience, and it was an overall great show (can I say "show" one more time?).

My partners and I took laughed the other day at the fact that we had all this work coming in, but are really yet to spend a dime in attracting business. We still want to take our business to the next level, but this has been valuable experience for laying the groundwork for what we want to do. We continue to take the practical steps, but prayer and spirituality are every bit apart of the process.

What about you?

If you need us for a show or some corporate training...I am sure we would say "Yes!" ;)

Travis

Man...I can't believe it has been a whole week since my last post. It has been one of my craziest weeks in months...and now I have the opportunity to kick back and reflect some.

I have been thinking a lot about opportunity...and how opportunities arise. Ever since getting laid off...I had this sense that Spirit...or God...was guiding me in the right direction...which meant that I would work my tail off...and at the same time know I was being led where I needed to be. That is what I see to be the "partnership" aspect of living your spirituality. You can pray...pray...pray... and than pray some more...but I don't feel prayer is a "sit and wait" kind of thing. You need to pray...and then get out there and take the best human steps you can to be successful...and know that your efforts are not separate from Spirit...but rather the inspired result.

So...I have been expressing a lot of gratitude recently about some of the corporate entertainment shows we have booked in the last few months for my improv group. All of a sudden...we are getting calls left and right.

In the entertainment world alone, there is probably not a phrase used more often than "it's who you know" when it comes to getting a break.

But, this phrase is seldom used in a positive way, but rather a way of discouraging someone's hopes by telling them, "If you don't have connections...you don't have a chance!" Being an actor, I have bought into this many times. Recently though, I have been trying to work this idea from a more spiritual approach.

Meaning, I feel that opportunities come as a result of working hard, which in turn forces you to get out and meet people, thus increasing your networking possibilities. The difference is, what impression do you leave on people when you meet them? For me, I try to live my Spirit. To me, that means expressing joy, peace, patience, grace, humor, and compassion as much as I can. I might not be the most talented guy, but I do know how to relate to people...and make genuine connections with people. I feel this is part of my spiritual expression. I am sharing the best aspects of who I am...which are bigger than just one person.

So, by expressing my true Spirit self...I hope I am leaving a positive impression. So much of the work that has come our way recently is because someone saw us perform, and than they told someone else, who told someone else, who just happens to need our services. Bingo. Done. "Smack it up flip it...rub it down...oh no!" Sorry...bad 90's music reference.

My point being...it is true when people say, "It's who you know!" Yes, anyone can be handed a great opportunity because of a connection...but when it is all said and done...you still need to have the skills and talent to finish the job. In the meantime...get out there and meet people, show your true spiritual self, and let people remember you for the joy and grace they felt for being in your presence. Before you know it...everyone is going to want you and your service...and you just might end up being the "who" in the "it's who you know!"

Careful what you wish for ;)

Travis

I hope my daughter doesn't get the wrong idea reading this...I will probably amend this statement 10 years from now when she is really interested in boys ;)

"Yes" is a concept that I talk about all the time. As an improviser, one of the first concepts you learn is the idea of agreeing with all of the information your scene partner gives you. Meaning, if your scene partners calls you "Jim," well, than your name in that scene is Jim. If he/she tells you that there is a train coming, you accept that there is indeed a train coming. If you can find "agreement" with the ideas you and your scene partner share, there is a good chance you two will be on the same page, and the scene has the opportunity to grow.

The next thing you add on to the "Yes" concept is the "and." We call it "yes and." Trust me, this is universal, the main improvisation Web site is called www.yesand.com

Anyway, the "and" portion makes sure that you play an active role in the scene, instead of being passive. So, when my partner says something like. "That train is coming this way." Not only do I need to say "yes" to the concept...I need to add an "and" such as, "It is, and it appears to be off its tracks!" See that, I agreed...and then added more information. I took my scene partners idea, accepted it, and built off of it...further progressing the story. Had I Just said, "Yes, it is," and nothing more, it would then be up to my scene partner to further the scene again...without me really adding to it.

Okay...that is a key improv principle. What does it have to do with Spirit and work?

Well, once I lost my job last Spring...I told myself that I was going to stay open to any and every opportunity that comes my way. I didn't know what they would be, but I knew that if I kept myself busy enough, concentrated of pursuing those things that I really enjoyed, and prayed to stay open to Spirit...the opportunities would come my way...and in abundance.

My concept of Spirit...or God...is a complete Spirit...a positive power that surrounds me at every moment allowing me to access everything I could possibly need. I know that I am never without, I just need to pray, work, and listen...and expect opportunity in abundance. I prepared myself to say "yes and" to Spirit.

It has almost been a year, and the opportunities have come. They have arrived in random and unexpected ways, such as connections with acquaintances that led to video work when I wasn't even looking or promoting the fact that I could do video work. That in itself led to 8+ video projects.

It has come from efforts that I have been cultivating. The improv group has been a lot of work, but we are starting to see the fruits of our labor (can't believe I used that phrase). We haven't even heavily promoted our corporate or private shows...but people have sought us out...and booked us at a more consistent rate.

Lastly, Spirit has led people to me. Traci at WorldBlu didn't know I was looking for work when she called me last summer and wanted me to help with her Forum. I said "yes" on the spot, and now that is growing into full-time work. Plus, I wasn't looking to blog, but when old friends told me about SpiritontheJob.com, and wanted me to blog...how could I say no ;)

So, do I always say "yes?" No. For me, it comes down to whether or not the opportunity is something that matches with my spiritual core. Is it something I will enjoy, could be passionate about, and will leave me feeling good about myself? If not, I pass on it. If me saying "no" seems to be based on fear or uncertainty in myself...then I try to reconnect with Spirit in a way that reassures me that I have all of the ability I need to be successful...and then hopefully I move forward. A friend of mine who has another Web site approached me last week about possibly doing some work with him. I am praying and actively listening for the opportunity to develop...and then decide from there. Either way...I feel at peace.

The "yes and" concept really spiritually resonates with me. Saying "yes" to opportunity from Spirit is the first part of the equation...but I also have the responsibility to add the "and" to the opportunities that come my way. It's not passive...it's extremely active...and it's where the spiritual rubber meets the spiritual road.

So, are you prepared to say "yes and" to what is coming your way...or are you finding excuses to say "no." Nothing happens when we say "no," but, maybe you're okay with that ;)

Travis

After reading my last blog I figured you all would like to read some of my favorite books that have helped me shape my views on employment and living a life where I can express my true qualities.

First and foremost...Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. This has been my spiritual guide book my whole life...and if you enjoy Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, or Wayne Dyer...you need to read Mary Baker Eddy's pioneer work on spirituality.

Dan Pink. What an awesome guy. I was thrilled to meet and introduce him at the WorldBlu Forum this past Fall. His book, Free Agent Nation is the main reason I work from home and decided to move to Florida. (Thanks for all of the hurricanes Dan ;) His new book, A Whole New Mind is also awesome!

The Power of Now. Are you living in the past...worrying about the future? How often do you live in the now...I mean live, breathe, and move in the present? Probably not very often. Read this book...and you will get a better grasp :) Thanks Eckhart!

Lastly...a guy I am so proud of. He and I know each other very little...but when we talk we feel like good friends. I can remember talking to him at the beginning of the book journey...and now it is done and published. Good work Dax! This book will inspire people for many years to come! Beat of a Different Drum

Happy Reading everyone!

Travis

I've been having a hard time recently answering the question so frequently asked when I meet someone, "So, what do you do?" Wow...uhhhh...well...lots of things. That's the most concise answer I have come up with to date. My wife and I are convinced that our neighbors must assume that we are "trust fund kids" living off our parents...since both of us are at home...and we are often seen together throughout the day running errands with our two kids.

Okay...to get real cheesy here...in a spiritual sense...I feel like I am "trust fund kid." For almost a year now...I've been able to be at home with my family and spend what I feel to be extremely valuable time with my two young kids. Yet, since getting laid-off last March...I have not taken on another "full-time" job.

Why not?

Well...growing up I never saw myself falling into any traditional career track. I was a good student...but not a great student. There was the family business that I could work myself into, yet that didn't completely light my fire. To be honest, I went to college and got a degree in English mainly for the fact that I enjoyed writing...yet I didn't really aspire to be an author (of what?) or a teacher (although I would enjoy that). Instead, I graduated from college still not sure of where I would go and what I would do. The more and more I tried to put my finger on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life...the more I realized I didn't want to do "one thing" for the rest of my life. I didn't feel like I could pick one path and just do one thing. Don't get me wrong, there are people who KNOW what they want to do, so they pursue it full-throttle, but that has never been me.

I couldn't really think of specific jobs I wanted, but I knew there were qualities I wanted to express in whatever work I was doing. I wanted to find work where I would feel proud of what I was doing, actually enjoy the work, have a positive impact on others, have the opportunity to perform or be in front of people, and to feel a part of something special and cohesive.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I feel all of the different things I have done to date expresses most of these qualities in one way or another. So, last March, when I lost my "full-time" job, I was not eager to open up the classifieds, jump on Monster, or run off and take the first paying gig that I could find. Instead, I took the time (and severance) to start to cultivate a number of different job opportunities based on the qualities and skills I enjoyed and am good at.

Where did that get me?

So, I am teaching improvisation. I co-founded a comedy troupe. I have video production freelance work. I conduct two spiritual services a week. I am helping a friend develop a ground-breaking consulting firm. I am blogging for this site. My time is maxed, the money doesn't meet the ends, but the seeds have been planted. I am just giving them time of grow.

So, what does this have to do with my Spirit?

Everything! In every one of my jobs...I feel a deep spiritual connection to the work that I am doing. I am also relying on Spirit to guide me along the way. I have always turned to my concept of Spirit (God, Love, etc.) as the basis of my decisions...and I have never been led astray. More than a blind-faith, I feel a practical connection that helps steer me to the places I need to be. The best part about it, is that I know I am always connected to Spirit, and no matter how uncertain and bleak my job situation may look, I know that I am surrounded in Spirit. To me, that means that I am surrounded by opportunity, abundance, and guidance.

Why will this work?

Because I know that I am following my spiritual inspiration...instead of being guided by qualities that don't align with Spirit. It is easy to get caught chasing greed, ego, self, power, etc. Plus, fear is a great motivator that can lead us down the wrong path, and in the end, we are never anymore fulfilled than when we began.

In a lot of ways...my "job situation" could not be anymore unclear than it is now (when you take into consideration salary, benefits, etc.). Yet, I have never been more involved and working on projects that I truly believe in and enjoy. I feel completely engaged with my spiritual self, and I am proud of all the things I am a part of.

So, what would you rather being doing right now? Why aren't you doing it? And, are those reasons coming from your Spirit...or are they masked as fear, doubt, human reason, etc.?

Be honest.

(Plus, if you need a videographer or an improv troupe, give me a call ;)

This is the first of what is sure to be many bad puns that I use for my titles. Sometimes a bad pun comes to me...and as bad as it may be...I just have to go with it.

The focus of my thoughts the last few days has been the James Frey appearance on the Oprah Show earlier this week. So, as I was all geared up to talk about this subject...I came across a blog from a friend of mine who said it better than I ever could. Plus, my friend just had his first book published...so he is pretty close to this subject matter. Check out his blog (and book).

I'm glad Dax (my friend) said what he said (of which I completely agree), because I really wanted to talk about the situation from a different perspective. And although I am not a published author, I can relate to the trap that James allowed himself to fall into. I can only imagine that as James was writing his memoir, he never dreamed the book would have the popularity it achieved. How could he? How could anyone? He basically went from a recovering addict, to a best-selling author overnight, hob-knobbing with major celebrities, appearing on every possible show...and inspiring the biggest icon of all (Oprah of course).

I go back to him sitting wherever he was, embelleshing some of the details and thinking, "Who is ever really going to read this...that is...if it even gets published in the first place." I guarantee, had he known the success his book was going to achieve, there wouldn't be on iota of fiction in the book. That's just my guess.

Everyday, all of us are in similar situations. We are tempted to bend the rules, tell a white lie, or embellish the facts to make something more or less appealing. Take a second right now and think about your day...can you think of one? I can. It happened today as I was writing a quick bio for myself that will be posted on another site that I work for. It was a detail as small as the length of time I worked for a company, and I had the urge to add a year or two just to make it look longer (thus more credible). Similarly, I thought about James embellishing the length of time he spent in jail in order to make it harsher. Did he lie about jail? No. Did he really OVERDUE the length of time. Yes! In that moment...I thought of James and put down the correct length of time.

It seems to me that when it comes to celebrities and any public figures, we keep them on a very short leash. I felt bad for James as he sat on Oprah's stage...sullen...ignored and talked about as if he wasn't on the same stage, and humiliated like a dog who chewed up the paper and should of known better.

I am not defending James...he was wrong. I am just not so quick to jump on a guy when he is down...and then act like I have never been in the wrong myself...or could ever fathom doing such a thing like telling a lie. Because...whom among us doesn't have a couple of "one that got away" stories that we like to tell. I guess the major difference is...Oprah has never given our story her book club stamp of approval.

Again, James was wrong. I believe in truth and honesty, and I take time to evaluate and reflect on decisions I make in my life for me and my career. I want my family to be proud of me and I want to be proud of myself. The best way I know how to do this is by measuring choices and decisions I make in my life to a sort of "spiritual scale." This scale for me is simple. I think about the situation at hand, and than I ask myself, "Is this a decision that I can feel spiritually proud of?" If not, than it often makes my decision much easier.

The most recent example I apply this to happened in the last few months. My wife and I do some real estate investing, and due to a tenant who we felt didn't honor his contract, we were forced to retain legal assistance. I didn't feel comfortable about this from the beginning, and as the next few weeks went on, I only felt worse. Yes...we had a strong case. Yes...our tenant was in the wrong. But, there were also things that we did that should of been more upfront and principled along the way, and that bothered me as well. Each side was holding their ground, and it appeared we would have to take this all the way to a nasty trial.

I was praying everyday. I needed to feel at peace with this...so I kept measuring this situation with the spiritual scale...and the answer finally came. With the case odds leaning in our favor, I decided not to go to trial and to honor the original contract that we were disputing. We sold the property, didn't make a dime off of it in the end, and decided to move on.

Some might say that I allowed myself to be taken advantage of, by I disagree. We are still investing in real estate and my wife and I learned some valuable lessons that we will never repeat. Would we have won the case in trial? Probably. But, I had to listen to my own internal spiritual voice that was telling me to let go, drop the anger and frustration, forgive the tenant, and move on.

The forgiveness step has been a big one, and I am still working on it...but I know I am and eventually will be able to completely forgive. As legally justified as the trial would of been, it was taking up too much of my mental thought...and filling my head with too many negative ideas and scenarios. I decided to listen to the spiritual nudge coming to my consciousness, and I feel at peace with the result.

To finish the world's longest blog here...I feel that everyone has that internal spiritual voice inside us. James had it...you have it...I have it...we just don't always listen to it. I think that is where guilt comes from. While watching Oprah I kept thinking...this is so painful for James...but when he wakes up tomorrow he will be free from the mental prison he must have been living in. Free to move on, admit his mistakes, forgive himself, and become a better person.

I am working day to day to listen and follow my spiritual voice...but it's not always easy. Best of luck to you as you do the same ;)

Travis