I read The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris right before I started my Virtual Bookkeeping business in 2012. It was a fresh perspective on how to create time by utilizing the inexpensive online workforce available to more and more people. Although providing valuable insights, this notion is rooted in an old paradigm of individual success and personal liberation, neglecting the broader societal context that now has come even more transparent. Its focus on escaping the traditional work structure and maximizing personal gains overlooks systemic issues, social and environmental responsibility, and the power of collaboration and community.
With the arrival of Pluto in Aquarius, a transformative cosmic event set to begin in November 2024 and last for the next 20 years, we are entering a period of significant social change and innovation. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius, from 1778 to 1798, we witnessed monumental shifts in society, such as the American Revolution, French Revolution, Uranus was discovered and Bill of Rights ratified. It was a time when marginalized voices challenged the social elite, paving the way for greater equality and progress. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the flaws and inequalities inherent in many traditional jobs. It has forced us to reevaluate our work-life balance and seek alternative paths to freedom and fulfillment.
I am deeply committed to supporting individuals who find themselves trapped in work environments that stifle their growth, silence their voices, and exert control over them. Having personally experienced the detrimental effects of such an environment, I know what it feels like to be burdened with debt, struggling with obesity, battling depression, and enduring chronic pain that constantly undermines my well-being. I recognize that there are genuine reasons why people may be hesitant to make changes in their lives. However, I strongly believe that now, before the onset of Pluto in Aquarius, is the opportune moment to take action. By making a move now, you will have ample time to hone your skills and adapt to the shifting tides that lie ahead. This is the perfect opportunity to prepare yourself to navigate the transformative era that awaits us.
Here are some steps to navigate this transformative era and find freedom by redefining the word “work” on our own terms:
Discover your direction: Identify your purpose and passion, as they will serve as your guiding light through the challenges and uncertainties. Having a clear sense of why you want to create your own path will fuel your journey. Your true purpose will not only serve you but inevitably serve those you touch.
Assess your assets: Take stock of your existing skills, experiences, and resources. You already possess something valuable to start a business, and if you doubt it, I am here to help you uncover the wealth of authentic abundance within.
Build confidence through education and bartering: Certifications and targeted education can boost your confidence and provide credibility. In the early stages, consider offering free services or engaging in bartering to gain referrals and test the market.
Keep overhead low: Start with simplicity and focus on delivering value rather than striving for perfection. Avoid unnecessary financial commitments and invest wisely in line with your needs.
Embrace self-leadership: Recognize that this is your business, and you have the power to shape it according to your vision and values. Align your work with your purpose, even if it means turning down opportunities that don't align with your core principles.
Prioritize self-care: Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Cultivate daily practices that bring you joy and surround yourself with positive influences. Visualize the benefits you desire and nourish the seeds of your dreams.
Practice patience: Building a successful business takes time and effort. Stay committed, enjoy the process, and trust that your efforts will bear fruit in due time.
Foster innovation: Pluto in Aquarius calls for unique voices and creative innovation. Seek inspiration from moments of stillness and allow yourself to think outside the box. Embrace change and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
In conclusion, while I appreciate the valuable lessons from "The 4-Hour Workweek," it is important to acknowledge that the economic crash of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020 have shifted the importance of integrating our work with our communities. The power of our lifestyles and choices cannot be underestimated in shaping the world we live in. As we collectively embark on the journey of personal empowerment and strive for authentic freedom, we hold the key to reshape our world and create a prosperous future for all.
If you find yourself stuck in a job that is no longer serving you, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I offer workshops and one-to-one coaching to help you navigate your options toward a more empowered life. To learn more about my free resources and my upcoming events signup by visiting: www.raylifecoaching.com/free-resources
Ray Beyor, owner of RAY Life Coaching, provides her clients with resources and practices that clarify their values, set steps toward their purpose, and master confidence while facing fears with patience, compassion, and accountability. Ray’s training in attachment theory, codependency, yoga, meditation, polyamory, consent work, dance, and astrology is used to guide her clients into their authentic and abundant selves.
To schedule a free call or learn more, please visit: www.raylifecoaching.com.
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