16 comments

• 

  January 24, 2011
  AT 4:40 PM

  Barbara

  Great advice as usual Martha, love the analogy of getting out your little spoon and digging a little on your tunnel every day. It also helps that you have already done this and can model what it looks like once on the other side. Thanks for the great video!
• 

  January 25, 2011
  AT 11:04 PM

  Linda

  Martha,
  Thanks – you did it again. Just the practical inspiration I needed today!
• 

  January 26, 2011
  AT 3:35 PM

  Becky

  Hi Martha! Its inspiring to hear about the baby steps you took while writing your book and managing so many other things in your life…taking what ever time you can spare each day toward your goal. Thank you for the reminder!
• 

  January 26, 2011
  AT 10:38 PM

  Lisa

  Great advice, and memorable comparison–I will think of it, every time I get my spoon out to dig!

  Thanks, Martha!
• 

  January 28, 2011
  AT 10:12 PM

  Kandy Knappe

  I should declare how much I must concur with you in your entry dealing with Coach 4 2day – Hated Job | Martha Beck. I personally learn increasingly that people tend to be simply not really ready to listen to reasoning in the case of the issue. Continue the superb work and My partner and i will continue on viewing in addition to the various other happy readership on this page.
• 

  January 31, 2011
  AT 4:40 AM

  Eileen Morey

  Thank you! I discovered your wonderful resources when a reference to you in the book, “You On Top,” really resonated. So, I went looking for more information about you, and my jaw dropped when I saw how much we have in common.

  I’m now working my way through your “…Starlight” book, weaning myself off career that had started out fun, but much of that fun came from external cues: People I worked with, places we visited, and so on. Ten years later, the world has changed, and some of my work still fun but more of it is like trudging through molasses.

  Your book (and important messages) came along right as I’m rediscovering what truly makes me sing in the shower.

  Every day, I’m making more art and waking up with that Christmas morning feeling, eager to see what will inspire me today.

  This message — about the Monte Cristo approach — is wonderful. My husband is in a “shackles on” job and we’ve been talking about what he can do while we’re in this transitional phase. (He’ll be going through your book as soon as I’ve completed it.) The idea of, every day, enjoying 15 minutes’ time working toward what he’d like to do… that’s a great idea. It’s especially encouraging because you’ve already successfully traveled this path.

  Thank you!
• 

  February 7, 2011
  AT 10:33 PM

  Laura

  You say Monte Cristo, i say Shawshank Redemption. I had no idea Stephen King had been so “inspired”. Ahem.
  Actually you say Monte Cristo i say, yes please with fries on the side. I SO need to get out more.
  Your books and blog and even Tweets, have inspired me, helped me, improved me. Thank you so much for being the amazing writer and coach that you are.
• 

  April 21, 2011
  AT 12:45 PM

  Meagan

  Martha, thank you so much for this post! I’m currently sitting at my desk of a very uninspiring job and dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur. There are days I feel overwhelmed with everything, but I’ll be taking it one step at digging myself out with a soup spoon.

  You inspire me every day to follow my North Star : )
• 

  April 24, 2012
  AT 5:41 PM

  Shelly

  I’m guessing it’s best to dig your tunnel to completion prior to mind-bending your spoon?? (wink)

  Wonderful video as always Martha. It lead me to many quantum connected lessons. Thank you!
• 

  November 12, 2012
  AT 8:33 AM

  Sharon

  Martha, may I just say you are the best??? You are! Thank you for sharing your many gifts and inspirations.
• 

  November 12, 2012
  AT 9:05 AM

  Deborah

  Martha, I like the video inspirational talks you are doing here! Love reading your quotes of the day that come to my inbox, but these videos are even better. Keep it up!

  Your advice here is so wise, doing what you are passionate about for even just 15 minutes a day. My part time job in an office drags me down some days, but when I do those things that bring me joy even for a few minutes a day, somehow that draggy job doesn’t seem quite so blah. Because I know that the draggy job is not my purpose in life. My purpose is to create, to listen to those nudges that tell me what to create.

  Even so…I need these reminders, like the spoon and digging your way out. That helps bring my focus back (oh, my ever wandering focus..) to what really matters.

  Thanks for the inspiration!
• 

  November 13, 2012
  AT 1:51 AM

  DB

  Martha thank you-

  I have NEVER forgotten what an inspiration you were (and are) to me to find my passion!
  Since driving you in MA from one of your appearances there in my limousine- and getting a ( free) hour long consultation with you ( thank you) .
  I remain a loyal fan! You never fail to inspire me.
  So glad you left Harvard!!!
• 

  November 14, 2012
  AT 2:46 PM

  Allison Crow

  Lovely post and fun timing. I get asked this often and just today posted a list of things I did to make it happen during the shift. So happy to see your face and hear your wisdom and encouragement online.
• 

  November 15, 2012
  AT 9:14 AM

  Cynthia Dow

  I used to feel so deprived never having gotten married and having a family. But now I realize that I have had so much freedom. Several times in my life I have quit jobs that were no longer fulfilling and moved on to other jobs which suited me better. My family and friends were usually worried about these moves, but I always went with my gut. I so understand those who don’t feel they have the liberty to make such drastic moves, but I would just say to those out there who are NOT tied down with family obligations, make the leap. If you are truly acting from passion and a deep conviction, you will be amazed at how much your life improves, in every way!
• November 29, 2012
  AT 10:51 AM

  The Impact of Passion-of the Slow Burning Type « Thoughtfully Social

  […] http://marthabeck.wpengine.com/2011/01/coach42day-hated-job […]
• March 23, 2015
  AT 11:46 AM

  3 Structural Elements You Need to Consider to Create a Regular Writing Practice | Supercharge your marketing team.

  […] life coach Martha Beck, for example, tells that she wrote her entire first book in fifteen-minute daily time slots, stuck in between her duties as a Harvard professor and […]