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  • What? Flip it over and reverse it.

  • [MUSIC]

  • Hey, it’s Marie Forleo and you are watching MarieTV, the place to be to create a business and life you love.

  • If youre afraid that your work lacks deep purpose and doesn't really make a difference in the world,

  • this episode is for you.

  • Today’s question comes from Renee, and Renee writes, “Hi Marie. Thanks for your insights and contributions every Tuesday.

  • I’ve even used your words to encourage my elderly mom. My Q is about my sense of vocational purpose with art.

  • I used to be a chaplain in health care. I loved feeling needed and saw that my services held lifesaving and life altering value.

  • After changing from chaplaincy to pursue my own business with visual art,

  • I’m getting a little bogged down with the realization that my purely aesthetic work won’t have lifesaving or life altering value.

  • My fear is that my sense of fulfilment won’t be as strong or rich as it used to be.

  • There’s gotta be a better perspective to embrace. Thanks, Renee.”

  • Renee, this is such a common struggle that I’ve heard from thousands of creatives.

  • From jewelry designers to painters to singers to actors, dancers, writers, really anyone involved in some aspect of the arts.

  • And I’ve gotta tell you, I’ve also heard this struggle from people outside of the arts too.

  • Many of us can feel, gosh, what I do doesn't really make the world a better place, does it?

  • Wrong. Listen up here. There are two key points that you really need to hear today.

  • And if you haven’t yet seen our other video about the power of valuing what you do right here,

  • it is a must watch after this one.

  • So let’s dive in with point number one, which is very specific to you, Renee.

  • Yes! Without a doubt, art does make the world a better place. This is undeniable and indisputable.

  • In fact, when I first read your question my mind started making this big old mondo list of all the ways that art is crucial for improving our world,

  • and here are just 6 of them.

  • Number one, art sparks meaningful conversation. So whether it’s at a dinner party or a fiery issue in the press,

  • art sparks discussions that can lead to real social change. That’s important.

  • Number two, art makes us feel stuff.

  • I mean, art can move us and gives us the feels and that keeps us connected to our humanity, to our souls, and to each other.

  • Number three, art brings joy. I mean, have you ever heard a favorite song that just turned our mood around?

  • Kinda like this?

  • [MUSIC]

  • Anything that can make people happy on the spot, whether it’s a song or a painting or a movie,

  • is vital in this world that is so filled with stress.

  • Number four, art gives us a healthy outlet. So the act of making art lets us process and express emotions that,

  • if kept bottled up, can actually harm ourselves or the world.

  • Number five, art fires up our imagination.

  • You know, it can help us envision different realities and give us ideas for new ways of living.

  • Saw this at the MET. Renaissance wing. How you livin’?

  • Number six, art inspires activism. You know, it allows us to fall in love with the world around us,

  • with nature, and people, and cultures, and it gets us fired up to protect what we love.

  • Now, let’s move on to point number two which is the thing I really want you to get.

  • Making a difference in this world and feeling fulfilled in that way does not have to come directy from your job or your business.

  • Look, there are very few careers or businesses that are literally lifechanging or life saving,

  • but that doesn't matter because you can do anything.

  • I mean, you can sell buttons, you can wax eyebrows, you can make bobbleheads, and choose to be a humanitarian,

  • an activist, and a world changer. I mean, you can choose to still make a difference to others in all kinds of ways

  • and you can choose to bake in a for-purpose component to any business or career.

  • I mean, this is something that weve done in our company

  • and it’s something we strongly encourage you to do in B-School too.

  • For example, you can donate your time, your skills, or your money. You can offer pro bono work.

  • You can give away products or offer scholarships or internships.

  • I mean, you could pledge a portion of your revenue or your profit

  • and you can use your voice to speak up for social issues that you care about.

  • And, most of all, if youre doing something you love, which it sounds like you're doing, Renee,

  • you are an example to other people who want to do something that they love, and that is world changing.

  • I mean, even if youre not doing something that you love that’s your dream job,

  • but you bring a sense of joy and reverence and enthusiasm to your work,

  • that is world changing too. Bottom line is this, and, yes, it’s a tweetable.

  • Your work in this world is as meaningful as you make it.

  • That was my A to your Q, Renee, I really hope it helps. And now I would love to hear from you.

  • So weve got a three parter today. First, for all of my artists and my art lovers out there,

  • what are some more ways that art really does help change the world? Let’s create a big, big list, shall we?

  • Second, has a piece of art of any kind ever changed your life? If so, how?

  • And third, how do you bring deeper meaning and purpose to what you do?

  • Leave a comment below and let me know.

  • Now, as always, the best conversations happen after the episode over at MarieForleo.com,

  • so go there and leave a comment now. Once youre there, be sure to subscribe to our email list and become an MF insider.

  • Youre gonna get instant access to a powerful training called How to Get Anything You Want

  • and youll get exclusive content, special giveaways, and personal updates from me that I don’t share anywhere else.

  • So stay on your game and keep going for your dreams because the world needs that special gift that only you have.

  • Thank you so much for watching and I’ll catch you next time on MarieTV.

  • Ready to find your voice and sell with heart? Well show you how.

  • Get started now with our free writing class at TheCopyCure.com. Side effects include enlarged profits.

  • I totally… I know, I know, I messed that one up.

  • Mushrooms rock.

  • I am not a robot, so I move my body.

  • I love it. I love it. I love it. I love that it’s likeey!

  • See ya later alligators.

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