Help Dan to get up and take action?

Ted (name changed) was walking around in his office that morning, very purposeful, meeting people, shaking hands and thanking them. It was his last day in the organization, after many long years. He was about to pursue a profession that was aligned to his passion and skills. Ted reached Dan’s (name changed) desk. Dan was peering over some spreadsheet on his laptop. He looked up. Realizing that Ted was leaving the organization, he gave a big smile and wished him all the best. He assured Ted that he had made the right decision. He added with a gentle grin, “Finally, you have done it.” There was an emphasis on the word "Finally".

Dan’s expression then changed to one of frustration and his voice trailed off a bit as he talked about how the organization had lost the vision, how the industry as a whole was reeling and how his job had lost its meaning. Ted watched Dan and listened to him. He knew it all.

Suddenly Dan looked sad. He shared why he could not take the step that Ted had taken, to step out into a new job that would be more meaningful and would be aligned to his passion. Dan’s kids were growing up, one in middle school and another had just started college. Market was not stable. Job security was risky. Money was important. Dan was in this organization for more than a decade now and he feared stepping out of the comfort zone and going somewhere new. Just a few years ago, Dan was a star performer. Now, although he is still hardworking and dependable, yearly increments have almost become negligible and promotion plays hide and seek with him.

Dan sighs. He says that once his children start earning, he will live his life and pursue his passion.

Questions to ponder over:

1. What is the real reason that Dan is trapped?
2. Is there nothing Dan can do except wait?
3. Is there someone who can help Dan?

For Dan to come out of this trap, he has to make a few key decisions:

1. A crucial question that Dan has to ask himself is: "Do I really want to live a life of joy and fulfillment?"
2. When the answer to the question above is a ‘Yes’, Dan needs to accept that he does not have all the options and answers in his conscious mind.
3. Dan has to find a coach or a mentor to help him.

If you know of a Dan, you can encourage him to ask himself the first crucial question: "Do I really want to live a life of joy and fulfillment?"