Follow Your Bliss Interview with Tara Sophia Mohr

Tara Sophia Mohr

There’s something really special about Tara Sophia Mohr.  I can’t recall exactly when I stumbled across her work online, but I do know that these days when she says something I am there to listen and learn. She is a guiding light of inspiration, and she very gracefully holds a strong, heartfelt commitment to helping women around the world Play Big in our own lives.  I am continuously inspired by Tara, and that’s why I am more then thrilled to have her as my very first Follow Your Bliss interview for 2012!  Enjoy!

You’ve worked in more traditional jobs and are now very much charting your own course and doing your own thing.  What’s that process been like for you?  What guidance would you give to others who wish to do the same?

Yes, I used to work in philanthropy and in the nonprofit sector. I didn’t hate my former career; I actually enjoyed it a lot. I loved the people, I loved being part of organizations working for the common good. But as time went on, I began to feel ready to ask myself, “Was this the work I most wanted to do, that I felt I came here to do? The answer was no.” I think I, like many women, lost my creative self and lost some of my confidence while getting a higher education. I wanted to recover both and rebuilt a career around that.

In terms of guidance, I want people to know that it is okay to experience a lot of struggle and overwhelm and confusion in the early stages of making a change. That is actually a stage of the creative process.

I wanted to know I could, at the end of my life, look back on my career and say, “Yes, Tara, you really went for it. You really gave the dreams a shot.”

In terms of guidance, I want people to know that it is okay to experience a lot of struggle and overwhelm and confusion in the early stages of making a change. That is actually a stage of the creative process.

But also, I see many women get stuck in between two options: “Should I quit my job and just go for the dream, risking financial disaster, or should I stay in my job and have financial security?” Wrong question! This is a lose-lose question.

Instead, I encourage people to get out of your comfort zone and get real about starting to go for your dream TODAY, while staying in your job. If you are a product manager for a tech company but want to lead personal growth workshops, pick a date this month for your first workshop. Email your friends and network. Start now.

For a year and a half, I wrote blog posts in the morning before going to work. I coached clients in the evenings. I am so proud of that time.

It seems as though a lot has happened in your life over the past couple of years in terms of you building your business.  What has surprised you the most over this time period?

How many women share my experience of knowing they are playing small, and wanting to play bigger. How many women know that they and the women around them are brilliant and could do amazing things, but are getting stopped up by fear of their own power, self-doubt and attachment to praise or avoidance of criticism. The work that I do now is really about helping women share their voices and their work in the world – in a big, bold, confident way.

Tune in to what makes you feel tingly with energy and lean into it – let it lead, and see where it takes you.

You’re doing quite a bit these days – writing, coaching, and leading a leadership program for women…  What does a typical workday look like for you?

I like to get up around 6:30 am or even earlier, and spend the first few hours of the day writing. Green tea and scrambled eggs are involved. Around 9:30 or 10am I take a long break, which might be going to coffee with my husband or getting some exercise. I try to do my most intensive creative work during Part I of the day, do meetings and phone calls in Part II of the day, and administrative stuff and email in Part III of the day. By 4pm I’m cooked.  Sometimes, some of my self-employed peers like Rachel Cole, Julie Daley and Britt Bravo come over for a day of co-working in my living room – that is super fun.

What has gotten you through the tough times – you know, those moments when you feel lost or unsure of what you’re doing or which direction you’re headed in?

First and foremost, the people in my life. I call Amy Kessel, a brilliant coach, and she helps me figure stuff out. I talk to my husband who is also very supportive. Or I call one of those friends in my life whose mere voice puts me in a better mood.

On my own, I read great spiritual literature. I get moving. I go look at the ocean. I play with a dog. I reground in life’s goodness.

I use the tools I teach. I remember that my own estimation of my abilities is usually an underestimation– that I can do more than I think I can, and that I am ready for more than I think I am.

Trust your longings. They are not random or irrational. They are pointing you toward the life your soul wants to lead.

What does Follow Your Bliss mean to you?

Tune in to what makes you feel tingly with energy and lean into it – let it lead, and see where it takes you. Surrender the planner-mind that so wants to be in charge and let bliss lead.

How have you followed your bliss?

Writing every day. Writing poetry again. Telling the truth about who I am and what I think. Filling my home with art. Building a business with integrity and authenticity. Putting really excellent cream in my coffee.

What guidance would you offer to other women who wish to follow their bliss?

Trust your longings. They are not random or irrational. They are pointing you toward the life your soul wants to lead.

It’s a fresh, New Year.  What’s on the horizon for you in 2012?

Playing Big: leading the Playing Big program and stretching myself to continue playing bigger. Letting go of the limitations I’ve put on myself and opening up to all the goodness that is always waiting for each of us.