Two Trains Theory.

Two Trains Theory is an important model to understand as you are considering taking the leap of faith toward what may be next.

Neil Strauss on The Gabby Reece Podcast (short video below) explains the first train of the theory is your current career. You have professionally built up momentum through previous work. The train’s speed is determined by stability, fulfillment, proficiency, time demands, financial support, etc. Everything that you have built up over your life’s work is the current moment.

The desire to do something else, such as pursue a creative outlet that may be more fulfilling or another profession completely is train two.

Typically the story goes, save money, leave your current stable job, take a leap of faith and start on a new project from ground zero. Strauss explains, that at some point many run out of money, become desperate, and go back to something similar to their old job in a worse position as the passion projects momentum begins to drift.

It is much easier to switch trains (passion projects/careers) when they are moving at the same speeds or if train two is moving much faster. Instead of trying to start from nothing, Strauss encourages you to dedicate time and energy towards the side project until it has created enough momentum (stability) that you can transition smoothly.

A perfect example of this is quitting your job to start writing online and a podcast. Which we have seen a lot on Twitter since COVID 2020. Why quit your job when you could write and develop a podcast during the time away from your current role. Building up the writing and podcast train so it can at least leave the station. By dedicating energy towards the project, testing, and iterating you then figure out if it even brings you fulfillment. Do you even enjoy being on train two and ready to take a calculated leap?

The real question that comes from the two trains theory is what brings you joy, purpose, and fulfillment outside your current role? How can you expand the range of your life? Range could be multiple trains that bring you fulfillment to your life outside of your primary craft. Everyone has that one thing that fills their soul that they wish they could do a little bit more of more often. Instead of going full-time into the soul-fueling side passion project, you can start by creating a little momentum. That momentum could simply be 30 minutes a day for 30 days straight.

What fuels your soul? I would love to hear more from others in regards to what fills their sole, what their 2nd train may be, and how they are creating momentum in their lives through consistent action.

Best Day of The Year, Until Tomorrow…

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