Find It. Live It. Love It.

There is something special about loving what you do. It’s unmistakable, infectious and inspiring.

Recently, my team and I had the privilege of hosting a 3-Day Retreat at the iconic Rancho La Puerta in Baja, Mexico. One of the most memorable parts of the event was our time at the Ranch’s cooking school and culinary center, called La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen that Sings”). It was beyond memorable. The team at La Cocina was warm, attentive and hospitable. Truly world-class on every level.

La Cocina also has an adjacent organic farm that supplies much of the fresh produce for both Rancho La Puerta and La Cocina. The farm tour, cooking class and gala dinner were all amazing, but the highlight was none other than Chef Reyna Venegas.

She is the Executive Chef of La Cocina Que Canta and absolutely LOVES what she does.

Yes, the Watermelon & Tomato Gazpacho was delicious. The Grilled Eggplant Steak with Tahini-Lemon Sauce was tantalizing. And, of course, the Fish Catch of the Day en Papillote with Summer Vegetables was mouthwatering.

But the real star was Chef Reyna. She was the perfect host. There was always a big smile and an eagerness to share her knowledge. She is an immensely talented and classically,-trained chef, who can seamlessly fit in at any of the world’s top Michelin 3-star restaurants.

Nothing she did was pretentious. It was all warm and genuine. Even the way she interacted with her team was discreet and professional.

From the farming practices to teaching the cooking classes to the preparation of the meals, Chef Reyna LOVES everything about the cooking process. My bride even mentioned to me, “Chef Reyna was put on Earth to do THAT job.” I couldn’t agree more.

A part of our 3-Day Retreat was focused on optimizing your mission. As such, we centered that day’s workshop around Ikigai. It’s a Japanese term that translates to “reason for being.” Ikigai explores what it means to be at your best. What is the perfect role for YOU in the world?

Basically, your Ikigai is the sweet spot where the following four elements intersect:

1. What you love

2. What you are good at

3. What you can get paid to do

4. What the world needs

Chef Reyna is living out her Ikigai!

When you find your Ikigai (or when your Ikigai finds you), it’s the most beautiful thing. And when you are courageous enough to immerse yourself in it, time stands still. You literally can feel like you’re flying. Your senses are enlivened.

And when you feel more alive, you give others the inspiration to do so as well.

To many people normalize “going through the motions” at work, and just “have a job” to “pay the bills.” None of those things are worthy to be normalized or celebrated. No!

Let’s normalize finding our ideal role in the world. Let’s normalize being in love with what we do. Let’s normalize finding our Ikigai.

There is something that YOU are meant to do that no one else is uniquely equipped for. And when YOU do it, excellence happens.

Find it. Live it. Love it.

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