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“Choose a job you love, and you won’t have to work a single day in your life,” Confucius’ saying has become the motto of our time. But what to do when you have no idea what business can become your favorite? The business journalist offers some simple exercises tested by successful people who have found their life’s work.
This problem is faced by both very young people who are just choosing their own path, and professionals whose careers have stalled. It is often difficult for us to understand what kind of work would really bring pleasure. Understanding yourself is not easy, but there are several ways to help you do this.
1. Ask yourself three simple questions
What topic can I easily read 500 books on and not get bored of?
What could I do for five years without getting paid?
— What would I devote my life to if I did not lack funds?
Finding answers to them is not so easy, but this information can be important.
2. Give up the belief that the business of life should bring money
Writer and journalist Hunter S. Thompson once said: “Everything that makes the heart beat faster is already worth your effort.”
Are there things for which you will spend time and effort with pleasure, even if they do not bring you money? There is nothing to worry about making money elsewhere. The main thing is to have time for progress in your favorite business.
3. Decide what you don’t want to do
Make a list of professions or occupations that are not close to you. In contrast, it will be easier to understand what you really like. Write down the names of those whom you envy professionally. Ask: “Whose profession or lifestyle makes me jealous? In what area would I like to try myself, but so far I’m afraid?
4. Find areas where you are «good enough»
Even if you do not have exceptional abilities in one area, you probably have a number of skills in different areas. From their alloy, that very “vocation” can be born.
For example, a graduate of the Faculty of Management, who knows how to program and has experience in sales, will be suitable for the role of the head of an IT company. Success is not determined by one talent or ability. Successful people demonstrate to the world a set of skills, not necessarily outstanding ones. The unique combination of skills makes them exceptional.
5. Do not wait for insight
Every day, for 20 minutes, reflect on things that have recently interested you and new opportunities that have come to your attention.
Ask relatives and family members in which area they could take place. But don’t take their opinions too seriously: no one knows you better than yourself. Talk to others about their hobbies and professional pursuits. Offer to help with work or ask for a master class. Experiment with new activities: a new sport, learning a foreign language, craft or needlework.
6. Remember what you liked to do as a child
Did you enjoy drawing or writing stories? Or do you love to sculpt with clay? Did you sew clothes for dolls or make wooden crafts? If you have remained faithful to your childhood hobby in adulthood, think about how to make this activity outgrow its humble status and become a life’s work.
You can look at this question from a different angle: imagine that you have reached old age. What would you like to do for the last 20-30 years of your life?
7. Practice visualization
Imagine waking up early, jumping out of bed and getting dressed. You can’t wait to get to work. The sun is shining outside the window, you cross the threshold of the bedroom. Draw a picture: where are you going? What does the office look like? What is to be done today?
About the author: Rebecca Berne-Callander, journalist.