It was always confusing for me to figure out what I want to do with my life, I presume that this question is bothering you too, or at least was someday.
The problem for me was that I have many interests, I’m fascinated with a lot of things from mathematics, arts, to communication and psychology. All that can be learned interests me. I did explore many pathways in my studies: start with a mathematics and physics degree, then an industrial engineering degree, a personal development certificate to finish with a master’s degree in Innovation Management in progress. This last one was difficult for me to decide since I did have too many possibilities: continuing in a Ph.D. in my field of study, studying computing, turning to a psychology degree… It was a mess in my head at this time. The process of choice wasn’t linear, it took me a lot of zigzag moves to figure out my vocation.
So that’s why I want to share some useful tips with you, perhaps you are struggling to decide on your career choices, to find your purpose in life, or you are thinking about new professional directions; and my journey can give you insights or steps to make it easier for you.
At first, I would recommend a book written by Ken Robinson, with Lou Aronica: “Finding your element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life”.
It is a great book with practical exercises and personal experiences that can offer you some guidance and pieces of advice.
The principal author Ken Robinson is good at all sorts of things, He used to play on piano & guitar, He tried drawing and painting in school, He spends hours assembling and painting plastic models, and woodwork to end up shifting to a public speaker.
Being on stage, was his “Element”, He enjoyed the process, He feels eased talking in front of a group of people, and seems that time pass quickly while He is doing this.
In fact, when you’re in your element, time passed very fast, if not time will seem very slow. For Robinson, teaching, meetings, and presentations was his element.
For me, my element is thinking about new ways to do things, exploring the potentialities, connecting the dots, and creating new possibilities. When I’m in my element, I feel my mind thriving, it is stimulating for me, and I don’t feel that I’m making an effort when working on that, Ideas and approaches occur naturally and effortlessly. That is why I choose to turn myself towards the management of innovation and creativity.
Finding your element is very hazardous, you can find it luckily when playing at your elementary school, or you can still search for it, even after retirement.
Good news, there is something you can do to comprehend this process:
1. Spend time with yourself :
Disconnecting from others for a while can create a huge transformation in your life. Having alone time will help you connect with your feelings, motivations, and desires. No matter what it is like: having a long walk in a park, sitting on the bench, reading a book, or having a hot cup of coffee or tea… Just stop the daily rush and connect with your inner self from time to time.
2. Write your thoughts :
Sometimes, we did have some blocking beliefs that stop us from achieving our goal and living the life we want. It can be our critical self-talk about how we are not good enough, we don’t have capacities to succeed in this field, we are not good at anything… a harsh inner talk can bias our abilities to see things objectively and clearly. A practical exercise is to write your thoughts and your fears in a journal or on a blank paper and read it after, you will be astonished to see how your mind can deform reality.
