Rhythm and Variety

Rhythm is another word for routine. Variety is randomness. Do you like your work to be predictable? Or do you like it as always something different? This is another key question. If you are find inspecting for bad cookies on the conveyor belt everyday, then go for it! Otherwise, you are likely the type which requires work that provides greater stimulation.

It may even help to write a percentage of each.

Note: Keep in mind that as you get better at your job, it could feel more and more like a rhythm.

Personalities for Work and Play

One thing which I have found to be an critical aspect to grasp is the separation between work and play. This is a question that I believe everyone should ask himself or herself: Do I...

1) Like to keep work and play separate?

2) Like to have a mix of work and play together?

If you answered 1, then it means you don't want to think about work when you are "off hours." This may mean that you are out of touch with your passion or do not have an option with it. Or more severely, you have learned to sacrifice it at some point.

If you answered 2, then it means you know your passion (or should be close to it). You want them to be combined because you want to enjoy the time that you work. That's great. But keep in mind that this allows the work to consume the other parts of your life and you may never escape it.

I suppose there is a trade-off in either situation. However, concerning this blog, I would hope that more people would have the boldness to strive for Option 2) and yet be controlled enough not to let it "take over." It's a tough balance.

The Power of Pretending

There was once a quote by C.S. Lewis that talked about becoming a better individual. The idea was that as one pretends to already have a trait, the more that he/she does it, the truer it becomes. In a sense, it is the power of belief. If I believe that I am improving, then I will spend more time with it. Whereas what really is happening is that the time that I spend is making me improve. Strange paradox, huh?

As you begin to understand your passion, it will take time to develop certain talents. The important thing here is to believe that you are good already! Not in an overconfident or conceited manner... but rather as an eager learner who is excited for the change.

Looking Inward - Working Nonstop

In the spirit of brevity, I will continue with the short entries.

Has there been a time when you worked on something nonstop? Felt like you could do it for an extended time, found satisfaction, and lost track of time? This sounds like a possible passion, right?

Examine such times... did you miss something there?

Looking Inward - Accomplishments

Accomplishments is one of those words which gradually gets overrun by resumes/CVs and application. It's used such a narrow way (usually academic).

If one considers all realms for possibilities of accomplishments, then progress can be made. Throughout life, accomplishments will be defined differently for each person. Therefore, each person must decide what he/she sees as accomplishments. Not what the popular definition implies. (Same with success actually.)

Take a day to write out what you view as your accomplishments in life. These should help give new light as to where you may like to go and where your passion is.

Looking Inward - Compliments and Talents

Another easy indicator of what understanding your true passion are compliments. This relates to what you are naturally talented for. People tend to compliment what others are good at, right?

Think about how others have complimented you... do they point in any direction? Art? Music? Entrepreneurship?

The tricky part may be connecting the skill to a career. Many (and I would argue the majority) of skills are intangible - such as being good with kids. This skill translates most immediately to being a teacher. But what about pediatrics? Or day care center manager? This takes some extra thought... but use the clues.

Looking Inward - Childhood dreams

Related to admiration is childhood dreams. Most of us can recall what our dream jobs were when we were young. What were mine?

1. Inventor

2. Marine biologist

3. Video game tester

#1 is what ended up affected my career as I selected Mechanical Engineering. Little did I know that there was nothing in the curriculum which explained the process of inventing. #2 sounded fun because I could be by the ocean or sea. Regrettably, I suppose it was the pay which dissuaded me from that direction. #3 I am glad that I did not pursue. My life is much better without having to be frustrated that I cannot "beat a level." You could say that I did grow out of this one.

In some ways, I feel so cheated with my dream. It was pure yet naive. I didn't know where I was heading...

Why do I bring this up? I think it's important to look back and see one's hopes/dreams from before. It's a good comparison to show how you've changed and matured. For those who have lost touch with your dream... ask yourself why?