What do you want? Find out with unconventional strategies
You are thorn between two powerful opposite forces. On one side is your deep desire for a significant change in your career or business, and on the other side your doubts and fears are holding you tightly to what feels secure.
You know that giving in to one of these two forces might make you regret not having given in to the opposite one. And there is a lot at stake: your status, your finances, your lifestyle, and more.
What do you REALLY want? And even if you decided to go for change, what should your change look like? You have got no idea what kind of different job, career or business could be right for you. So, how can you understand what you really want?
The common approach
The more common approaches to finding out what you really want include long introspective search through various types of personality tests, strengths and career assessments, self-help books, counseling, or even coaching that keeps you going in circles.
While most of these approaches are highly valuable, too much introspective work can actually keep you stuck. It’s like having much more knowledge, but no idea how to sort it out and use it.
The unconventional approach
Even though I’m a deep supporter of the inside-out approach, meaning that first you change inside and then outside, my approach in this case is slightly unconventional: extensive research and experience has been showing me that when you DO things on the outside, it has an impact on the inside.
When it comes to understanding what you really want, along with your self-exploration you can try any or all of the strategies described below:
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Make space for what you want
You don’t know yet what you want. This knowledge is not in your conscious life yet, so you need to make space for it. Clear your desk, clear your house, get rid of old physical and emotional burdens.
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Increase your effectiveness
Peter Drucker used to say that Effectiveness is getting the right things done. I say that Effectiveness is getting the things done that truly matter to you. Identify what gets you the results YOU want and focus on that. Delegate or eliminate the rest.
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Increase your fun (and boldness!)
What do you do with your free time? Something fun! The more you learn how to enjoy your life, and the more you challenge yourself to be courageous, the easier it gets to understand what you really want.
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Develop a new habit
Understanding what you want means growth. Growth means change. Real change is reflected in your actions. Initiate change by developing new habits that support you better than your current ones.
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Explore and test
There is no need to make radical changes and jump into the unknown with big faith. First, explore a different job or career, volunteer, interview people, test your business idea.
There is so much you can do that allows you to understand who you are and what you really want. The simple fact that you are thinking about it means you are on the way to a higher level in your life. It means you want to grow, evolve and get to know a new you. That’s exciting!
If you are looking for more practical support and inspiration, check out our free Resource Center.
Wishing you success and happiness,
Myriam
About the Author
Myriam Callegarin helps global corporate managers and entrepreneurs to successfully navigate the challenges of career and business reinvention. Find practical tools and inspiration in the Resource Center.
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