Self-discovery is fundamental in realizing your passions. Sometimes, it takes people years to understand what incites their passion. Why? Life happens. Time passes in a blink of the eye. People take jobs to keep food on the table.
That job might become monotonous, uninteresting after a while. Maybe it’s time to do something else that will bring fulfillment to the workday.
It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy. Lucille Ball
A few years ago, my manager encouraged me to step out of my comfy zone and take some additional courses on digital marketing as a part of my development plan. During this endeavor, I rediscovered my passion for writing. I started publishing articles on LinkedIn which led to ghostwriting projects and editing, in-house. The exposure I gained has been gratifying, giving me the confidence to write even more.
Today, I’m enjoying writing articles for The Start Up Publication via Medium, with a following of over 400,000. Plus, I host a blog with a collection of eclectic writings including short stories, personal essays, motivational images with a following that is ever growing.
Continued Learning keeps the mind Yearning
Learning is a lifelong endeavor. And it is essential to discover new strengths and passions, which is the recipe for reinventing ourselves.
Jobs and roles are rapidly changing. To keep up, we must have an open mind and never stop educating ourselves. Aside from taking courses in various subjects, consider these possibilities: express interest and volunteer for different projects or apply for job rotations. Trying something new can be a great way to discover new interests and passions.
I am still learning. Michelangelo, at the age of 87
Change the Way You See Yourself
Success is 90% attitude and 10% hard work. Carol Dweck, Stanford University Professor and Psychologist did extensive research on the cause and effect of how one’s thoughts lead them to be successful or conversely, feeling inadequate.
In 2014, she presented “The power of believing that you can improve” at a Ted Conference. Her talk focused on the differences between failing and believing we can improve by learning and correcting. Once we realize we can change our mindsets positively, we are on the path to successfully reinvent ourselves
Becoming is better than being. Carol Dweck
Genetics
Many of us have said, “I’m becoming my mother.” Or, “I am my father all over again.”
Psychology associate professor Elliot Rucker-Drob from The University of Texas conducted a study in 2016. In that study, the report showed that 69% of a person’s general character is a result of genetics — the remaining tied to the environment.
In 2012, The Science Daily published an articleon research conducted by a group of psychology professors from the University of Edinburgh. Their studies were related to how genes play a role in forming character traits. The research suggests traits such as decision-making are tied to genetic makeup.
People that study genealogy knows that history does repeat itself. So, pay attention to your family’s characteristic traits. You might find similarities and discover something about your uniqueness. Realizing your past can determine your path to the future.
In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own. Alice Walker
Be ready to sell yourself, even if you aren’t for sale.
An influential senior marketer once said that every one of us is a “product” with a “lifecycle.”
Every role we have in life, personally or professionally, is part of a cycle. Think about it: Education, career, parenting, etc. These cycles of life occur naturally, without much thought.
Throughout these lifecycles, we are appraised and evaluated. People observe our behavior and file it away in their memory. When the need arises, they pull that file to determine how to engage with us. Or worse, decide not to engage with us.
Hiring managers continuously look for the most impressive and accomplished person to join their team. Be ready for the day someone approaches you for a new opportunity.
Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger. Mehmet Oz