How to find more meaningful work

This is a link to a video that I think explains it all really well when it comes to finding the future you want to live in.

The ‘School Of Life’ does many fascinating videos and I think this one will resonate with you if you’re reading this.

Alain De Botton talks about finding meaning and satisfaction within our work and our lives.

1 - Being confused about careers is perfectly normal.

  • There used to be around 2000 jobs, and now there are thousands upon thousands of career options and jobs. This leads to the paradox of choice where we have too many options. Fear and confusion are normal. Don’t let this take over.

2 - Know yourself

  • Getting to know who you are. Knowing what we want doesn’t come naturally in a clear message. We just need to disect from our own ideas

  • For now, don’t think about money. Write about all the things you’ve ever enjoyed doing or making. Much like in the coaching I do with my clients we look at all the things you’ve ever enjoyed - and find the work themes beneath these. It will be a messy group of thoughts

3 - Think a lot

  • Do lots of reflection.

  • Allow it to take time.

  • Don’t feel like you have to do what you chose first time.

4 - Try something

  • Get data by trying. By researching. Small steps to gather info.

  • Shadow something doing the career you desire.

  • Question and speak with someone who’s doing what you’d like to do.

  • Try something on the side, while you’re still in your current position.

5 - Reflect on what makes people unhappy

  • Every business is at heart trying to solve or fix a problem for someone else.

  • consider a day - and everything that might make someone unhappy. Each of these is a potential business opportunity.

  • So many things are still needing to be created, innovated and changed. Don’t be put off by what’s already been done, be inspired by what could happen, and who you could serve.

6 - Be confident and courageous to give something a go

  • Dare to be bold and to try.

  • Imagine oneself into a role - and take the steps to get there.

  • Botton says that ‘a lack of confidence is at the heart of misunderstanding of the way the world works’, that it’s more an internal conflict where people don’t think they can do it.

So when you think about all of this, consider that

  • being confused is totally normal!

  • Getting to know yourself is the key to understanding who you are.

  • Think, research, discover and delve.

  • Try something - even as simple as asking a few people a few questions.

  • Get to know what makes you, and what makes others unhappy - and think about ways you can/do solve that.

  • Be CONFIDENT and COURAGEOUS, give something a go.

    Don’t have regrets in life, where you wished you had, but instead let fear get in the way and take over.

Have a watch of the video below and let me know your thoughts!

Don't keep your day job

Another great book and podcast is by the wonderful

Cathy Heller - Don’t keep your day job.

https://www.dontkeepyourdayjob.com/podcast

This woman is a true inspiration to me, and my quest to help people live their best lives.

Anna PetchellComment