Let What You Love Be What You Do
Posted on May 23, 2012 by Maggie Cunningham, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.
Find ultimate career happiness and success through being passionate about the work you do- everyday.
Do you remember that girl in school who knew she wanted to be a nurse, teacher, horse trainer from what you assume was birth? This girl had the plan set and never looked back. Do you remember her? I do- I was always jealous of her because I never knew what I wanted to be. I think ballerina was my stock answer (despite the fact that my best move is the “Jellyfish.”)
So now you’re there- that place where you have to decide what you’re going to do, who you’re going to be. So tell me, what’ll it be? Ready… GO!
Nothing? If you’re like I was, there seemed to be lots of OK choices, but I never knew what was really “it.”
The first step towards finding your perfect career is by conducting a little research. The second you start that first unpaid internship, crappy part-time job, first post-grad salaried position- whatever it is- start doing some career Research and Development.
Make note of what you love about what you’re doing, and what isn’t so awesome.
Ex.:
-I do not like facing the wall/corner.
-I like having a window in sight.
-I value independence.
-I like interacting with people.
-I like advising/teaching people.
-I have a constant need to learn/grow.
-I like a regular schedule, but need flexibility/freedom.
Second, make 3 lists: “What is Important to Me (in order)”, “What My Interests Are”, and “What I’m Good At.”
Seeing these things written out will help you weed out positions that won’t play to your strengths, interests, or values. Just writing this down will act as a sounding board when you don’t want to sound like a flake to whoever will listen when you talk about changing your career path every week.
Third, take a Jung personality test.
Then go here and click on your type to see a description (I’m an ENFJ, FYI). Make 3 more lists: “Type Characteristics,” “Favorable Careers,” and “Unfavorable Careers.” Finally, look up some famous (whatever your type is) and list them for inspiration. It’s scary/funny how accurate these results can be. It’s also reassuring when you see careers listed that you’ve already been considering.
You’ll soon be on your way to finding exactly what you’re meant to do! Have fun, and good luck!
