I’ve discussed the value of asking what you would do if money wasn’t a problem in relation to career change. But, figuring out what really inspires you is not always easy. In today’s blog, I offer a few ideas to try and tease out what may be too shy to show itself. 

Put yourself there 

Close your eyes and imagine what life might look like if money wasn’t a constraint. Really go there. Perhaps, project yourself into the future and imagine what you might be doing. 

Where are you?
Whom are you with?
What is going on around you?
What is the feeling of this experience? 

Don’t worry about your mind’s image not being a specific role or occupation. I mean, who said it even has to exist? That’s how innovation happens, right?! Simply focus on the big picture experience of what you are doing. For example, you might be building things in nature with people you love, or you might be poring over ancient manuscripts alone in a library somewhere with a cup of coffee next to you! 

Start big, you can always narrow it down later. 

The next thing to ask is what about that experience attracts you to it so much? 

What about it makes it so inspiring to you? 

And, there will be something irreducible about the experience if you’ve hit on that which really inspires you. You will be lost for words — you will want to do it, just because…for its own sake. 

And, each one of us will be attracted by different things, depending on our unique nature and experiences. That’s the beauty of the world. For me, it is music and an interest in the human mind. For another, it may be baking or bee keeping. 

The key is to follow your inspiration, to go deeper into those things that you are drawn to. 

What really inspires you may be expressed in different ways 

Remember too that the things that really inspire you can express themselves in varied forms. For example, my interest in human dynamics and the mind is expressed through, writing, coaching, contemplating, reading and simply observing. Many avenues fulfil the same deep interest. 

And, this is very good news because it opens up a whole world of possibility. When you find the deeper thing that interests you, you too might find that it is expressed in different ways, each with its unique flavour. Like music can be expressed through different instruments!  

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Harsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.