I think it's actually quite terrible advice. Coming from an optimist at heart, I know this is a large statement to make. It just feels misleading and criminal in many ways. While I love a good inspirational quote, I find it interesting that the common theme amongst many authors, bloggers and influencers is to follow the rainbow and "live your dream" when it comes to our work.
When I was contemplating the next chapter in my career, I remember getting immersed in the self-help section at the bookstore on this subject. I had convinced myself that I simply needed to find out what "it" was to determine what my next career move would be. On a mission, I researched and read dozens of books, hoping the epiphany would come and I'd have my answer. I even picked up a book called Escape from Cubical Nation "From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur" and read it cover to cover in two days.
Although I was inspired at first, I felt awful once I got back to my cubicle life that following Monday. Was I one of the unlucky ones who didn't know what my passion was to pursue my next career move–or was I just not brave enough to follow it? I've always been passionate about dance, but I certainly wasn't going to quit my job to go audition for the American Ballet Theatre anytime soon. So I wondered, what gives? And what about for those of us that don't even know what we're passionate about?
I would spend the next several months getting to the bottom of these questions–tearing apart my career, examining my skills and what I loved and didn't love about my job. Finally getting introspect on my interests and values, I determined what my non-negotiables were.
What I came to realize was this...
Maybe it's not so much about following anything. Maybe it's more about discovering who we are and where we've been. Taking our experience and applying it to what matters most to us. And maybe that doesn't necessarily have to come from our work. Maybe we could simply make a conscious effort to put ourselves in environments and around people that make us feel more passionate about life. And maybe, just maybe–if we stop comparing our inside to everyone else's outside, we could finally figure out what "it" is.