If you are looking to switch things up and get deeper into your creative groove or soul path, what are you doing to get there? Exercise, meditation, getting toxic people out of your life? Eating healthier and exercising more? Fantastic. You get a gold star AND a high five.
However, in the midst of changing behavior patterns, people usually miss the most important element on the path to self growth –“ a clear list of important questions. If you are making the effort to open up your mind and hose out the crap, what exactly do you want to know? Do you even have a clue? Spending time “searching”for magical answers will most likely not prove fruitful, even if it does keep you “mentally busy.”
Get your Head Out of Your Butt
To put things in perspective, think about this scenario. You want a new gig. You are tired of the work, lost your passion for it or it never really rang your bell in the first place. You really want to switch things up, but are focused on the prize; getting a new job or career to leave this one in the dust. Your next thoughts could be:
- The economy is so tough right now I cannot even think of changing jobs or starting my own business
- I can’t stand this any more and I might just stab my boss with a swizzle stick
- If I wait until 2012 it will all be decided for me
- I really like my hobby of sewing sock puppets but there is no active market for it at this time
- Why not see what cool things are for sale on Craig’s List while I still have some flexible cash
All normal thoughts, and its good to acknowledge them as they roll through to humor yourself and get them out of your system. At some point, these digressions are just fun distractions that take away from what you really want and need, which is to start asking yourself some real soul-bearing questions. Here are some examples:
- If I could do anything in the world, what would it be? What kind of tasks, jobs or personal interactions bring me joy?
- Is my current physical location the best place for me to pursue my passion?
- How can I make time in my life to relax, for hobbies or creative pursuits? Who can I enlist to help keep me accountable?
- Is there anyway for me to talk with my current boss about a transfer, work load change or improvements in my current work situation?
Make it Easy, Build the Framework
When you turn things around and get super clear about what you want, you feel more empowered AND start getting answers to your questions in unexpected places. You will be in traffic and a sign will catch your eye for a kick-ass class. You’ve zoomed by it a million times, but never paid it any mind. Someone new will walk into your networking meeting or a mutual friend will introduce you to a cool contact, and suddenly your brain is racing with new ideas for a creative project.
The key here is not the specific WAY it happens. Its the fact that you are clear on what you want, so you are alert and actually NOTICE when it shows up to take advantage of it.
I encourage you to stop searching for the next big thing that will change you life. Sit down and ask yourself very specific, clear questions about the people and things that matter to you. Then you will start to see how much easier it is to make headway when you are not chasing your tail like a loony dog.
If you are interested in a list of questions to get started on your creative journey inward, please contact me at creativekatrinaatgmaildotcom.