Finding Your Ideal Path

QUESTION

Hi Joey, I’ve been struggling in finding the right next step for myself. 

If it’s growing the corporate ladder that I’ve been in for eight years, if it’s studying further for newer better avenues, or to start something of my own which I’ve always been passionate about.

I feel anchorless and blank.

—Mishika

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ANSWER

Hi Mishika, it may seem like you’re anchorless, but in actuality it’s more likely that your anchor is fully submerged and well-dug in the depths.

Think about it—you’ve been doing the same thing for eight years.

I’ve been working on Baronfig for ten years and there were times when I felt similarly. I’ve had yearslong stretches that have been morale-challenging, to say the least. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that if I’m not working on a challenging goal, I’m not happy.

Not everyone is the same, of course, so what may be one’s person’s ideal isn’t necessarily another person’s. It’s important that you investigate what drives you.

Ask yourself a few questions:

• If I could be doing anything, what would it be?

• What is keeping me from doing that right now?

• Do I need to stop what I’m currently doing to experiment with the new thing?

• What would it take for me to make a big change?

• What do I need to lower the risk of trying?

• Is it fear that’s holding me back? If so, is it justified or irrational?

Your answer may change over time (in fact, it’s almost guaranteed to), so don’t worry too much about whether you’ll “succeed.” Just jump in.

To be clear, you do not need to quit your job to start experimenting with new paths. For example, you could use your evenings and weekends to test different approaches (I wrote The Laws of Creativity this way). If something sticks, keep at it—don’t try to predict where you’ll end up!—and see where it takes you.

You’ll be smooth sailing in no time.

—Joey

Creator of Baronfig
Author of The Laws of Creativity

The Nao Victoria—the first ship to circumnavigate the world. It was captained by Ferdinand Magellan, and had a crew of 245 sailors. It took three years to complete the journey, from 1519 to 1522.