The Subtle Art of Exploration

One thing we are really good at is complaining, no surprises there. I just wish we were as good at understanding the reason why we complain so much, and rather find a solution to the problem. When I found myself cribbing all the time, I realized it was time to stop and take a step back. To be very honest I was forced to stop by friends and family, so I really did not have a choice. But you all do, the choice to Explore!

I am not suggesting that you find a ship and set sail towards the neverland. I am referring to career exploration or you just might call it exploring your passion. I don't really have to mention this over and over again, but let me...our passions can vary that is all right, they can change and evolve, and to be honest, they are supposed to. Are you still using a Blackberry mobile? I am sorry that isn't even relevant :)

If the choice of your mobile brand can change so can your passion, but how do we explore and find what is available for us. Exploring is bound to be a fun process, so let's keep it that way. Of course, I am going to help you with it, so here I am listing a few easy points to keep in mind as you begin your career exploration:

1. Start with Why

I know I am a huge Simon Sinek fan, but who isn't right? But this is just so relevant. You always have to ask yourself why do you like a certain thing, why are you happier doing when activity over the other, what excites you about talking to people, or why do you spend time researching different topics. 'Why' is the solution to most of your problems, believe you me! We don't question ourselves enough and that leads to confusion later. We need to try and reflect more on why do we prefer certain things, and choose them over others. Similarly, we also need to question people about their interests (Word of caution: Please do this at your own risk). If I meet a Doctor today, I would certainly ask that what motivated you to take up this profession, sometimes listening to others and their reasons give us a better understanding of our own. Food for thought?

2. Don't be afraid to Try

Another challenge that I have observed is that we are too afraid to try or experiment. I fail to understand that when we have nothing to lose why do we hold ourselves back. If I have found an interest area it should be a gradual next step for me to go and try if that works for me or not. Let's assume I have this inclination towards Aerospace, simply because Elon, Bezos and Branson have just been going Gaga over moving to Mars or wherever they want to relocate. What do I do to see if this is the right career domain for me? It is surely a good idea to read and research more about Aerospace as a career, what it entails, what are the courses I can pursue, where I can work, and so on. I can also take up online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, Class central and so many others to get a better understanding. Now it just might be that I absolutely love the domain after my rendezvous, or I might hate it, but either way, I got an answer. There you go! Can you please try and explore now?

3. Discover your Wings, and Fly

I just realized my steps have a rhyming scheme, that wasn't intentional I promise, that was just the poet in me, making a guest appearance. When you identify the domains that you are good at and resonate with, this is not the time to hold back. You are bound to take the leap. Be it a degree, internship, project or job, you are meant to grab that opportunity and fly with it, quite literally. This is not the time to think, it is the time to act on your dreams. Just remember even if it does not work out the way you have imagined, you will still learn from it. It is a win-win situation by all means. So what are you waiting for?

This is just how I deal with exploring the choices we have, you can try this mechanism and let me know if this helps, but you can always come up with one of your own. Exploration is the key, doesn't matter how you do it as long as you get results.