Your 8-Year-Old Self Holds the Secret to Your WHY

Ever feel lost in your career? Struggling to find true fulfillment in your work? You're not alone. Many of us chase success—higher salaries, bigger titles, more impressive LinkedIn headlines—only to wake up one day wondering: Is this really it?

Simon Sinek popularized the concept of "Start With Why," but let’s be honest—finding your WHY isn’t always easy. The answer, however, might be simpler than you think. It’s been with you all along—buried in your 8-year-old self.

The 8-Year-Old Test: A Surprisingly Powerful Career Compass

Science tells us that by the age of 8, we start developing a strong sense of self—our interests, passions, and natural inclinations begin to take shape. But as life happens, we silence that child. We trade curiosity for practicality, joy for job security, and authenticity for approval.

But what if your 8-year-old self already knew your true calling?

Let’s break it down into three powerful questions that can help you reconnect with who you really are and find the clarity you’ve been searching for.

1?? What Did You Love Doing as a Kid?

Think back—before expectations, before limitations, before society told you what you "should" do.

• Were you always drawing? Writing stories? Leading a team of imaginary friends?
• Did you love building things, solving puzzles, or creating new ideas?
• Did you prefer working alone, or did you thrive in group settings?

Your childhood passions weren’t random. They were early clues about your natural strengths and joys.

Ask yourself: Does my career today align with what made me happiest back then?

2?? What Were You Naturally Good At?

Talent doesn’t always mean technical skills—it can be how you think, communicate, or lead.

• Were you the one organizing school projects because you loved structure?
• Did you enjoy debating, negotiating, or storytelling?
• Were you the person everyone came to for advice, even at 8 years old?

Your innate abilities often hold the key to your professional fulfillment. If you've suppressed them, it might be time to bring them back.

3?? What Problems Do You Love Solving?

The most meaningful careers aren’t just about what you love or what you're good at—they're about how you can add value to others.

• What do people naturally ask for your help with?
• What challenges light you up instead of drain you?
• What problems do you solve that make you feel energized instead of exhausted?

If you can connect what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs, you've just unlocked your WHY.

Applying the 8-Year-Old Test to Your Career Today

If you feel stuck in your job or unsure about your next career move, try this exercise:

1?? Write down the top 3 things you loved doing at age 8. 2?? List the skills or talents you naturally had back then. 3?? Identify how these could apply to your work today.

Maybe the kid who loved storytelling should explore content creation. Maybe the one who organized class activities is meant for leadership. Maybe the curious problem-solver should pivot into strategy or consulting.

Final Thought: Your 8-Year-Old Self Is Still Inside You

Life, career, and success don’t have to be an endless search for meaning. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as looking back.

If you’re struggling to find your WHY, start by asking the 8-year-old version of you. That kid had no LinkedIn profile, no external pressure, and no fear of failure. But they knew what made them come alive.

It’s time to reconnect with that energy and build a career that feels as exciting as your childhood dreams.

Wanna hear more? Watch my video podcast on this topic here.

What did your 8-year-old self love doing? Drop it in the comments! ??

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