In my search for “purpose” or “meaning” or whatever it is I think I’m supposed to be doing with my life, I know I’m one of those people who is easily distracted by the latest shiny object.
I become excited at the idea of a topic or niche or business or whatever and think, “Yes! That’s what I’ll do!” and then, after extensive research procrastination, convince myself of all the reasons why I can’t and it’ll never work.
Then I berate myself for being one of those people who is easily distracted by the latest shiny object and make myself feel bad for not following through on anything.
And the cycle continues. I become so caught up in, “What should I do? I don’t know what I want to do,” that I can’t make a decision, and I invariably end up in “You’ll never get anywhere” land.
I’m so afraid of making the “wrong” choice that I never make ANY choice.
Well, that sucks.
What if?
What if the “something” I want to do is continually learn about new ideas and skills, though?
What if my talent is having a curious mind?
And what if I have to connect with other people to learn more? 😱
I started working with a transformational mindset coach very recently and I’m already noticing that my perspective of what’s possible is very limited. Basically, my brain is an asshole and cannot be trusted with some decisions. (My words, not my coach’s.)
So I’m pretty sure the way my brain works is just too limiting and I need to expand my concept of what’s possible. I’m learning that some decisions just need to be made by gut instinct. What’s exciting? Or interesting?
Why should it have to have a purpose? Do I have to have a plan before I do anything?
Too much in life is uncertain and boxing myself in because, “I’m not sure it’ll work,” is self-defeating. And boring. And annoying. You get the idea.
So if curiosity is the desire to know, then exploration is taking action to learn.
And since I decided to name this thing “The Curiosity Project”, it only makes sense to go on an adventure!
https://tenor.com/view/lord-of-the-rings-the-hobbit-i-am-going-adventure-gif-19898635
I’m going on a mission to try out a new skill or idea a month.
Will it be amazing? Or will it turn out like an episode of Netflix’s “Nailed It”?
https://tenor.com/view/oh-my-oh-my-nicole-byer-nailed-it-gif-15746875
The goal here is to follow whatever calls next without overthinking it. Just try it. No plan. No purpose except the fun of doing it.
By the way, what I won’t be doing is impulsively quitting my job and moving to a commune or anything. I recognize I’m A) far too practical for that, B) have obligations to the people and pets I love, and C) really like creature comforts — and I’m okay with all of those things. I recognize and appreciate the privilege I have of being able to keep my day job AND do this fun, new thing.
So while quitting my job to do this may sound super-exciting and edgy for anyone else, I’m not into uncalculated risks. #sorrynotsorry
Anyhoo, for January I’m going to try out dog treats. Not eating them, no.
I’m trying out new recipes, learning what ingredients are worthwhile and what are just empty garbage. What works and what doesn’t.
For Christmas, I was gifted a virtual Doggie Cake and Treats Class with Susan Palmer from Uncommon Goods, which is what I’ll be doing today.
So I’ve already learned my first lesson. I’m not alone.
Someone else is already out there, doing the thing, and happy to share their knowledge and expertise. This cool lady is going to teach me how to make some new treats and I’ll be doing it with other people, something I typically try to avoid even if they’re on a computer screen.
It’ll be fun!
Right?
Anyway, here’s to January! 🥂 🐾
Always/ said I’m going to dtart one thing and then get bored…or decide I don’t want to work too hard for it… maybe I’m too old to start something new…
I think we have put too much into the word “purpose” especially as it relates to what we want to do with our lives. Purpose can simply be having something that “fills our cup” every day - and it doesn’t need to be some big, deep, meaningful purpose that changes the world.
As someone who worked in marketing for decades-the hot thing was “purpose-led” brands. Well all brands have a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is just to sell products-a lot of times products people don’t need. 😂
When you see old Italian men and women who still go to work every day at cafes or shops, well into their 90s, they have a personal purpose that keeps them going. Studies even show that people live longer when they have something to look forward to every day.
Sounds like you are on the right path!