With so many options, have you ever wondered if you made the right choice professionally? Why waste some of your life doing the wrong thing?
Stanford University teaches a class called βDesign Your Life.β It incorporates a process known as design thinking. Design thinking is a different way of solving problems, commonly used for new-product development when the consequences of making a wrong decision are expensive.
Design thinking assumes most initial ideas will not survive the first encounter with reality. Go into the process with a bias for action and be ready to move in a new direction. Have an alternative plan in case your idea becomes obsolete.
Understand that problems will come up. You must be willing to either accept problems or solve them, there is no other option. If you are not willing to work on solving the problem, do not let it stop you.
Most people can list seven possible careers they would love to experience. Within reason, what are your desired professions? The design-thinking process compares the three best solutions at the same time. By comparing three at a time, you come up with a better solution. Narrow your list of desired professions to get three.
Now comes the prototyping stage. There are people experiencing your future reality right now. They are working in the professions on your list. Ask them to tell you their story. Something may resonate within you. If it does, you will certainly feel it. This is known as narrative resonance, and it is a good sign you are on the right path. After the prototype interviews, select the best option and trust your gut feeling.
Once you identify the career you want, how do you get it? Stay tuned for a future Biz Tips article on βhow to get the perfect job that everyone else wants.β
