Finding your slot
I was reflecting recently on purpose and what makes our contribution (choosing not to use the word work) feel worthwhile or authentic.
Many coaches and writers have mapped out a way to find this - Martha Beck’s North Star comes to mind first. Define our purpose, see how that aligns with work and how we make it meaningful.
These frameworks are useful but too often turn to work, jobs, occupations and careers. I am considering the intrinsic essence of what makes you you, quite apart from the role you do and the work you get paid for.
Many people will find the right vocation for themselves - nurses, teachers, artists and farmers - the right career for the right personality type. Others will chose the right type within a category - the tax lawyer and the family lawyer are very different breeds. Others of us still will squeeze ourselves into roles where we can deliver but at what cost?
Our true essence may change over time. I know plenty of extroverted twentysomethings who become introverted as they age (myself included).
Does our essence change due to our experiences and environment like weathered rock?
Do these experiences hone us to out perfect selves like polishing gem stones?
Does our life’s adventure allow us to work towards our core to find the diamond within?
Too often in work we need to put on our game face, wear a mask to cover our true self to deliver the role needed. Imposter Syndrome could be a modern concept but surely previous generations had this challenge too. I worry for the cack handed youth born into the family of woodcarvers with his career carved out ahead of him - many hours of soul destroying learning and honing to reach a level of skill which only achieves half the level of his forefathers. Imposter Syndrome Mediaeval Style?
Does our essence need to be present at work and at play, can we/should we combine them or look harder for the right slot?
