Next up in my “My favorite podcasts” sequence is an inspiring interview with author Elizabeth Gilbert, on the importance of curiosity.
I often return to this episode for Elizabeth’s perspective on why "find your passion" is bad advice, and how curiosity drives success and happiness.
Here are my biggest takeaways from the episode. Which one of the below resonates with you most and why? Please share in the comments, I'm curious!
Instead of trying to find your passion, start following your curiosity. Clients who come to me for career clarity have often been told that finding their passion is the first step towards career happiness. But this bad advice makes many professionals stay in unfulfilling jobs for far too long while they await some one-and-only passion to present itself. In truth, you can have many passions! And every passion starts out as what Elizabeth calls a “curiosity... an impulse that taps you on the shoulder very lightly, and invites you to turn your head a quarter of an inch and look a little closer... a little trail of breadcrumbs that you can overlook if you’re looking up at the mountain top waiting for a sign.” If you don’t know what inspires you, just start looking a little closer at what intrigues you. Watch that documentary. Read that book. Volunteer. Interview people with interesting jobs. Don't delay your transition to more fulfilling work until lightning strikes; start following your curiosities, and see where they lead you.
“The definition of an interesting person is an interested person.” Many of my clients dread the #1 way to land jobs today, informational interviews. They fear that people who work at their target companies won’t want to talk to them, or that they won’t be impressive enough to translate the conversation into an interview request. But what they often fail to recognize is that curiosity is magnetic. By showing genuine interest in learning about someone’s company, industry, or career path, you become the kind of candidate people want to be around -- and hire.
“You search, you break your heart, your back, your brain. And then, only then, it is handed to you.” - Annie Dillard In today’s society we are constantly looking for shortcuts. And yes, there are a host of shortcuts that will make your job search experience easier, faster, and more joyful. But I’ve found that it is the job seekers who commit, who put their whole hearts and minds into the process, who lean away from job postings and towards human connection, and who persevere through disappointment and rejection, who reap the greatest benefits. Like any endeavor, you get what you put in; if you want results, you’ve got to show up and do the work.
“Did you do something today towards this goal? Then you’re good. Was it great? No. Was it fun? No. But did you do it? Then you’re fine, that’s it.” When I talk about showing up and doing the work, what I really mean is doing one small thing - each day - until you reach your destination. Fancy goal setting and tracking frameworks aside, simple steps add up. So celebrate your small wins, people! Every step you take you are one step closer to achieving your dreams.
“Would you treat a friend the way you treat yourself?” Is negative self-talk part of your inner repertoire? We all do it, especially when it comes to the job search or when we’re encountering challenges or tough personalities at work. But I love using this phrase as a litmus test for whether I need to show myself a little more compassion and kindness. (Spoiler alert: compassion and kindness almost always get us closer to - not further from - what we want!)
I hope you take away from this interview as much as I did. And do please hit reply and tell me what resonates most with you. I’m dying to know.
With love and wishing you a *curious* week,
Liz