My identity eroded when the job stopped providing meaning and challenge.
And since I was so focused on it, I started to feel like a dusty droid in abandoned factory - a machine that was built for a limited set of tasks which no longer seem novel or critical.
Who Am I Now? What should I do? What do I even want?
It stings at first. But if you start digging, dissecting the reasons behind it and fixing it, there's only one way how it ends up: your better self.
Write these questions down and answer honestly.
Your future identity, what is it? Who do you want to become?
Aim so ridiculously high that it makes you cheer inside.
Start from the top:
Do you want to become the world leader? The president? CEO of Apple?
In other words, how high do you want to climb?
At which point you'll be most satisfied and fulfilled?
What are you ready to sacrifice for it?
Next, write down people that inspire you the most and the "why" behind it.
Make a list of traits you love genuinely.
They:
- clearly articulate original thoughts, ideas, views of the world, ways of living, without filter
- say what others are too afraid to admit and say
- build and distribute products that have a positive impact on the world
- dare to experiment: invent things that never existed before
- embody peak physique, sharp mind, strong spirit and never sacrifice it
- have time and energy for rest, hobbies and loved ones
- share knowledge, help, mentor and guide others
- are free from the permission of bosses, corporations, or societal expectations
- have full control of their thoughts, time, place and income
- run business on their own terms, on what they believe in
- have courage to be disliked
How they do it?
- They write blog posts, newsletters, books
- Create podcasts, videos, websites, apps, startups, businesses
What would YOU like to do? If you want to write a book and get it published, but couldn't care less about podcasts, you know what you need to focus on. But while you're at it, list fears, limiting beliefs and all the other stuff that stops you from doing it, start eliminating these factors, but most importantly: just start.
Next, list your non-negotiables. What do you want to do and what you need to avoid like plague, what habits or routines you'll leave in the past?
Now, you've crafted the identity you need to adopt.
But how does your lifestyle look like?
Do you travel the world or stay in your favorite place?
How many days do you train, for how long, where, how?
Finally, formulate 10, 5, 1 year goals.
Then split them down further, down to the smallest task you need to complete right now. Set deadlines in your calendar.
And since you have your identity, lifestyle and goals written down, start implementing it.
There's only one way to live your dream - it's actually building it in reality, and it starts with small, concrete steps.