I’ve been paying attention lately to the thoughts that float around in my head. You know those thoughts — the ones characterized by dreamy, fantastic ideas about how successful we’d be in this career, or how happy we’ll be after that life decision. We think they’re exceptional ideas at 3:00 a.m., but the next day over lunch, we shake our heads in amusement, saying, “That would never work.” Somewhere in between those two moments, the magic of that lightbulb fades, and doubt penetrates its luster.
Why do people talk themselves out of their creativity? Do you talk yourself out of yours?
Earlier this week I had a conversation with a friend about her husband, who I’ve come to think of as an “Ideas Man.” Travis, my friend says with an obvious affection, can’t quite seem to settle on a passion: he’s always having one grand idea after another, but doesn’t always complete his current dream before rushing off towards the next. At first, I chuckled fondly thinking of Travis, as sweet, affable, and as passionate as he is. But then, I caught myself.
Was I writing off Travis’ passion? Shouldn’t I admire it? Certainly life to an extent requires pragmatism, but at the same time, shouldn’t we all live in pursuit of our ideas?
Ultimately, the search for a career can be characterized as a search for one’s self. Americans identify ourselves by what we do: it’s almost always one of the first questions you ask when you meet someone. Taking time to listen to those ideas keeps your career path open to innovation, excitement, and creativity!
So next time you feel your mind wander towards those crazy dreams, don’t be so quick to shoot yourself down. Even if you never change your career, at least you’ll know that you did it with your eyes open.
…from now on, I’m sleeping with a pen and paper on my nightstand.
