Why does it matter to do what you're good at and enjoy?


Because you are unique and a powerful creator.

There’s nobody out there just like you. As humans, we are creators, Gods. If we look around and see the beautiful buildings, bridges and planes those were created by us, humans. I remember reading somewhere that in a certain religion we greet each other in a prayer because we acknowledge that inside each of us is a powerful creator.

Because of the way our lives are structured and the opportunities available; many of us had to do work; work, meaning exchanging a service or item for money that may not align to what we’re good at and enjoy. Why does the feeling of joy, matter? It matters because joy is the feeling that helps guide us to the powerful creator we are inside.

Today we are all collectively experiencing the results of a digital transformation that’s been growing exponentially. This digital transformation has deconstructed the traditional value chains and transformed our ability to transact with businesses and one another. No more linear value chains. The necessity to align with what we’re good and who we are will feel more urgent.

For me as a Product Designer, there are so many more designers that are very capable to solve problems. Wherever I look there’s a new designer coming up and hundreds graduating everyday. If I try to compete with them I will generally fall on the wrong side.

So tonight I asked myself: “Wynne, what have you really done really well in your career the past ten years?"

Activity: Take 5 minutes to list out everything that you think you’ve been good at in your career. Then, for every answer, clarify it with an action and start with: I’m really good at… Here were my statements and I’m really good at statements:

  • Adapting in new places whether it’s been a city or a new job

    • I’m really good at making myself feel comfortable and safe in uncomfortable situations that others may find stressful or fearful

  • Making people like me

    • I’m really good at building relationships

  • Seeing the best in others

    • I’m really good at being compassionate

  • Implementing design processes

    • I’m really good at understanding what people might need and then introducing it to them

  • Influencing people

    • I’m really good at talking to people

  • Design

    • I’m really good at solving problems

  • Design work

    • I’m really good at doing the work to solve problems

  • Art

    • I’m really good at making new things from nothing

  • Painting

    • I’m really good at imagining and self-expressing

  • Drawing

    • I’m really good at picturing things and explaining through my hands

  • Sketching

    • I’m really good at communicating with my hands and imagination

  • Looking online for answers

    • I’m really good at looking for the answers

  • Being down to earth

    • I’m really good at telling the truth

  • Making people laugh

    • I’m really good at knowing what makes people laugh

  • Motivating people

    • I’m really good at making people feel like they are awesome

  • Hardworking

    • I’m really good at being under a lot of stress and pressure and still finish the job

  • Self-motivating

    • I’m really good at encouraging myself to never give up

  • Hopeful

    • I’m really good at inspiring myself and others around me

Here’s where I noticed that the things that I’m really good at aren’t necessarily things that I enjoyed. So, I crossed off the ones that I didn’t enjoy and here is what I’m left with and replaced “I’m really good at” with “I really enjoy” and here’s what I found:

  • I really enjoy trying new things

  • I really enjoy solving problems

  • I really enjoy making new things from nothing

  • I really enjoy imagining and self-expressing

  • I really enjoy looking for the answers

  • I really enjoy making people laugh

  • I really enjoy inspiring myself and others around me

I ended up updating my resume to reflect a lot of the things that I do enjoy and that I’m good at (above). It’s been super helpful to make my resume feel more honest to who I am. I’ve also noticed that when I speak to recruiters and potential clients that I am much clearer on what I’m truly good at and what I enjoy.

Chris Do at The Futur has an awesome template for resumes that you can download here.

Wynne


Design, Leadership, PersonalWynne Leung