…but it’s not quite as easy to answer as some might think!
The simple answer is that I’m a psychologist. But the reality is that I don’t, any longer, do many of the types of activities most “typical” psychologists do.
Although I have, for much of my past, filled my working days with the provision of therapy services, research, teaching and even supervising other psychologists…these days I’m mostly busy presenting at conferences, speaking and consulting to organisations, writing, recording podcasts and even guiding and being involved in PR and marketing campaigns!
Now most of these changes have taken years to come about; but the important point is that all of these changes have come about because I made them come about. I actively set out to create a situation in which I engaged in activities I enjoyed and that I felt I was good at.
I “crafted” my own job! And I’ve re-crafted it every few years or so.
I’ve done pretty much the same thing in other parts of my life as well; the idea being that when I think of my “best possible life” it’s not that much different to my “real” life!
And do you know what? You can do this too!
I know it’s not always easy; and I know it can take time: and I also know that not everyone will have 100% control over 100% of their lives. Not everyone, for example, can “do what they love” and make enough enough money to reasonably live. But they can bring what they love to what they have to do and this “partial job/life crafting” can still make a significantly positive difference.
Taking all this into account, give the following questions some serious consideration:
What would a typical day/week look like in your ideal, best possible life?
How much of this can you do now or start working towards doing in the near future?
If you can’t change all of what you do, how can you change the way you do it (e.g. approach it or think about it) to ensure you bring at least some of your best possible self to the fore?
So that’s today’s mailing. Take some time to reflect upon the message and how it might apply to you. Check out, also, the links below for some additional readings and resources.
I hope it helps you enjoy some more happiness. Until next time…
