Most people get through life not knowing who they are. They never figure out their purpose. They lose out on their best life because they have no idea about their true potential. Everyone has different skills. People are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. But what we often lack, is an understanding of the self. An awareness of what makes you, you. 

Growing up we’re taught to be realistic and make practical life choices. College, a 9-5 job that is ‘safe’, and so on. The truth — this life is not meant for everyone. And if you know it is not meant for you, you will never be happy and successful unless you start thinking and living differently. Our episode on Making Bank, Understanding Who You Are With Jerome Myers delves into his journey. Listen to it here.

Talk To Yourself

Figuring out who you are is easy. It starts with having a conversation with yourself. Take a pen and paper and list out everything you like. Things that make you happy. Subjects you once enjoyed. Skills that you possess. Jobs that you are good at. Things you dislike. Once you start putting things to paper, you will gain a better understanding of who you are. You will realize what you gravitate towards. It is not easy to understand human beings; we are pretty complex. But this is a great first step towards it. 

Making Money v/s Freedom

Growing up we’ve often had a parent or both who were away most of the time, for work. We were told that the family needed money. To support our lifestyle and education, one person needed to toil at work and barely be around at home. If working long hours is not for you, and if you do not want to spend your life slogging for a corporation, well then don’t! It has gotten a lot easier to make money now. Ways that don’t need you to give up your freedom. It is completely natural to want to have a job that lets you enjoy life as well.

Things Will Not Happen

No matter how well you know yourself, and how well you plan everything, life gets in the way. Remember that things may not always go according to plan. What is important is that you learn how to navigate through. Picking yourself up and not giving up is key. When our plans don’t work, it serves as an opportunity to learn. What we often forget about is our ‘Plan B’ i.e. the contingency plan. Have backups ready so that you are prepared for different kinds of challenges. 

You Need People

No matter the field you are in, nobody can be successful alone. People who call themselves ‘self-made’ are never sole performers. They’ve got to where they are with the help and support of other people. Entrepreneurship can get lonely, and it helps to keep people close during these times. This could be a work partner, family, your spouse, etc. Learn to help and get help from others. Utilize people for their skills. Delegate based on what you need help with. Once you start connecting with people, you’ll realize that you can go much further than you intended to.