5 Tips To Finding Your Own Direction
Finding a New Direction: Lessons from "Waffle Street"
Being on my own schedule now with my human experiment endeavor in full swing, I’ve been exploring different styles of working environments each day. Today, my workspace was the comfort of my leather sofa, paired with a view of the snowy San Juan Mountains. In the background, a movie played while I typed away, developing new ideas. The movie was called Waffle Street. I had never heard of it before, but the description caught my attention: “Shaken by his role in the 2008 financial crisis and desperate for a job, an ex-hedge fund manager rejoins the workforce as a server at a diner.”
I found myself identifying with the theme of seeking a new direction. Over the years, I’ve counseled countless people on how to find their next step. Now, I’m taking my own advice and putting my words into action.
Overcoming Obstacles
One of the biggest concerns people face when finding a new direction is the fear of obstacles. But obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re growth opportunities. They push us to step out of our comfort zones, test our limits, and discover what we’re capable of. Moving past challenges can be uncomfortable, but it’s through conquering that discomfort that we grow. By reframing obstacles as stepping stones, we can stay on track and realize our potential.
When we’re finding a new direction, it’s easy to feel lost or aimless. As employees, we get used to following schedules or agendas set by others. Even in leadership roles, the overarching direction often comes from the organization. On our own, we have to create that path ourselves, which can feel daunting. The following principles can help guide the process:
Five Principles for Finding Your Way
StructurePlan your day in advance. Decide when you will wake up, how you will dress, when you’ll start working, and where you’ll work. A solid routine provides the foundation for productivity and focus.
FaithBelieve in yourself. Confidence in your skills and resilience in the face of the unknown can make the difference between success and failure. See obstacles as opportunities to grow rather than barriers.
Willingness to Try Something NewLike the main character in Waffle Street, step into unfamiliar territory. Take the skills you’ve built in your comfort zone and apply them to new endeavors. This helps you grow and strengthens your abilities.
Maximize Your StrengthsIdentify your top character strengths and use them in your daily activities. Leveraging what you’re naturally good at will boost your confidence and keep you invested in your goals. (Find your character strengths here.)
PassionExplore what excites and drives you. Reflect on your strengths and passions to see yourself in a new light. Finding what truly motivates you can open doors to new opportunities and directions.
Embracing the Journey
As you embark on your new adventure—whether striking out on your own or discovering a new passion—tap into what makes you uniquely you. Use these five principles to guide your path and remember to embrace the process.
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau