What are your dreams? Better yet, what are your broken dreams? Dan Pallotta dreams of a time when we are as excited, curious and scientific about the development of our humanity as we are about the development of our technology. “What we fear most is that we will be denied the opportunity to fulfill our true potential,” Pallotta says. “Imagine living in a world where we simply recognize that deep, existential fear in one another — and love one another boldly because we know that to be human is to live with that fear.”

Check out Dan’s TED Talk

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Last fall, Elizabeth Gilbert released her latest book “Big Magic”.  In this book, the best selling author of “Eat, Pray, Love”, shares her insights into building a fulfilling career in creative field.  My favourite parts of this book address how to deal with fears of failure and how your curiosity can help you find your next career step.  Although this book seems to be specifically written for authors and artists, I think much of her advice is universal.  You can hear more from Gilbert by viewing her TED talk or by listening to her interview on the Good Life Project podcast, linked here.

Occupational Profiles:

Select three occupational titles that are of interest to you (explore the Alberta Learning website, personal contacts, job boards). Find a job description for each title (from the Alberta Learning website — http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/career/main.asp). Then explain how well each occupational title fits with your mission statement (Is each one a good fit? Explain why or why not). Also, indicate what information you feel you are still lacking about each occupational profile and how you to plan to obtain that information.

Life Experiences:

Growing up, what kinds of things did you like to do in your spare time? Why do you think you enjoyed these activities so much?

What were you really good at when you were younger? What activities have you been drawn to throughout your life?

What type of child were you? How would you describe yourself growing up? How do you think others would have described you?

What aspects of your personality do you think you have retained into adulthood? Which have become more pronounced?

Other than your parents, whom did you admire when you were growing up? Why?

What are some of your favorite memories? What makes them so special to you?

What kinds of occupations did you think about as a child? Why do you think you were drawn to these?

“Best Possible Self Diary”

“I never know what I think about something until I’ve read what I have written on it.”

• William Faulkener

Sit in a quiet place and take 20-30 minutes to think about what you expect your life to be 5, 10 or 15 years from now. Visualize a future for yourself in which everything has turned out exactly the way you’ve wanted. You have tried your best, worked hard and achieved all of your goals. Now write down what you have imagined.