Five ways to find your heart's desire at work

The desire to be productive is a universal human desire. We are programmed with the desire to leave our mark on the world, and 'work' is a big part of that. We set out to do tasks and achieve tasks, whether or not we're actually remunerated to do this.

However, there's an assumption about work that sums up the mentality of many in the west. It is this – we are not paid to do work that we enjoy. After all, if we do find it rewarding, then it isn't work. We get paid precisely because it isn't enjoyable! Remember the Mars chocolate advert, 'a Mars a day helps you work, rest and play'. Ah, so work can't feel like play then.

given this assumption, we believe that work – at the most – can be alright. We give up on the possibility that it could be an uplifting, enjoyable experience. So we engage with the world of work, and lose sight of what it is we would love to do. Instead, we take the 'realistic' point of view, and work becomes how we make a living, pay debts, support our families, plan our old age, and so on.

It is little surprise then that lots of people wind up in some sort of career crisis, hating what they do but not knowing what to do instead, and not believing there could be anything better to do.

I believe that good career plans need to be made from the heart rather than the head. After all, did you decide to have children with your head or your heart? Did you decide who to marry with your head or your heart? Clearly the head should have a say, but your heart should make the decision! Your head is used best in working out how your decision can be made to work.

Trouble is, we become so disengaged from our heart when it comes to work. So how can we re-engage it with our work, and so move toward doing work we love, or at least enjoy, while earning a living? Here are five ways you can begin to do this.

1. Revisit your child view

When you were young, what did you want to do when you grew up? A policeman? Nurse? horse rider? Farmer? More importantly, why did you want to be that person? Children answer the question from their heart and emotions, not their head. So recalling your childhood answer will help you to identify what your heart was attempting to tell you.

To give you an example, I wanted to be a fireman when I was young. Now, some of the attraction was the thought of doing something brave, and being viewed as a hero. Nothing wrong with that! However, the other reasons were more illuminating. I wanted to help other folks to avoid danger, and to put their fires out. That, in a sense, is what I do now – I work with people to help them tackle the fires in their work and lives that stop them from being effective and contented. If you work out what was behind your answer, you might find some clues to the sort of work you might like to be doing now.

2. Where do you lose track of time?

Do you recall when you were last doing something and lost all track of time? You suddenly realise three hours have passed since you last looked at your watch. Clearly, you were enjoying what you were doing, so what was it? What skills were you using? The activity may not have been actual work, but that's not important.

Answering these questions will give you clues to the types of work you might enjoy.

3. What are your hobbies?

What do you do in your recreation time that others might regard as 'work' but which you would happily do for nothing? Indeed, you don't get paid for it! Some people do their 'day jobs' and then do things like organise celebration parties, or work on computers or in the back garden. You might enjoy car mechanics, baby-sitting, or helping other people with their issues. What is it you do for nothing, and why? Again, this will give you a clearer picture of where your heart wants to be engaged.

4. What makes you feel good?

Identify things you've done in your life that you felt good about, either at the time or in hindsight. You are likely to want these things in work if you can find a job that includes them. Do you feel good when you are motivating people to reach a common goal? If so, working with others in a team, or even as team leader, might appeal to you. Do you enjoy helping others work through their financial issues? The things you like doing, and that make you feel good, are ideal tasks to do at work. They are likely to be aligned with your personal values too.

5. Listen to what others tell you you're good at

Finally, if you really are struggling to work this out for yourself, what do other people always say you're good at? Remember phrases like these? "He's a good organiser, he always knows what he's doing". "She's great with figures". "Sam is fantastic talking to groups of people". Whatever this is for you, remember it – it's a skill you have, and for most people a skill is where their heart is likely to lie. You may have a reputation for being creative despite your job having little scope for this.

Also remember, these could be talents your family and friends tell you you're good at – it doesn't have to be at work!

In conclusion, if you want to connect to your heart when it comes to work, start thinking about these five areas – they will say a lot about the types of work, employers and work cultures that would suit you. Doing this is vitally important. Work is greater than fifty percent of most people's waking lives. If it's as significant as that for you, then leaving your heart out of it is not a good idea!   Go reflect and connect...

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