What are you longing for?

It's December. For many, it's the start of the holiday season and for all, it's almost the end of another year. That means it's the best time to reflect on your past year and the lessons you've learned. It's a good time to choose what you want to carry with you into 2024 and what you want to leave behind. 

In the past, I've reviewed my year and then asked myself big questions like:

• What would I do if I could not fail?

• What would a wildly successful year look like for me?

• What do I not want to experience again? 

But this year, I have a new way of considering the future, thanks to author Susan Cain. I read her book Bittersweet recently, and while there are many takeaways, I want to share my major takeaway with you: What are you longing for?

Instead of asking yourself common questions about career goals, ask yourself what you long for the most. This will provide clues as to your unique mission or calling. Cain asks:

• "...if you sat down and wrote 'Home' at the top of a piece of paper and waited a while, what would you write next?" 

• "Who is the artist or musician or athlete or entrepreneur or scientist or spiritual leader you love, and why do you love them, what do they represent to you?"

• "What is the ache you can't get rid of-and could you make it your creative offering? Could you find a way to help heal others who suffer a similar trouble?"

The answers to these questions can tell you if there's a gap between who are you are and what you do for a living. Maybe it will shine the light on how much and where you want to be working. While she acknowledges we can't abandon our paychecks, she encourages us to make space for our dream, i.e., what we long for. Pay close attention to your sorrows and joys, as they may provide clues as to what you long for and then you can make space for it in your life.

Photo credit: Iswanto Arif