You might also like Dan Pink’s TED lecture on internal vs. external motivation. I think it really applies to picking work.

So, first my apologies for off-topic-ness and then, if you would indulge me, a brief comment on that previous post whose comments option has now been closed (I think). Ultimately, it all ties in, so here goes..

My honours thesis in psychology was an analysis on the correlation between creativity and anxiety. I had a hunch that those ‘gifted’ with higher levels of creativity would generally be more anxious than those less gifted, owing perhaps to a more advanced ability to imagine worst-case scenarios (and bring them to life in your mind’s eye). Of course, as with ‘giftedness’ there are many measures of creativity and forms it can take, so I focused on one – artistic creativity. As causality could not be shown (i.e.  I am not anxious BECAUSE I’m creative or vice versa), I focused on correlation and compared fine arts majors (artistically gifted) to mathematics majors (less ‘creative’ and therefore less ‘anxious’). I found a correlation, albeit weak and primed for more rigorous testing, that supported my thesis: The fine arts majors had higher levels of state (situational) and trait (personality-based) anxiety than mathematics majors. Was it due to a generally more active, creative (read ‘gifted’) imagination? Do creatively gifted, artistic people tend to fixate on areas of life that they cannot control rather than letting things happen and unfold naturally? Were the results biased? Is there a more accurate measure of creative intelligence out there? Relax, I tell myself; interesting results but it was undergrad. Perhaps the answers may not be far down the road, however, based on current research trends.

(Okay, now we’re caught up to present day)
The Star has been doing a series on education, learning and brain development, focusing on neuro-education and mapping those parts of the brain accessed during learning. From the Sunday Star today (Nov 1st), I read about a Professor (John Geake), whose neuroscience research has lead to some very interesting results, particularly as it relates to gifted children and how to teach them. The link below is to an article on creative intelligence and the education of gifted children, and provides a cognitive model of creative intelligence:
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/education/recon/rf-vol2-1.pdf

This next site is UK-based for those involved with parenting and teaching gifted children and looks to be very interesting:
http://www.pegy.org.uk/index.html

Once again, sorry for not staying on topic. I’ll read the actual post now. Ironically, I am going through a career change as we speak, so this topic is perfect timing for me. I’ve rarely felt fully connected to any of the things I’ve done since high school. Perhaps it has to do with having so many interests and pretty good ability in such a diverse number of fields that committing to one would’ve meant missing out on another… Wait a sec! I just read a line that you wrote above, quoting ‘paralysis of choice’ – crrraaazzy! I can’t wait to read the post! Thinking you have all the time in the world for everything you want to do doesn’t work anymore. Whatever it is, I’m slowly getting it down. And I know there is a path – that is the beautiful thing! It also helps to have blogs like yours to reference for ideas and insights along the way!

Keep up the great work!
Billy
(I can’t find a ‘contact’ tab – email me when you get a chance.)

“A strength is where you feel invigorated and energized.” and not simply what you are good at. I absolutely agree on this. I find a lot more stamina for projects I’m invigorated by and can work through hunger pangs and tiredness when I’m working on an area of strength (like writing or photography or doing nature study/science projects with the kids).

I have been the same way, in the sense that I can’t project 5 years into the future. Based on my past performance, I’d had 3 job changes every 3-5 years (same field, the biosciences, but vastly different sub-fields), so it’s difficult to know where I’d want to be in 5 years time. I would experience burn-out about the 3-5 year mark. While there were some aspects I was thoroughly energized by (such as training others or giving laboratory tours to visitors and therefore basically imparting my knowledge of my area of expertise to others in a very lively, inspiring way – from young kids to professionals who came by the lab), there was much I was drained by: the beauracracy, the endless amount of samples to process, the fact that colleagues didn’t pull their weight on the boring but necessarily tasks).

I think…perhaps this is the single most valuable thing imparted to me recently. It’s more than a glib “do what you love”, but more thoughtful and practical. I think perhaps I need to find out more about this and find a way to incorporate what works for me best and create a job around that.

Thank you so much for sharing. I think this is really fabulous. I really do appreciate your blog and your thoughts. The gears are really turning now…