Many of the creative professionals I’ve worked
with have trouble at first articulating their Dream. I hear comments like these:
“Well, I think it might be Z.†Or, “Maybe it’s X. . . but gee that’s sounds
awfully flakey.†Or, “Well, years ago I thought it was Y but.â€
Let’s face it. Creative people aren’t the norm. YES,
everyone IS and can be CREATIVE!
But, I’m talking about those of us who are
born with the drive to CREATE, to INNOVATE, to take IDEAS, mix them with PEOPLE
or THINGS and produce something NEW or to ADAPT, TWEAK, IMPROVE, and TINKER
with systems, processes, procedures, and just about everything and everyone
that comes our way.
We’re the people who first fit
the Artistic category on the Holland Code map of occupations and who likely have a second highest interest that is either Investigative
or Social.
Look at the Holland map. Look carefully.
Note that if your top Career interest is Artistic you are the total opposite of Conventional. What’s that mean, really?
This: what you dream of doing, what you aspire to, what you desire is not what conventional types wants. It’s UNconventional.
That means conventional careers don’t fit. It also means conventional career planning and search methods probably don’t fit either.
When you try to take step-wise, by-the-numbers, thou-shalt-do-this career books and advice and apply them to creative/artistic — and Investigative and Social careers — your career dream will turn into a nightmare!
Steps don’t work.
Start thinking in phases and bigger chunks.
Look for Artistic ways to dream and plan your career.
If you’re having trouble with picturing your Dream, try one or more of these tactics:
– Write down all the words and phrases that DO come to mind when you try to picture your career. Even if they seem weird — especially if they seem weird.
– Draw, paint, sketch, doodle. Anything that gets the stuff out of your head.
– Sing. Compose.
– Write a poem. Hell, write several.
– Talk about your dreams. You might be surprized to hear what you say.
– Dream. And, then record your dreams.
