Two of my academic heroes have published pieces in the New York Times recently.
Angela Duckworth writes about cultivating, rather than discovering our passion and the corresponding career paths. The key takeaways:
Move toward what interests you
Don’t panic if you can’t think of a career path that’s a perfect fit. A good-enough fit is a more reasonable aim than a perfect one.
Seek purpose
People are hard-wired not only to gratify their personal desires but also to care for others. So ask, “In what way do I wish the world were different? What problem can I help solve?”
Finish strong
When considering a career change…
Work as hard on your last day as on your first. No matter where you go next, you have an opportunity to make the most of where you are now.
Adam Grant writes about how the concept of authenticity might be misleading in the world of business. He proposes to strive for sincerity instead. The key takeaway:
Instead of searching for our inner selves and then making a concerted effort to express them, start with your outer self. Pay attention to how you present ourselves to others, and then strive to be the person you claim to be.