I hate to clean house, but I have to admit that there is something cathartic about tackling spring cleaning. I love that “out with the old, in with the new” spirit that cheers me as I sort through my winter clothes, pack away the sweaters and create space for spring clothing. That sense of “new beginnings” is reinforced with every room I tackle.
Most of all, I enjoy spring-cleaning as a chance to remind myself of what I really, truly, honestly value in life (as opposed to what I think I treasure). Spending the time to notice what I own — my books, photos, collections, magazines, etc. — provides me with a visual reflection of my interests, hobbies and motivators; a seasonal “note-to-self” about the pieces of my life that I’d like to devote more energy to in the future.
How can your spring cleaning provide you with some helpful clues about your next career? Consider these seven possibilities:
- As you dust, take a moment to browse through your old photo albums, yearbooks and diaries: Read through them to reconnect with your inner thoughts and uncover clues about your past. What do these personal archives reveal about your talents, interests or long-forgotten dreams?
- Take a break from cleaning to look at those old family videos: Watch them for hints about your personality and the role(s) you play among family and friends. You might be surprised by what you discover!
- Clean your closets/garage: Inevitably, you’ll find old crafts projects, sports equipment and boxes filled with old trophies hidden away in the corner. Think about the parts of your life that are connected to those items and look to them for information about forgotten dreams, abandoned hobbies and neglected personal goals.
- Review your checkbook register and other financial documents for clues about what you most value: Where is your money going and what does that tell you about your personal and spiritual priorities? Is your choice of career in line with your values and lifestyle drivers?
- Inventory your collection of books,magazines and favorite websites: What does your “leisure reading” reveal about your interests? Does your career allow you to integrate those interests into your daily life?
- Look through your personal files to review old resumes, performance evaluations and other paperwork associated with your work/volunteer life: Analyze that information for evidence of accomplishments, interests, passions and talents.
- Walk around your house and property: Make note of what your house reflects about you, your aesthetic sensibilities, your interests and personal priorities.
Remember, what you own and how you chose to spend your money, speaks volumes about your true motivators. Take the time to search, clear the cobwebs and pay attention to what your possessions say about you. The clues are there waiting to be discovered — it’s up to you to find them.