Finding your Groove
I am so fortunate that I have found my passion professionally. Rather, it is my passion that found me as I muddled along in life like driftwood, swept by the current of social pressures and norms. I became an engineer and then went to business school because that’s what everyone did. Then I did my Ph.D. because that’s the only way you could come to the U.S. from India. I stumbled into teaching and into marketing. Luckily, I was stumbling in the right direction. Now I really enjoy what I do – examine the intersection of technology, marketing and innovation. And sit at the intersection of research, teaching and consulting. Every time I’m in a classroom or speaking before and audience, its a huge high. I feel I’m getting paid to enjoy myself. That’s my groove, and it will last me for a while more until I figure out what’s next for me. Maybe in 3 years when I turn 50? I will see.
I talk to lots of students and ex-students as well as friends who ask me for advice on what do do with their careers and their lives. In some cases, I see them struggle to define their groove. If you don’t know your groove, you can meander along in life without much purpose or much passion. And you are always left with a gnawing feeling that there must be more, that something is missing. I know. I’ve been there earlier in my life. It is frustrating to just do a job, and to just go to work for a paycheck.
So how do you find your groove? Do you have the luxury to experiment? Introspection helps. But so does being open to opportunities. And finally, recognizing when your passion calls, and following your passion. I hope more of us find our groove.
Yes, very similar situation for me. The best book on the topic that I ever read was: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
Great insights into the way we think and what makes us feel good about what we do everyday.
Regards,
Boris
Hello Mohan, Thank You for sharing! I’ve shared your web-site on the Chief Marketing Officer – India http://www.facebook.com/cmoindia page. You’re welcome on the page. Best! Shakti Saran
Thanks. I’m in India for 3 days -just arrived into Delhi today.
Hello Mohan, Thank You for your response! Would you be publicly available at any free/paid events in or around Delhi? It would be wonderful to say hello to you in person. I wish you an excellent stay and that wish to keep learning from and sharing with you. If you like the Chief Marketing Officer – India page then you’re welcome to share your thoughts, ideas, activities, and anything else on it. Best! Shakti Saran
Hello Mohan …
Sounds familiar ..
It kind of happened the same way with me and kept happening at every cross roads …
And guess what I found my groove to be? To help others not only find their groove but believe in it and live their groove.
For the last 10 years, in my own small way, I have been running this program called The Power Within (http://www.iprodigy.net/the_power_within/tpw.htm) … which has helped more than a 1000 individuals to find a purpose and meaning in their life.
So, here is the ‘how’ of what you have proposed in your blog which also kind of captured in my article on http://www.iprodigy.net/download/DC_tpw.pdf …
Thanks for the groove
Indroneil