What do I want? 🤔

It’s a question I’ve asked myself countless times - and one that others have asked me just as often.

For years, my answer was confident: “Of course I know what I want.” Then one day, it shifted to: “Wait… do I actually know?”

Over the past 20 years, I’ve tried different ways to find that answer. Here are 7 strategies that helped me figure it out - maybe they’ll help you too.

1. Career Break

I took two career breaks - each one deeply transformative in its own way. During my second break, I tried streaming PUBG, one of the fastest-growing games at the time. It didn’t take long to realize: being on camera wasn’t for me. But that clarity was gold.

2. Travel and Have Fun

In 2014, I packed up my life into storage, bought a one-way ticket to Asia, and spent three months exploring. No plans, no pressure - just doing the things I’d always dreamed of. It was freedom, pure and simple.

3. Changing Companies & Roles

Fifteen years ago, I dreamed of becoming a manager — it looked cool, important, and like the next step beyond being “just the tech guy.” The path turned out to be the hardest one I’ve ever taken, full of challenges I never saw coming.

4. Study

In 2012, I was bored with my job and felt drawn to psychology. Instead of overthinking it, I went back to school for a second master’s degree - and ended up becoming a published scientist.

5. Personal Projects

While my friends were out partying, I often spent nights and weekends building passion projects. Those projects became my playground for learning - about networking, business, and the startup mindset.

6. Books & Self-Education

There’s a book for almost everything in life. Over the years, learning from the best through books has been one of my biggest advantages - it’s like having mentors on every shelf.

7. Counselling & Psychotherapy

I’ve spent six years in therapy and therapy training - facing my inner demons and learning to understand myself. That inner work gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and try all six strategies before this one.

Originally posted on LinkedIn.