Fill the Well: Mine Your Past to Build The Future You Want
Introduction
You know in the movie Moana, how our heroine is called to the ocean but doesn’t quite know why or how to answer that call? But then her grandmother reveals the history of her people and how they were voyagers. And it suddenly makes sense, and it grounds her in a way that helps her to decide how to move forward.
We all have a rich history of experiences, knowledge, even family history and heritage that have made us into the person we are today. Most of those details are not on our minds as we go through the challenges of the present day, thinking about tasks we need to do, decisions to be made, and just the motivation to think about our future goals and how to get there. So we waste energy going through the same old hurdles and spend tedious hours working through projects that aren’t that hard, reinventing the wheel and trying to get motivated instead of using our well-earned past experience and knowledge to compound our power.
By the end of this message, you will leverage the life’s work you’ve already done to help you answer a current question you have or decision you have to make. You’ll remember how much wisdom and richness you already hold, instead of the constant search outside yourself for the quick fix - the one that never seems to come. You will be reminded of the deep value you already hold within your own brain and body, and learn to embrace, in the words of Moana, “who you truly are.” Let’s go.
What is on the horizon for you?
Whatever it is, you are already on your way.
The Power of Personal Archaeology
Part of why we forget to use what we already have is that pesky phenomenon called "recency bias." When we face a let-down at work, our brain tries to help by seeking brand-new solutions, while we might have already solved a similar problem at our old job. By using a systematic approach (which I'll outline shortly), we can uncover hidden gems built from our past successes and failures. This makes it all worth something – the full, messy process isn't futile anymore or a waste of time hunting for "the right answer." Instead, we can appreciate how every experience brought us to this moment and this next action.
This perspective especially resonates for those of us who've followed non-traditional paths – switching careers, moving around, or starting our schooling later in life. You have a hidden curriculum in your years so far. Looking at my own journey: As a babysitter, I learned child care, patience, and first aid. Food service in my teens and twenties taught me multi-tasking under pressure, universal kindness, and kitchen management. As a residential counselor and occupational therapist, I gained insight into supporting people through difficult situations. Becoming a doctor pushed me to overcome my reserved nature, developing leadership and decisive action. I learned to educate patients while maintaining the holistic, warm approach from my caring background.
Now, as an artist, I've come full circle to my childhood dreams of creating something new and different. Those other phases weren't detours – they enriched both my art and perspective. Today, I'm more confident presenting my work, running my business, and networking within the creative community because of every step along the way.
Mining Your Past: A Practical Guide
Think of yourself as a character in a movie and zoom out to observe the patterns in your life through these three key questions:
1. How do you relate to others?
Watch your patterns from kindergarten to present day. Are you the natural teacher? The comfort-giver? The storyteller? The quiet observer? In group projects, which role did you naturally claim? I was always the scribe – taking notes gave me a useful task while allowing me to listen rather than lead. This developed into skills in seeing the big picture, connecting people, and integrating ideas. (Plus, I ended up with nice handwriting!)
2. How do you handle pressure?
Do you dive in and fight? Reach for support? Feel overwhelmed? Your patterns reveal how to set yourself up for success. Personally, I freeze under time pressure and observation – from those stressful third-grade multiplication tables to today! This taught me to excel at preparation and gradually shape my life around quieter, self-paced work where I can really shine.
3. What sparks your curiosity?
Follow the threads that light you up. What topics keep pulling you back in – from childhood through every life phase? It might be music, animals, building, drawing, movement, nature, or even specific challenges you've overcome. Your consistent interests tell a story about your natural motivations.
It’s all connected.
What building blocks have you already laid to get where you’re going? Instead of discounting them, build on them.
From Memory to Momentum: Build Your Future
Now let's turn these insights into action:
1. Create your building blocks:
Draw three boxes labeled "Relate to Others," "React Under Pressure," and "Curiosity." Fill in each box with notes and insights from the above three questions - and other past insights that come to mind.
2. Combine your insights to craft action statements, directed towards your next goal.
Here’s my example. My next goal is to level up my ceramic art and create consistent work with a personal style. My past insights are:
- I listen and synthesize ideas best
- I thrive with self-paced work
- I'm passionate about ceramics and plants
So my action statement becomes:
"I will take an online surface design class at my own pace, combining new techniques with my love of botanical elements to create a signature mug design. I'll make 20 pieces to develop my style through hands-on learning."
3. Finally, put the action on your calendar and actually do it.
Put on those blinders to avoid being distracted by shiny new ideas, and just carry out this action.
Reaching our goals isn't complicated, but it requires steady, intentional work. And yes, I know I got wordy in my action statement there– but that's me! Quiet at first as I take it all in, then unstoppable when I find my direction and go for it.
Like Moana, who found her path forward by understanding her people's voyaging heritage, you now have a map of your own past to guide your next adventure. You've explored how you relate to others, how you navigate challenges, and what truly calls to you. These aren't just memories – they're your navigation stars, showing you which way to set your sails. The ocean of possibility is calling, and you already have everything you need for the journey ahead. Corny? Sure. So what. Be like Disney - a little cheesy, but oddly satisfying and inspiring.
With Enthusiasm for Life & Art,