The Medium vs. The Message Part 3: Finding Your Message

Finding Your Message

Now how do you identify your message? Your message is essentially your purpose, which I've addressed many times in various blog entries (see the Purpose category on the blog for details). But here's yet another way to discover your message:

Think about what you bring to your job or career (or even to any random task or project) that's different than how the "average" person would do it. What's different about your approach to your work vs. how other people would do the same job?

For example, when I primarily worked as a computer programmer, I was extremely aggressive about improving my skills, and I'd enthusiastically share what I learned with other people. In building my games business, I did the same thing. You can put me in virtually any job, and I'll bring these same qualities to it. I'll aggressively strive to get better and better, and I'll share with others what I learn along the way. That's the "message" that's uniquely me.




Imagine yourself working at different jobs and in different fields. What qualities would you bring to your work that are uniquely you? Do you spread good humor, harmony, or passion? Do you provide analytic depth, intuitive insight, or a rational outlook? Do you bring loyalty, teamwork, or honesty to your workplace?

You may find it helpful to try to define yourself in terms of a metaphor. Are you a rock? An eagle? A storm?

If you have trouble figuring this out for yourself, ask people you know for their opinions. (You may want to have them read this article first, so they know what the heck you're talking about.) Often other people can see us more clearly than we see ourselves.