I try and do it as much as possible. If something sparks my curiosity and captures my interest, I try and explore it, even if it’s not ‘part of the plan’. Sometimes this means a five minute web search, sometimes it’s reading a new book, sometimes it’s investing in a new training course or workshop.
Particularly with being self employed, I find that I can be tempted to give myself rules around what’s 'on topic' and what’s not when it comes to my work. In some ways this keeps me on track, but in others it can be really restrictive.
There Are No Rules:
I have an ongoing dialogue with myself that’s it’s okay if my work covers more than one thing (even if this makes it slightly more complicated when people ask ‘what do you do?’) The days of a one-word job description are fading fast, with terms like 'multi-passionate' becoming more mainstream.
Currently I:
✨ Create content (with a strong focus on authentic copywriting) for small businesses on a freelance basis
AND
✨ Host retreats and workshops with wellness coaching, journaling and yin yoga.
I ALSO
✨ Write a wellness blog and write features for lifestyle and wellbeing magazines.
Variety is the Spice of Life?
Variation in my work keeps me moving and motivated, rather than getting stuck on one thing, which can easily happen if I lose confidence or get in a slump.
For example, at the beginning of this year my workshops and retreats weren’t booking well at all, so I paused them and focused on my content creation work, because that was flowing much more effortlessly.
Now, having just done my Yin Yoga Teacher Training, I am so inspired and fired up to add this into my work and offer retreat days again. I have just booked in a retreat day at Trebah Gardens for September, and during this we'll also do a creative vision board session which is amazing for free-flowing ideas and letting go of strict expectations.
Finding Community:
One of my favourite things about Cornwall is how many people are doing several different things. I don’t know that many people with just one job! Multiple work interests seem quite normalised here and that's something I love about the clients I work with.
Your Reflection:
How have you let your curiosity and freedom to explore shape your work? Take a minute to note down how your work has developed and expanded. Did it seem like a natural progression at the time, or does it make more sense in retrospect? Looking back can be a way or loosening the reins for moving forward.
I love hearing people's business expansion stories about how one idea grew into another, so if you've got a good tale to tell, send me a message!
Otherwise, I challenge you to follow just one thing that sparked your curiosity this week - even if it doesn't fit with 'the plan'. You never know where it might take you.
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