I could do anything if I only knew what it was
by Barbara Sher · first published 1994
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3recommended by
4HN commenters
2010–2022first – last mentioned
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I was in a very similar situation. I was 21, studying mechanical engineering, not sure what to do with my life, but had high expectations. One book that helped me a lot was "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was": http://www.amazon.com/Could-Anything-Only-Knew-What/dp/04405... The book sounds corny, but it can help you get a better perspective on your life. Make sure to actually do the exercises.
on “Ask HN: What is (is there something) wrong with me?” ↗Recommended book: "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was" by Barbara Sher. Not that it will solve your problem but it will give you some perspective on it.
on “Ask HN: The “I want to do everything but end up doing nothing” dilemma” ↗…discovered that some people didn't seem to have A Thing, and any talk of having A Thing made them stressed and unhappy. The Barbara Sher book for people who want to find and follow Their Purpose is "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was". "Refuse to Choose" is for people who want to do 70 things but the thought of doing any one of them exclusively is horrifying.
on “Ask HN: How do I develop focus?” ↗…advice is more along the lines of "Do what you're really good at, rather than only what you love." That's interesting, as other career gurus argue the opposite view. For example Barbara Sher, author of "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was" gives the example of herself as an unhappy stay-at-home mom. She is an expert at cooking, changing diapers, and other aspects of child rearing. If she pursued what she was really good at, she'd be limiting…
on “Ask HN: How can I choose a fulfilling career?” ↗