Book Review: Find Your Thing by Lucy Whittington

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wake up every day doing exactly what you want to do, work-wise? To find something that gives you the much-coveted combination of your passion that pays? Lucy Whittington’s book, Find Your Thing* claims to help you do just this; how to discover what you do best, own it and get known for it.

Lucy has been through this process herself, moving from employee to  business owner and realised that she wasn’t doing her “thing”; in the book* she not only shares her story (and that of others) but takes our hand and takes us step by step through the process that she now uses with her clients, to find THEIR THING.

So, first things first – what is a “Thing?” It’s the work you were born to do, that others need and want (and will pay for), but that you are probably not doing right now. It’s more than a job title, it’s the combination of your talents, your experiences and your interests that will help you feel purposeful and motivated at work.

Lucy has been through this process herself, moving from employee to  business owner and realised that she wasn’t doing her “thing”; in the book* she not only shares her story (and that of others) but takes our hand and takes us step by step through the process that she now uses with her clients, to find THEIR THING.

So, first things first – what is a “Thing?” It’s the work you were born to do, that others need and want (and will pay for), but that you are probably not doing right now. It’s more than a job title, it’s the combination of your talents, your experiences and your interests that will help you feel purposeful and motivated at work.

Whilst the book will make total sense to you if you are looking for to find or refocus your business or consultancy, there are many nuggets that can be used for anyone that is looking for career direction; it can work for you even if you are returning to employed work or creating a portfolio career.

So, how do you find your Thing? It’s topics or work that you find easy and it makes you angry. Yes, you read that right. The things that get your hackles up are the way to identify the “passion”; for me, I get very soap-boxy about work, parents at work and wellbeing. So, it makes sense that this was the direction my business has developed in.

The book guides us through three main areas and leaves you with practical actions; Lucy even covers off the mindset issues of taking a swerve (to coin a Michelle Obama phrase.) You work through each of the parts with lots of ways to reflect on what is next for you:

1. How to find your Thing
2. How to do your Thing
3. How to get famous for your Thing

In true Clara Cliff notes style, here are the six things you MUST know from “Find Your Thing.” Are you ready?

Trust your gut
If your current career or business doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Start on your “Thing” journey by working out what you are in “it” for? In Lucy’s view, people are either driven by money or purpose. Consider what is motivating you and what career success looks like. If what you want isn’t being delivered in your current work, then it’s time refocus and find your Thing.
 
Don’t wait
So often people see a gap in the market, a need for service or product, and then look around to see who will deliver it. They wait to join the movement or maybe find a company to employ them to do it for them. Sometimes, just sometimes, YOU need to be the one to do it.

Know your worth
This is a common issue when you find your Thing. It feels like common sense. You probably really enjoy it too. If you find it easy, others must too? So, you undervalue it. You either don’t charge at all or don’t charge enough (or ask for enough if you are applying for a job); this makes you think that you can’t have a sustainable career with your Thing.
In fact, you need to up your prices or ask for a higher salary!
 
Clarity leads to calm
With this comes the second part; don’t equate success with hard work. Don’t get stuck in the loop of stress = quality work. If you find this happening, think of everything you have learned, experienced and the challenges you have gone through to get to the point of the “ease” of your work. When you look at it that way and count up the hours you have under your belt, you will realise why you are an expert in your Thing.
 
You probably don’t know
There is a good chance you don’t even know where to start with your Thing. Because it’s easy and automatic, you may not even think of it as an option. So, make sure you ask people that know you what THEY think your Thing is. It’s likely they know already! They have possibly already told you; now you are ready to listen! Look at any feedback you have been given (references, testimonials, appraisals, LinkedIn recommendations) and see if there are any similar themes about what you do well.
 
Anyone can become famous
When you think of becoming famous (Lucy does some amazing work on Fame Names) it can be easy to think this is just for business owners. In reality, this is personal branding; what people know you for. Perfect for referrals for clients or internal conversations about promotions! This is about how you share your knowledge, your success, your perspectives, and your personality. From LinkedIn, Networking, Blogs, Conferences, Presentation to speaking up in meetings, make sure you don’t hide your Thing!

Lucy’s five-step Thing creation is easy to follow and one that you can use to get career clarity as well as focus your business direction. No, I’m not sharing it here- you need to buy the book! But be rest assured that your Thing will be a little closer to the surface once you have finished this book.
What did you think of the book? What is your Thing? Join The Balance Collective with Clara Wilcox to join in with the conversation!
 
 
*This link as an affiliate link. If you click and buy, I may get a few pennies, but it won’t cost you anything.