Remember what you loved doing as a child? It will be useful now. 

This is a simple exercise for getting a bit of clarity on your career, and is the first in a series of seven articles coming your way.

When you’re standing at a crossroads in your career, it’s easy to get tangled up in practicalities such as salary, job titles, expectations, and the opinions of others. But sometimes, the most powerful guidance comes from looking back, not forward. One of the simplest and most illuminating exercises you can do is to remember what you loved doing as a child.

Why Look Back?

As children, we’re often guided by pure curiosity and joy, unfiltered by the “shoulds” and “musts” that adulthood brings. The activities you gravitated towards—whether it was building, drawing, storytelling, exploring outdoors, or helping others—can offer valuable clues about your core motivations and natural strengths. These early interests are often closer to your authentic self, before the world started shaping your choices.

How to Do the Exercise

Set aside ten minutes with a notebook or your phone. Find a quiet spot and ask yourself:

• What activities did I lose track of time doing as a child?  Make as long a list as you can and remember yourself at a rage of ages.
• What games, hobbies, or subjects was I drawn to, even if they seemed “silly” or unimportant?
• Who did I enjoy spending time with, and what did we do together?
• How did I express myself—through words, movement, art, invention, or helping others?

Jot down whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry if it feels disconnected from your current life or career. The goal isn’t to find a direct match (“I loved dinosaurs, so I must become a paleontologist!”), but to uncover themes and patterns. Maybe you loved organising games for friends and maybe that hints at a talent for leadership or facilitation? Did you spend hours drawing? That creative streak might still be waiting for a place in your work.

Connecting the Dots

Once you have your list, look for connections to your current career or the choices you’re considering. Are there ways to bring more of those childhood interests into your work—either directly or through side projects, volunteering, or even just the way you approach tasks? Sometimes, simply naming what you’ve been missing can spark new ideas or give you the confidence to pursue a path that feels more “you.”

A Series for Your Career Journey

This is the first in a series of exercises designed to help you reflect on and gain perspective about your career choices. Each exercise will offer a practical way to reconnect with your values, strengths, and aspirations. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll dive into another simple but powerful tool for career reflection.

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine