Build a Remote Career with a Systems Thinking Approach
Are you dreaming of a new life as a digital nomad but don’t know where to start? A systems thinking approach could help you set out on the right path. The first question you may ask is, “What is systems thinking?”
Systems thinking is a powerful mindset and practical way of seeing and solving problems holistically and systematically. Problems are seen as part of a broader, dynamic system. This approach allows for understanding the relationships between the components of a given system, rather than viewing them as disconnected parts. A system is a set of interconnected elements that work together to form a unified whole for a given purpose. Examples of a system could be a school, a city, a neighborhood, a forest, or a business. In this case, you are the system. The goal is to create your brand.
This is the first installment of a series of posts to establish a process for building a remote career anywhere in the world. To build a remote career successfully we must start with a solid foundation. To do that, I suggest starting with a clean slate and returning to basics. You are the system therefore you must discover your purpose. One of the keys to a happy life is to live with purpose. Before setting off on the adventure of being a digital nomad, identify the path to a more meaningful and purposeful life.
One way to do this is to discover your ikigai. Borrowed from Japanese culture, Ikigai means your reason for being. To do this, ask yourself the following questions.
1. What you love
2. What the world needs
3. What you can be paid for
4. What you are good at
Your ikigai can be found at the point where these four elements converge.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
For each of the four elements, make a list of things, or rather, activities that apply to you. This is an ongoing process which could take some time. If activities don’t come to you right away, it’s fine. Take the time and space to reflect.
Once you have a good list for each circle, you should see some overlaps and repetition. Look for similarities between the four circles. The overlapping areas will lead you to the next phase, isolating your passion, mission, vocation, and profession.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Therefore,
What you love and what you are good at is your passion.
What you love and what the world needs is your mission.
What you can be paid for and what the world needs is your vocation.
What you are good at and can be paid for is your profession.
When you find something that can be found in all four circles, you’ve found your ikigai. One or more circles may be lacking activities. Again, there is nothing wrong with that but it means that you need to take the time to think about those areas more to come up with activities. While this is an ongoing process, once you’ve found your ikigai, you will be ready to take the next step to build a sustainable digital nomad career. I’ll discuss the top industries for remote careers in the next post.